The concept of "Defeat by Israel" in the Bible refers to the numerous instances where the Israelites, under divine guidance and leadership, achieved victory over their enemies. These victories are often depicted as acts of divine intervention, fulfilling God's promises to the patriarchs and establishing Israel as a nation set apart for His purposes.

1. The Exodus and the Conquest of Canaan

The foundational narrative of Israel's victories begins with the Exodus from Egypt, where God delivered the Israelites from slavery through a series of miraculous plagues and the parting of the Red Sea (Exodus 14:21-31). This event set the stage for the subsequent conquest of Canaan, the Promised Land.

Under Joshua's leadership, the Israelites experienced significant victories, beginning with the fall of Jericho. The walls of Jericho fell after the Israelites marched around the city for seven days, as instructed by God (Joshua 6:1-20). This victory was followed by the defeat of Ai, where God provided a strategy to lure the men of Ai out of the city, leading to its capture and destruction (Joshua 8:1-29).

2. The Period of the Judges

During the time of the Judges, Israel experienced cycles of sin, oppression, repentance, and deliverance. God raised up judges to deliver Israel from their enemies. Notable victories include Gideon's defeat of the Midianites with just 300 men, emphasizing God's power rather than human strength (Judges 7:1-25). Similarly, Deborah and Barak's victory over Sisera and the Canaanite army demonstrated God's deliverance through unexpected means (Judges 4:1-24).

3. The United Monarchy

Under King Saul, Israel achieved victories over the Philistines, though Saul's disobedience eventually led to his downfall (1 Samuel 13:1-14). David, Saul's successor, is renowned for his military prowess and reliance on God. His defeat of Goliath, the Philistine giant, is a testament to faith in God's power (1 Samuel 17:45-50). David's reign was marked by numerous victories, expanding Israel's territory and securing peace (2 Samuel 8:1-14).

4. The Divided Kingdom and Later Periods

After the division of the kingdom, both Israel (the northern kingdom) and Judah (the southern kingdom) experienced victories and defeats. King Jehoshaphat of Judah, for instance, saw victory over the Moabites and Ammonites through prayer and worship, as God set ambushes against the enemy (2 Chronicles 20:1-30).

In the later periods, the Maccabean Revolt is a notable instance of Jewish victory over foreign oppression, though it is recorded in the Apocrypha rather than the canonical Old Testament.

5. Theological Significance

The defeats by Israel are often portrayed as acts of divine judgment against the nations opposing God's people. These victories serve to demonstrate God's sovereignty, faithfulness, and the fulfillment of His covenant promises. They also underscore the importance of obedience and faith in God, as Israel's success was contingent upon their adherence to His commands.

Throughout these narratives, the theme of God as a warrior fighting on behalf of Israel is prevalent, as seen in passages like Exodus 15:3, "The LORD is a warrior; the LORD is His name." These accounts encourage believers to trust in God's power and providence, recognizing that ultimate victory belongs to Him.