The overcoming of or being overcome by a physical, spiritual or circumstantial enemy. Those humbled before God by such a defeat eventually come to see it as a positive experience, leading to increased spiritual maturity. The way to avoid being defeated is to trust in God and to wear the spiritual armour he provides.
Defeat as the overcoming of enemies
Physical enemies such as armies
Genesis 14:5–6 See also Genesis 14:15, Genesis 36:35; Deuteronomy 1:4, Deuteronomy 4:46, Deuteronomy 7:1–2, Deuteronomy 29:7; Joshua 10:33, Joshua 11:1–9; Judges 7:19–22; 1 Samuel 7:10, 1 Samuel 11:11, 1 Samuel 14:48, 1 Samuel 17:50; 2 Samuel 2:17, 2 Samuel 5:17–25 parallel 1 Chronicles 14:8–17; Psalm 92:11; Jeremiah 37:10; Zechariah 9:15; Hebrews 7:1, Hebrews 11:34
In the fourteenth year, Chedorlaomer and the kings allied with him went out and defeated the Rephaites in Ashteroth-karnaim, the Zuzites in Ham, the Emites in Shaveh-kiriathaim, and the Horites in the area of Mount Seir, as far as El-paran, which is near the desert.
Spiritual enemies such as Satan
Genesis 3:15 See also Luke 10:19; John 12:31, John 14:30; Romans 16:20; Colossians 2:15; 2 Thessalonians 2:8; Hebrews 2:14; 1 John 2:13–14, 1 John 3:8; Revelation 12:11, Revelation 15:2, Revelation 17:14, Revelation 20:10
And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your seed and her seed. He will crush your head, and you will strike his heel.”
The world as the realm of sin
John 16:33 See also Romans 8:37, Romans 12:21; 1 John 4:4, 1 John 5:4–5; Revelation 2:7, Revelation 2:11, Revelation 2:17, Revelation 2:26, Revelation 3:5, Revelation 3:12, Revelation 3:21, Revelation 5:5, Revelation 21:7
I have told you these things so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take courage; I have overcome the world!”
Defeat as being overcome by enemies
By physical enemies
Leviticus 26:17 The Israelites were often defeated by their enemies as a punishment for disobeying God. See also Numbers 14:41–43; Deuteronomy 1:42, Deuteronomy 28:25; Joshua 7:4; Judges 2:15, Judges 3:12–14; 1 Samuel 4:1–11; 1 Kings 8:33 parallel 2 Chronicles 6:24; Psalm 13:4, Psalm 44:9–12, Psalm 78:62; Jeremiah 19:7–9, Jeremiah 21:7
And I will set My face against you, so that you will be defeated by your enemies. Those who hate you will rule over you, and you will flee when no one pursues you.
By spiritual enemies
James 1:13–15 See also Genesis 3:6–22; 2 Samuel 11:2–17; 1 Corinthians 6:7; 1 Thessalonians 2:18, 1 Thessalonians 3:5; 1 Timothy 5:11; 2 Peter 2:20
When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He tempt anyone. But each one is tempted when by his own evil desires he is lured away and enticed. Then after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.
By circumstances
Psalm 39:10 This refers to God's chastisement through affliction; Psalm 116:3 See also Psalm 32:4, Psalm 38:2; 2 Samuel 22:5–6 parallel Psalm 18:4–5; 1 Kings 19:1–4; Job 36:8–9; Jeremiah 23:9; Daniel 10:16; Luke 8:37; Romans 12:21
Remove Your scourge from me; I am perishing by the force of Your hand.
The ropes of death entangled me; the anguish of Sheol overcame me; I was confronted by trouble and sorrow.
Defeat as a positive experience
James 4:10 See also 2 Chronicles 7:14–15; Psalm 119:67, Psalm 119:71; 2 Corinthians 12:7–10; Hebrews 12:9–11; 1 Peter 5:6
Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will exalt you.
Defeat can be avoided
By trusting in God
Psalm 25:1–3 See also 2 Chronicles 13:18; Psalm 22:5, Psalm 31:1–4 parallel Psalm 71:1–3; Psalm 112:6–8, Psalm 125:1; Isaiah 26:3; Romans 9:33, Romans 10:11; 1 Peter 2:6
Of David. To You, O LORD, I lift up my soul; in You, my God, I trust. Do not let me be put to shame; do not let my enemies exult over me. Surely none who wait for You will be put to shame; but those who engage in treachery without cause will be disgraced.
By wearing the spiritual armour God provides
Ephesians 6:10–18 See also Romans 13:12; 1 Thessalonians 5:8
Related themes
Dictionary of Bible Themes © 1999 Martin Manser, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0, via Bible Aquifer. Formatted for this site, with Scripture from the Berean Standard Bible.