Day 8

Lord of Armies

from the Names of God reading plan


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

BY She Reads Truth

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.

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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?

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Post Comments (82)

82 thoughts on "Lord of Armies"

  1. Sofiya Ryzak says:

    God fights for me

  2. Kylie Warden says:

    Whenever we may feel trapped, we can pray to The Lord of Armies who can deliver His people. There is nothing that our God cannot overcome.

  3. Candice Graves says:

    I shall fear nothing that comes against me as long as the God of Armies is with me!

  4. Callie Coe says:

    This devotion and study of this name of God reminds me of a few songs…here are some of the verses:
    “The God of angel armies is always by my side…Yours is the victory!”
    “This is how I fight my battles…it may look like I’m surrounded but I’m surrounded by You”

    The battle we fight isn’t against flesh and blood. Everyday, we need to put on the armor of God and remember that the Lord of Armies has promised to be with us wherever we go.

  5. Rene' Bancroft says:

    Still today, the LORD of Armies is strong, vital, and in control! The amazing part is that I have a personal relationship with Him! I don’t have to “go thru the ranks” & hope to get close to Him…He is by side 24/7!!!

    1. Faith Trammell says:

      I really appreciate how you put that. That we don’t have to go through the ranks to have a personal connection with Him. It’s amazing to know that not only is He our protector going out before us but that He also fights right next to us.

  6. Kathleen says:

    I found myself thinking “I don’t hear/read this name of God much.” Then I read the suggested passages for this article (1 Samuel 1:11, 2 Samuel 7:26, etc.) and realized that my NIV Bible always translates that name into “Lord Almighty” instead of “Lord of Hosts” or “Lord of Armies”. Does anyone know why that is?

  7. Stacey Ivicic says:

    No foe or power is greater than God who is almighty and powerful to save. I am grateful for the God of Angel Armies who protects me and reminds me that no enemy can conquer or defeat me with God at my side.

  8. Brittney Ford says:

    Lord God of Armies says he has dominion over all. His angels are warriors meant to protect and slay the forces of the enemy. Lord God of Armies says He is to be praised over all else and it’s my job to seek Him out for my own battles. God is my refuge, my shield.

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