Lord of Hosts

READ: 1 SAMUEL 17; 2 KINGS 6:8-23; EPHESIANS 6:12

One name for God found in the Old Testament is Yahweh Sabaoth, which means Lord of Hosts or Lord of Armies (sometimes translated “Lord Almighty”). This name shows us a side of God that I don’t always think about. This is the God who fights and wins for us. And this name of God reminds us that He has already won the battle.

In 1 Samuel 17, when the Israelites faced the mighty foe Goliath, God is called Yahweh Sabaoth. God had already determined the victory—now it was time for the young shepherd boy named David to step out in faith and win the battle with just a stone and a sling.

Another instance where we see how God is the Lord of Hosts is in 2 Kings 6. The servant of the prophet Elisha had doubts about an upcoming battle. The army of Aram looked fearsome, but Elisha prayed to the Lord of Hosts, and his servant’s eyes were opened to see that they were surrounded by God’s army. Then, God struck the Aramean army with blindness and brought peace.

The name Lord of Hosts reminds us that God is the ruler of the hosts of heavenly armies and His kingdom is the eternal kingdom. It reminds us that Jesus is the final Victor who will one day bring full and final justice to the rebellions of sin. Jesus has already won the battle over sin and death by His sacrifice on the cross and resurrection from the dead. He made the way for us to be forgiven of sin and live in restored relationship with Him. He fought that battle because God loves us—He freed us from our captivity to sin! Jesus’s victory over sin and death shows that He is the ultimate victor and leader—the Lord of Hosts. Hallelujah!

So when you’re facing an upcoming battle or conflict, remember that God doesn’t ask you to be the best fighter, or arguer, or the most clever person in the room. Instead, we can trust that He is the Lord of Hosts, and He already holds the ultimate victory. • Naomi Zylstra

• If we’ve put our trust in Jesus, then no matter what battle or conflict we’re facing, we can know that the Lord of Armies goes with us. This doesn’t necessarily mean we will “win” from our perspective, but it does mean that, because Jesus has already won the victory over sin and death, God and all His armies are fighting on our behalf for our good and for God’s glory (Romans 8:28-29). And someday, we’ll see that goodness and glory on full display when Jesus returns. How can this truth affect the way we face conflicts in our own lives? (Exodus 14:14; Joshua 1:9)

David said to the Philistine [Goliath], “You come against me with a sword, spear, and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the Lord of Armies, the God of the ranks of Israel.” 1 Samuel 17:45 (CSB)