Defeat

Defeat as the overcoming of enemies

Physical enemies such as armies

Genesis 14:5–6 KJV 1900

And in the fourteenth year came Chedorlaomer, and the kings that were with him, and smote the Rephaims in Ashteroth Karnaim, and the Zuzims in Ham, and the Emims in Shaveh Kiriathaim, And the Horites in their mount Seir, unto El-paran, which is by the wilderness.

See also Ge 14:15; Ge 36:35; Dt 1:4; Dt 4:46; Dt 7:1–2; Dt 29:7; Jos 10:33; Jos 11:1–9; Jdg 7:19–22; 1 Sa 7:10; 1 Sa 11:11; 1 Sa 14:48; 1 Sa 17:50; 2 Sa 2:17; 2 Sa 5:17–25; Ps 92:11; Je 37:10; Zec 9:15; Heb 7:1; Heb 11:34

Spiritual enemies such as Satan

Genesis 3:15 KJV 1900

And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.

See also Lk 10:19; Jn 12:31; Jn 14:30; Ro 16:20; Col 2:15; 2 Th 2:8; Heb 2:14; 1 Jn 2:13–14; 1 Jn 3:8; Re 12:11; Re 15:2; Re 17:14; Re 20:10

The world as the realm of sin

John 16:33 KJV 1900

These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

See also Ro 8:37; Ro 12:21; 1 Jn 4:4; 1 Jn 5:4–5; Re 2:7; Re 2:11; Re 2:17; Re 2:26; Re 3:5; Re 3:12; Re 3:21; Re 5:5; Re 21:7

Defeat as being overcome by enemies

By physical enemies

Le 26:17 The Israelites were often defeated by their enemies as a punishment for disobeying God.

See also Nu 14:41–43; Dt 1:42; Dt 28:25; Jos 7:4; Jdg 2:15; Jdg 3:12–14; 1 Sa 4:1–11; 1 Ki 8:33; Ps 13:4; Ps 44:9–12; Ps 78:62; Je 19:7–9; Je 21:7

By spiritual enemies

James 1:13–15 KJV 1900

Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.

See also Ge 3:6–22; 2 Sa 11:2–17; 1 Co 6:7; 1 Th 2:18; 1 Th 3:5; 1 Ti 5:11; 2 Pe 2:20

By circumstances

Ps 39:10 This refers to God’s chastisement through affliction; Ps 116:3

See also Ps 32:4; Ps 38:2; 2 Sa 22:5–6; 1 Ki 19:1–4; Job 36:8–9; Je 23:9; Da 10:16; Lk 8:37; Ro 12:21

Defeat as a positive experience

James 4:10 KJV 1900

Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.

See also 2 Ch 7:14–15; Ps 119:67; Ps 119:71; 2 Co 12:7–10; Heb 12:9–11; 1 Pe 5:6

Defeat can be avoided

By trusting in God

Psalm 25:1–3 KJV 1900

Unto thee, O Lord, do I lift up my soul. O my God, I trust in thee: let me not be ashamed, Let not mine enemies triumph over me. Yea, let none that wait on thee be ashamed: Let them be ashamed which transgress without cause.

See also 2 Ch 13:18; Ps 22:5; Ps 31:1–4; Ps 112:6–8; Ps 125:1; Is 26:3; Ro 9:33; Ro 10:11; 1 Pe 2:6

By wearing the spiritual armour God provides

Ephesians 6:10–18 KJV 1900

Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;

See also Ro 13:12; 1 Th 5:8