Question: What does the term “Lord of Hosts” mean in the Bible?
The term, Lord of Hosts, or YHVH Sabaoth in Hebrew, is referring to God as a God who has armies behind Him. This is a title used for God 261 times in scripture and always in the context of displaying His power. However, power in of itself doesn’t explain intentions. In modern 21st century terms, the only time armies need to be mentioned is when a threat is being made against an enemy. Scripture tells us a different story. A good example of this name for God is during David’s confrontation with Goliath. In the 10th century BC, Israel had just exited the time of the Judges and a time when there was a constant threat of invasion and enslavement from the nations Joshua hadn’t driven out of the land. When the first king of Israel came to power, it was a sigh of relief for the people because there now was a man with an army behind him who was going to use it for their protection rather than oppression. At this moment in Saul’s career, his army was shaking in their boots at the sight of Goliath. David wasn’t daunted by this, because he knew that God not only had bigger armies than Saul behind Him, but He of Himself could handle any threat that Israel would ever face. It’s in that context the name Lord of Hosts is meant to be understood. As the song lyrics go, “The God of angel armies is always by my side.”
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