Not to make a covenant with idolaters

This mitzvah prohibits Israel from entering treaties that would affirm or legitimize idolaters and their gods. Rambam (Hilchot Avodat Kochavim 10:1–4) teaches that covenants which allow idolaters to remain entrenched in their worship in Eretz Yisrael violate this commandment. The Torah insists that idolatry not be given legitimacy or permanence through political or legal agreements.

Talmud (Avodah Zarah 20a) explains that such covenants risk assimilation and normalization of idol-worship. Rashi (Exod. 23:32) comments that treaties with idolaters imply acceptance of their gods, which undermines faith in Hashem. Ramban stresses that this mitzvah prevents Israel from being spiritually ensnared by foreign worship. Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 426) explains that the Torah’s aim is to protect Israel from influence and to preserve its covenant exclusively with Hashem.

Commentary & Classical Explanation:

• Rambam (Sefer HaMitzvot, Lo Ta’aseh 51): Lists the prohibition against making a covenant with idolaters, based on Exodus 23:32.
• Rambam (Hilchot Avodat Kochavim 10:1): Rules that it is forbidden to make a covenant with idolaters, whether a political treaty or a peace pact, if it legitimizes their idolatry.
• Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 425): Explains that treaties lead to friendship and imitation; by prohibiting alliances, the Torah prevents Jews from learning idol practices.
• Talmud (Avodah Zarah 20a): Derives from this verse that Israel must remain distinct from idolaters, warning against treaties and social mingling.
• Rashi (Exod. 23:32): Comments that the verse prohibits both political treaties and agreements with their gods — meaning tolerating their idol worship.
• Ramban (Exod. 23:32): Stresses that the prohibition applies specifically in Eretz Yisrael, where covenant-making would compromise Israel’s mission to uproot idolatry.
• Midrash (Sifrei Devarim §45): Interprets “no covenant” as a call to total rejection of idolatry’s endurance in the Land.

Contrast with…

• Mitzvah 57 (Not to Show Favor to Idolaters): While mitzvah 56 forbids formal treaties, mitzvah 57 extends the restriction to granting them undue honor or benefit (Rambam, Hilchot Avodat Kochavim 10:4).
• Ramban (Exod. 23:33): Contrasts covenant-making (political legitimacy) with allowing them to remain in the Land — both lead to stumbling in their gods.

Parallel to…

• Deuteronomy 7:2: “And you shall smite them… you shall make no covenant with them, nor show them mercy.” The parallel pasuk reaffirms that Israel’s survival depends on separation.
• Joshua 9:14–20: The story of the Gibeonites shows the danger of violating this mitzvah — Israel made a treaty, and though bound by oath, it led to ongoing problems.
• Talmud (Sanhedrin 20a): Links this mitzvah to the command to appoint a king — both ensure Israel’s independence and prevent reliance on foreign idolaters.