The concept of the favor of God is a recurring theme throughout the Bible, signifying divine approval, blessing, and grace bestowed upon individuals or groups. This favor is often associated with the exaltation of the saints, those who are set apart for God's purposes and who live in accordance with His will. The favor of God is not merely a passive state but an active force that elevates and empowers the faithful to fulfill their divine calling.

Biblical Examples of Exaltation through God's Favor

1. Joseph: One of the most illustrative examples of God's favor leading to exaltation is found in the life of Joseph. Despite being sold into slavery by his brothers, Joseph found favor in the eyes of the Lord. Genesis 39:21 states, "The LORD was with him and extended kindness to him, granting him favor in the eyes of the prison warden." This divine favor eventually led to Joseph's rise to power as the second-in-command in Egypt, where he was instrumental in saving many lives during a severe famine.

2. David: David, the shepherd boy who became king, is another prominent figure who experienced God's favor. Chosen by God to lead Israel, David's life was marked by divine favor from his anointing by Samuel to his victories over enemies. In 1 Samuel 16:13 , it is written, "So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the presence of his brothers, and the Spirit of the LORD rushed upon David from that day forward." This favor was evident in David's success and his enduring legacy as a man after God's own heart.

3. Esther: The account of Esther highlights how God's favor can lead to the exaltation of His people for the fulfillment of His purposes. Esther, a Jewish woman who became queen of Persia, found favor in the eyes of King Xerxes. Esther 2:17 records, "And the king loved Esther more than all the other women, and she found favor and kindness with him more than all the other virgins, so that he set the royal crown upon her head and made her queen in place of Vashti." Through her position, Esther was able to save her people from destruction.

4. Daniel: Daniel's life is a testament to the favor of God resulting in exaltation. Despite being in exile, Daniel remained faithful to God, and as a result, he found favor with the Babylonian and Persian kings. Daniel 1:9 notes, "Now God had granted Daniel favor and compassion from the chief official." His unwavering faith and God's favor led to his rise to a position of influence and authority in a foreign land.

Theological Implications

The favor of God is not earned by human effort but is a gift of grace bestowed upon those who walk in obedience and faithfulness. It is a manifestation of God's sovereign will and purpose, often resulting in the exaltation of the saints for His glory and the advancement of His kingdom. The exaltation of the saints through God's favor serves as a testament to His faithfulness and the fulfillment of His promises.

Practical Application

Believers are encouraged to seek God's favor through a life of devotion, prayer, and obedience. While the favor of God may not always result in earthly exaltation, it assures the believer of God's presence, guidance, and ultimate reward. As seen in the lives of biblical figures, God's favor can lead to opportunities for influence and service, enabling the saints to impact the world for His glory.Psalm 89:17
For you are the glory of their strength: and in your favor our horn shall be exalted.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Of Deeper Matters, and God's Hidden Judgments which are not to be ...
... that man is taken into so great favour; why also ... All the Saints, the higher they
are exalted in glory ... it written that they cast their crowns before God and fell ...
/.../kempis/imitation of christ/chapter lviii of deeper matters.htm

The Interior Castle, or The Mansions
... LAST CHAPTER TO BE GENUINE AND NO DECEPTION, TREATS OF ANOTHER FAVOUR OUR LORD ... SACRED
PASSION AND LIFE, AS ALSO THE GLORIOUS MOTHER OF GOD AND THE SAINTS. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/teresa/the interior castle or the mansions/

On the Exaltation of the Holy Cross
... Man, Christ, Who is exalted far above our imagination, above Saints and Angels ... secret
place is quite closed up and refused to God, while favour and love ...
//christianbookshelf.org/tauler/the inner way/sermon xx on the exaltation.htm

Satan Considering the Saints
... of benevolence with regard to a wise distribution of favour. ... have your own confidence
sustained, may God the Holy ... how many saints have been comforted in their ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 11 1865/satan considering the saints.htm

The Sovereignty of God in Reprobation
... His own will (whereby He extendeth or withholdeth favour as He ... show that many of
the most eminent saints in bye ... days, the men most widely used of God, held and ...
/.../pink/the sovereignty of god/chapter five the sovereignty of.htm

The Providence of God
... brought before the king, Esther should find favour in the ... Lord turns it to the good
of his saints. ... Therefore, Christians, believe that God loves you, and that ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a body of divinity/14 the providence of god.htm

Six Cities
... His early home in Nazareth, "He increased in favour with God ... "God hath highly EXALTED
Him;"[50]"angels exalt Him"seraphs adore Him"saints praise Him ...
/.../macduff/the cities of refuge or the name of jesus/ii six cities.htm

This HomilyWas Delivered in the Old Church of Antioch
... to have said these things out of favour or kindness ... should be too easily exalted;
and as saints more than ... might suffer nothing of this kind, God permitted that ...
/.../chrysostom/on the priesthood/homily i this homily was.htm

The Worst Things Work for Good to the Godly
... the Spirit; but God makes use of this cross wind, to blow the saints to heaven ... When
God withholds the sweet manifestations of His favour, He does ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a divine cordial/the worst things work for.htm

The Sun Rising Upon a Dark World
... only made meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light ... evil of
sin, and to understand that nothing less than the favour of God can make a ...
//christianbookshelf.org/newton/messiah vol 1/sermon viii the sun rising.htm

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