Divine favor, a recurring theme throughout the Bible, represents God's grace, blessing, and approval bestowed upon individuals or groups. This favor is often depicted through various symbols and narratives, illustrating the profound relationship between God and His people.

1. The Anointing with Oil

Anointing with oil is a significant symbol of divine favor in the Bible. It signifies being chosen and set apart for a special purpose by God. In the Old Testament, prophets, priests, and kings were anointed to symbolize God's favor and empowerment for their roles. For instance, when Samuel anointed David as king, it was a sign of God's favor upon him: "So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the presence of his brothers, and the Spirit of the LORD rushed upon David from that day forward" (1 Samuel 16:13).

2. The Rainbow

The rainbow is a symbol of God's covenant and favor with humanity. After the flood, God set the rainbow in the sky as a sign of His promise never to destroy the earth with a flood again. This act of divine favor is recorded in Genesis 9:13-15 : "I have set My rainbow in the clouds, and it will be a sign of the covenant between Me and the earth. Whenever I form clouds over the earth and the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will remember My covenant between Me and you and all living creatures of every kind."

3. The Garment of Many Colors

Joseph's coat of many colors, given to him by his father Jacob, symbolizes divine favor and the special love Jacob had for him. This favor, however, also led to jealousy and strife among his brothers, ultimately resulting in Joseph's journey to Egypt, where God's favor continued to manifest in his life. Genesis 37:3 states, "Now Israel loved Joseph more than his other sons because he had been born to him in his old age, and he made him a robe of many colors."

4. The Cloud and Fire

During the Israelites' exodus from Egypt, God's favor was symbolized by the pillar of cloud by day and the pillar of fire by night. These symbols represented God's presence, guidance, and protection. Exodus 13:21 describes this divine favor: "And the LORD went before them in a pillar of cloud to guide their way by day and in a pillar of fire to give them light by night, so that they could travel by day or night."

5. The Olive Tree

The olive tree is a symbol of peace, prosperity, and divine favor. In the Bible, the olive branch is notably associated with the account of Noah, where a dove brought back an olive leaf, signaling the end of God's judgment and the restoration of favor upon the earth (Genesis 8:11). The olive tree is also used metaphorically to describe Israel as a recipient of God's favor and blessing.

6. The Dew of Heaven

Dew is often used as a metaphor for divine favor and blessing. In the patriarchal blessings, Isaac's blessing over Jacob includes the imagery of dew: "May God give to you the dew of heaven and the richness of the earth—an abundance of grain and new wine" (Genesis 27:28). Dew represents the gentle and life-giving favor of God, nourishing and sustaining His people.

7. The Crown

The crown is a symbol of honor, authority, and divine favor. In the New Testament, believers are promised the "crown of life" as a reward for their faithfulness and perseverance. James 1:12 states, "Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him."

These symbols collectively illustrate the multifaceted nature of divine favor in the biblical narrative, emphasizing God's grace, protection, and blessing upon those He chooses to favor.