Definition and Nature:
Divine favor and blessing refer to the gracious and benevolent acts of God towards His creation, particularly His people. These acts are expressions of God's love, mercy, and kindness, often resulting in spiritual, material, or physical benefits. Divine favor is not earned by human effort but is granted by God's sovereign will and purpose.

Biblical Foundation:
The concept of divine favor and blessing is deeply rooted in Scripture, beginning with the creation narrative. In Genesis 1:28 , God blesses humanity, saying, "Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth and subdue it." This initial blessing establishes a pattern of God's favor towards His creation.

Throughout the Old Testament, divine favor is often associated with God's covenantal promises. For instance, in Genesis 12:2-3 , God promises Abram, "I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you and curse those who curse you; and all the families of the earth will be blessed through you." This passage highlights the connection between divine favor and God's redemptive plan for humanity.

Manifestations of Divine Favor:
1. Spiritual Blessings: Ephesians 1:3 states, "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms." Spiritual blessings include salvation, the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, and the assurance of eternal life.

2. Material and Physical Blessings: While spiritual blessings are paramount, the Bible also records instances of material and physical blessings as expressions of divine favor. In Deuteronomy 28:1-2 , God promises Israel, "If you fully obey the LORD your God and carefully follow all His commands I give you today, the LORD your God will set you high above all the nations of the earth. And all these blessings will come upon you and overtake you, if you obey the LORD your God."

3. Protection and Guidance: Divine favor often includes God's protection and guidance. Psalm 5:12 declares, "For surely You, O LORD, bless the righteous; You surround them with the shield of Your favor."

Conditions and Responses:
While divine favor is ultimately an act of God's grace, Scripture indicates that certain attitudes and behaviors can align individuals with God's blessings. Humility, obedience, faith, and righteousness are often associated with receiving divine favor. James 4:6 reminds believers, "But He gives us more grace. This is why it says: 'God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.'"

Examples in Scripture:
1. Noah: Genesis 6:8 states, "But Noah found favor in the eyes of the LORD." Noah's righteousness and obedience led to God's favor, resulting in his family's salvation from the flood.

2. Mary: In Luke 1:30 , the angel Gabriel tells Mary, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God." Mary's faith and submission to God's will positioned her to receive the blessing of bearing the Messiah.

3. David: Despite his imperfections, David experienced God's favor throughout his life. In 1 Samuel 16:13 , after being anointed by Samuel, "the Spirit of the LORD came powerfully upon David from that day forward."

Theological Implications:
Divine favor and blessing underscore the character of God as loving, generous, and faithful. They reveal His desire to be in relationship with humanity and to fulfill His purposes through His people. The ultimate expression of divine favor is found in Jesus Christ, through whom believers receive the fullness of God's blessings.

Practical Application:
Believers are encouraged to seek God's favor through prayer, worship, and a life of obedience. Psalm 90:17 offers a prayer for divine favor: "May the favor of the Lord our God rest upon us; establish for us the work of our hands—yes, establish the work of our hands." This reflects a desire for God's presence and blessing in all aspects of life.