Defeat

Failure and loss in battle or life, which in Scripture often results from disobedience and sometimes serves God's mysterious purposes. Israel's defeat at Ai followed Achan's sin (Joshua 7). Repeated defeats under the judges resulted from idolatry. David's army suffered setbacks before final victory. Samson's defeat came through compromise with Delilah (Judges 16). Yet defeat is never the final word for God's people: 'Though the righteous fall seven times, they rise again' (Proverbs 24:16). Paul acknowledged setbacks but declared, 'We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair' (2 Corinthians 4:8). God redeems even defeat for his purposes.