24 November 2024

JEHOVAH SABAOTH – THE LORD OF HOSTS

(The Names Of God: TNOG 17)

Jehovah Sabaoth is one of God’s Names in the Bible. It occurs more than 270 times in the Old Testament. It combines God’s personal name, Jehovah (Yahweh), with the Hebrew word, Sabaoth, meaning “host” or “multitude.” So Jehovah Sabaoth means “The Lord of Hosts.” The Hebrew word, sabaoth, often has a military connotation such as:

• → A group of fighting men or an army (1 Samuel 17:45; Isaiah 13:4).


• → Sometimes sabaoth refers to the hosts of Heaven (Psalm 148:2; 1 Kings 22:19), picturing God as Lord of the multitudes of angels, which are numbered as “a thousand thousands” and “ten thousand times ten thousand” (Daniel 7:10).

The important thing about this Name for God is that Jehovah Sabaoth, the Lord of Hosts, rules over all things both on earth and in Heaven. The first time Jehovah Sabaoth appears in the Bible is in 1 Samuel 1:3, 11. This is the story of childless Hannah, who wanted a son so badly and earnestly prayed that the Lord would grant her the desire of her heart. “She made a vow and said, ‘O Lord of hosts, if You will indeed look on the affliction of Your maidservant and remember me, and not forget Your maidservant, but will give Your maidservant a male child, then I will give him to the Lord all the days of his life” (1 Samuel 1:11).

Jehovah Sabaoth, the Lord of Hosts, emphasizes the Power and Might of our God. He rules over the vast multitudes of angels and stars and armies. Although God is indeed the Lord of all the multitudes on earth and in Heaven, He is also the Lord of each individual person who comes to Him, weary and in need of His blessing. In our hour of need, the Almighty Lord of Hosts will come to our aid. Our troubles are never too small for Him to notice.

When David the shepherd boy fought with the Giant Goliath, he said to him: “You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the Name of the LORD Almighty (Jehovah Sabaoth), the God of the armies of Israel, Whom you have defied. This is the day the LORD will deliver you into my hands” (1 Sam.17:45-46). God gave victory to young David and he slaughtered the Giant.

Isaiah specifically identifies the Lord of Hosts as our Redeemer. “Our Redeemer, the Lord of hosts is His Name, the Holy One of Israel” (Isaiah 47:4). Jesus Christ is our Redeemer. As Jehovah Sabaoth, the Lord of Hosts He has Power and Authority over the multitudes of earth and Heaven. Jesus repeatedly demonstrated His power over the forces of Satan. He also ruled even over the forces of nature, and healed all sicknesses and diseases.

As the Lord of Hosts, Jesus has all Authority in Heaven and earth. Hence His Name is above all other names, and at His Name every knee in Heaven and earth must bow before Him and every tongue must acknowledge Him as Lord of lords and King of kings. He is our Protector and Defender, and He is with us always. Praise His Holy Name!

Click HERE to return to The Name Of God series

Click HERE to return to Articles Main Menu