In the biblical context, "discomfitures" refers to instances of defeat, confusion, or overthrow, often experienced by the enemies of God or His people. The term is used to describe situations where adversaries are thrown into chaos, leading to their downfall. This concept is prevalent throughout the Scriptures, illustrating God's power and sovereignty in delivering His people and executing judgment upon the wicked.

Old Testament Instances

1. Exodus and the Egyptians: One of the earliest and most dramatic examples of discomfiture is found in the Exodus narrative. As the Israelites fled Egypt, Pharaoh's army pursued them. In Exodus 14:24-25 , it is recorded, "During the last watch of the night, the LORD looked down from the pillar of fire and cloud at the Egyptian army and threw it into confusion. He caused their chariot wheels to swerve, and made them drive with difficulty." This divine intervention led to the ultimate destruction of the Egyptian forces in the Red Sea.

2. The Battle of Gibeon: In Joshua 10, the Lord discomfited the Amorite kings who had gathered against Israel. Joshua 10:10 states, "And the LORD threw them into confusion before Israel, who defeated them in a great slaughter at Gibeon, chased them along the road to Beth-horon, and struck them down as far as Azekah and Makkedah." This victory was further marked by the miraculous halting of the sun and moon, emphasizing God's direct involvement in the battle.

3. Gideon's Victory over the Midianites: In Judges 7, Gideon, with a mere 300 men, faced the vast Midianite army. Judges 7:22 recounts, "When the three hundred trumpets sounded, the LORD set the swords of each man against his companion throughout the camp, and the army fled to Beth-shittah toward Zererah as far as the border of Abel-meholah near Tabbath." The confusion and self-destruction of the Midianites underscored God's ability to save by few or many.

New Testament Perspective

While the New Testament does not use the term "discomfiture" explicitly, the concept is evident in the spiritual victories achieved through Christ. The ultimate discomfiture of Satan and his forces is a recurring theme, as seen in passages like Colossians 2:15 : "And having disarmed the powers and authorities, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross." This verse highlights the defeat and humiliation of spiritual adversaries through the redemptive work of Jesus.

Theological Significance

Discomfitures in the Bible serve as a testament to God's omnipotence and His commitment to protect and vindicate His people. They illustrate the futility of opposing God's will and the certainty of His justice. These events also encourage believers to trust in God's deliverance, even when faced with overwhelming odds. The recurring theme of divine intervention in battles and conflicts reassures the faithful of God's active presence in their lives, both in historical and spiritual contexts.

Practical Application

For believers today, the accounts of discomfitures serve as reminders of God's faithfulness and power. They encourage Christians to rely on God's strength rather than their own, to seek His guidance in times of trouble, and to remain steadfast in faith, knowing that God is able to bring about victory in seemingly impossible situations. The spiritual battles faced by believers are ultimately won through reliance on God's might and the finished work of Christ, who has already secured the ultimate victory over sin and death.

Knox in the War of the Congregation: the Regent Attacked: Her ...
... He lectured at great length on discomfitures of the godly in the Old Testament,
and about the Benjamites, and the Levite and his wife. ...
/.../lang/john knox and the reformation/chapter xii knox in the.htm

His Missionary Travels
... And, total as their discomfitures sometimes appeared, they quitted no city without
leaving behind them a little band of converts"perhaps a few Jews, a few ...
/.../stalker/the life of st paul/chapter vi his missionary travels.htm

This HomilyWas Delivered in the Old Church of Antioch
... so that if any should fall not only into the like sickness and disease, but into
poverty, and hunger, and bonds, and torments, and discomfitures, and calumnies ...
/.../chrysostom/on the priesthood/homily i this homily was.htm

Discomfitures (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Discomfitures (1 Occurrence). 2 Chronicles
15:5 And in those times there was no peace to him that went ...
/d/discomfitures.htm - 6k

Turmoil (15 Occurrences)
... 2 Chronicles 15:5 And in those times there was no peace to him that went out, nor
to him that came in, but great discomfitures were upon all the inhabitants of ...
/t/turmoil.htm - 10k

Discomfort (1 Occurrence)

/d/discomfort.htm - 7k

Discomfiture (6 Occurrences)

/d/discomfiture.htm - 101k

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