What other biblical instances show God granting favor to His people? The Promise in Exodus 3:21 “And I will grant this people favor in the sight of the Egyptians. And when you go, you shall not go out empty-handed.” God’s favor is no small, abstract idea; He steps into real history, arranging circumstances so His people walk away blessed. Below are some of the clearest moments Scripture shows that same gracious hand at work. Joseph: Favor in Foreign Servitude • Genesis 39:3-4—“Joseph found favor in his master’s sight and became his personal attendant.” • Genesis 39:21—“The LORD was with Joseph… granting him favor in the eyes of the prison warden.” God turns a slave and a prisoner into Egypt’s second-in-command, preserving Jacob’s family through famine. Israelites: Favor for Their Exodus Goods • Exodus 12:36—“The LORD gave the people favor in the sight of the Egyptians, so that they granted their request; thus they plundered the Egyptians.” Exactly what God promised in Exodus 3:21 comes true; they exit slavery with wealth in hand. Ruth: Favor in the Fields of Boaz • Ruth 2:10—“Why have I found favor in your eyes, that you should take notice of me, though I am a foreigner?” • Ruth 2:13—“May I continue to find favor in your eyes, my lord.” A destitute widow becomes part of Messiah’s lineage because God directs Boaz’s kindness toward her. Esther: Favor Before the Persian Throne • Esther 2:15—“Esther found favor in the eyes of everyone who saw her.” • Esther 2:17—“She won grace and favor… so he placed the royal crown upon her head.” • Esther 5:2—The king again extends favor, opening the door for Israel’s deliverance from genocide. Daniel and His Friends: Favor in Babylon • Daniel 1:9—“God had granted Daniel favor and compassion from the chief official.” Despite exile, they rise to influence, preserve their integrity, and testify to God’s supremacy. David: Favor in Saul’s Court • 1 Samuel 18:5—“It was good in the sight of all the people and also in the sight of Saul’s servants.” • 1 Samuel 18:14-16—Israel and Judah love David; even the battlefield becomes a platform for divine favor. Nehemiah: Favor to Rebuild Jerusalem • Nehemiah 2:8—“Because the gracious hand of my God was upon me, the king granted my requests.” God turns a pagan emperor into a benefactor, funding and protecting the restoration of Jerusalem’s walls. Mary: Favor for the Incarnation • Luke 1:30—“Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God.” The ultimate act of favor: God chooses a humble young woman to bear the Savior. Early Church: Favor with the People • Acts 2:47—“Praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily.” God’s favor fuels both unity and explosive growth in the newborn body of Christ. Threads to Notice • God’s favor often appears in the midst of hardship—slavery, exile, oppression, poverty. • His favor is tangible: promotion, protection, resources, influence, deliverance. • The purpose extends beyond personal comfort; it advances His redemptive plan and displays His glory. The same faithful God who favored Israel in Exodus continues to grant grace to those who walk with Him today. |
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