In this Names of God reading plan, we are learning more about God by studying the names given to Him in Scripture. Rather than having our writers share their own reflections on these passages, we’ve instead provided research-rich content to aid in your study of each day’s featured name of God, including the background of the name(s), a brief explanation of the character of God emphasized by the name(s), and a reflection question to help you dig deeper into the text.
//
Lord of Armies
Yahweh Tsebaoth, Yahweh Elohim Tsebaoth, Elohim Tsebaoth (Hebrew)
Scripture Reading: 1 Samuel 1:1-11, 2 Samuel 7:22-29, Psalm 80:4-7, Amos 5:14-15, Haggai 2:6-9, Malachi 1:11-14, Luke 2:13-14
Description
The Hebrew root word tsaba, or “a gathering of people,” is frequently used in the Bible to describe armies preparing for war. When paired with the name of God in Yahweh Tsebaoth, it reveres Him as being over hosts of angelic armies who gather in His name and serve at His command. All creation is subject to the LORD of Armies. “LORD of Hosts,” “God of Armies,” and “LORD God of Armies” are versions of this name.
“LORD of Armies” most frequently appears in the Minor Prophets, especially in Malachi, where almost half of the verses in the book contain this name in some form. During the time of the prophets, the people of God were living in exile in Babylon. They faced daily reminders of the presence and power of the enemy armies keeping them in captivity. They called out to God as the LORD of Armies, whose vast angelic armies could deliver them from trouble. LORD of Armies is a name that assures us of the power of our mighty God.
Emphasis
The security, power, and strength of God in the face of His enemies
Reflection
What does this name teach me about God?
The battle has already been won!
Amen!
I love knowing that an army of angels led by my Creator Commander is fighting my battles ❤️
God rules over, fights and defeats any and every foe, big or small, out there that I ask Him to help me defeat.
I love the visual picture given in Joshua 5:13-14
“ when Joshua was near Jericho, he looked up and saw a man standing in front of him with a drawn sword in his hand. Joshua went up to him and asked, ‘are you for us or for our enemies?’ ‘Neither,’ he replied, ‘but as commander of the army of the Lord I have now come.’ Then Joshua fell face down to the ground in reverence…”
Taking that image with me today as I think about God as the Lord Of Armies and also thinking about Joshua’s response. Joshua was Israel’s leader but his response was that of awe and respect. May my response to my Lord Of Armies be the same.
The battle belongs to God. God fights for me and alongside me. No thing or no one is stronger and more powerful than God. I have nothing to be afraid of because no weapon formed against me shall stand. God commands His angel armies to protect me and encourage me daily.
Amen.
He is mighty, all-powerful, and just. He is Lord of all, Lord of angelic armies. And like Hannah, I still wonder at times if He sees me, hears me, remembers me. And He does.
The Lord of Armies is on my side and it is my duty to assist in fighting the enemy daily! Even when we cannot see what the Lord is doing, we have to trust that He is delivering a plan much greater than we could ever imagine!
Lord, You are strong and powerful. You are good and holy and have the ability to carry our your goodness because of Your strength. I do not have to fear that You will be defeated. You are all powerful. Praise You!