The favor of God is a recurring theme throughout the Scriptures, often manifesting as divine protection, provision, and blessing upon those who walk in obedience to Him. One of the assured evidences of God's favor is the disappointment and defeat of the enemies of His people. This concept is woven throughout the biblical narrative, illustrating that when God is for someone, no adversary can ultimately prevail against them.

Biblical Examples

1. Joseph: The life of Joseph is a profound testament to the favor of God resulting in the disappointment of enemies. Despite being sold into slavery by his brothers and later falsely accused and imprisoned, Joseph rose to a position of power in Egypt. His brothers, who intended harm, were ultimately disappointed as Joseph became their savior during a time of famine. Genesis 50:20 records Joseph's words to his brothers: "As for you, what you intended against me for evil, God intended for good, in order to accomplish a day like this—to preserve the lives of many people."

2. David: King David experienced God's favor in numerous instances where his enemies were thwarted. One notable example is his encounter with Goliath, where the Philistine giant was defeated not by military might but by David's faith in God. In 1 Samuel 17:47 , David declares, "And all those assembled here will know that it is not by sword or by spear that the LORD saves; for the battle is the LORD’s, and He will give all of you into our hands."

3. Esther and Mordecai: The account of Esther and Mordecai is another illustration of God's favor leading to the disappointment of enemies. Haman, who plotted to destroy the Jews, was ultimately hanged on the gallows he had prepared for Mordecai. Esther 9:1 states, "On the very day when the enemies of the Jews had hoped to gain power over them, the opposite occurred, and the Jews gained power over those who hated them."

Theological Insights

The disappointment of enemies as evidence of God's favor underscores the sovereignty and providence of God. It reveals that God is actively involved in the affairs of His people, turning what is meant for evil into good. This divine intervention is not always immediate or apparent, but the ultimate outcome is assured for those who trust in Him.

Promises and Assurance

Scripture is replete with promises that affirm God's protection and the eventual disappointment of adversaries. Psalm 23:5 beautifully captures this assurance: "You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows." Similarly, Romans 8:31 offers a powerful reminder: "What then shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?"

Practical Application

Believers are encouraged to seek God's favor through a life of obedience, prayer, and faith. The assurance that God will disappoint their enemies provides comfort and strength in times of trial. It calls for a steadfast trust in God's timing and purposes, knowing that He is faithful to protect and vindicate His own.

Conclusion

The favor of God, evidenced by the disappointment of enemies, is a profound truth that offers hope and encouragement to believers. It is a testament to God's unwavering commitment to His people and His ability to bring about His purposes despite opposition.Psalm 41:11
By this I know that you favor me, because my enemy does not triumph over me.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

The Resurrection of Christ; his Last Interview with his Disciples ...
... Israel;" manifestly using the language of disappointment and despondency. ... evidence
that can be produced in favour of the ... draw near to the throne of God, and to ...
/.../dick/lectures on the acts of the apostles/lecture i the resurrection of.htm

Extracts No. vi.
... of soon having their divine master with them; no, it was the natural effect of the
amazing disappointment which had ... Here God's bright favour will never ...
/.../ballou/a series of letters in defence of divine revelation/extracts no vi.htm

The First Epistle of St. Peter
... admission of pagans to the People by God's merciful favour. ... nor gives way; there
is no disappointment in store ... so to inherit blessing from your God, who only ...
/.../moffat/the general epistles james peter and judas/the first epistle of st.htm

Colossians iii. 17
... of man, instead of for the favour or from ... to some seem startling; for by God's blessing,
if ... now abandon themselves without fear of disappointment, because the ...
/.../arnold/the christian life/lecture xxxix colossians iii 17.htm

The Caroline Settlement
... latter term might have given rise, in favour of the ... itself, of the Elements after
their dedication to GOD. ... friend, but it was a bitter disappointment to many ...
/.../studies in the book of common prayer/chapter iv the caroline settlement.htm

The Iranian Conquest
... thereupon he gave himself up to his enemies, but was ... who were subjects of the Medes,
but the god had replied ... was anxious to regain his father's favour, and his ...
/.../chapter ithe iranian conquest.htm

Introduction. Chapter i. --The Life and Writings of St. Hilary of ...
... And this assured possession of literary form was naturally ... of thought, since Constantine
began to favour the Church ... Emperor as the vice-regent of God; and the ...
/.../introduction chapter i the life and.htm

Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners:
... other, for then I hope there is favour for me ... When God had brought the children of
Israel through the ... to remember the drowning of their enemies there (Numbers 14 ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/grace abounding to the chief.htm

Mr. Bunyan's Last Sermon:
... talking with my Lord; but, O! what a favour is this ... I came of the race of Japheth,
whom God will persuade ... but that, in my sleep, I lost my evidence, and came ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/mr bunyans last sermon .htm

The Religious Revolution
... the intrigues and misrepresentations of their personal enemies; while the ... Faith and
Justification, and to win favour with the ... to them the word of God, which he ...
/.../chapter ii the religious revolution.htm

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