What does the Bible mean when it calls God the “LORD of hosts”?

Answer

The term “LORD of hosts” appears around 261 times in the Old Testament Scriptures. God is initially referred to as the “LORD of hosts” in 1 Samuel 1:3. The term LORD, in uppercase, denotes Yahweh, the self-existing, redeeming God. The term hosts is a translation of the Hebrew word sabaoth, which means “armies” — a mention of the angelic armies of heaven. Therefore, another way to express “LORD of hosts” is “God of the armies of heaven.” The NIV translates YHWH saboath as “LORD Almighty.”

This title for God emerges towards the end of the judges’ era. In the same context as “LORD of hosts,” there is a connection to Shiloh, where the Ark of the Covenant was housed. The Ark symbolized Yahweh’s sovereignty, among other things, as He is enthroned above the cherubim (1 Samuel 4:4;Psalm 99:1). Some propose that “LORD of hosts” confirms God as the true Leader of Israel’s armies, despite the nation’s spiritual decline during the judges’ time. In 1 Samuel 17:45, during his verbal exchange with Goliath before their battle, David invokes this divine name. By doing so, David asserts that God reigns universally over all forces, whether in heaven or on earth.

Shortly after David’s victory over Goliath, Israel would step onto the global stage. It was crucial for the nation to recognize that Yahweh was the King even over the numerous other powerful nations. The kingship of the LORD of hosts is powerfully articulated in Psalm 24:10: “Who is this King of glory? The LORD of hosts, he is the King of glory!” (ESV). He is the glorious King of Israel, and Zechariah 14:9 informs us that He will be the King of the world, ruling over all the kingdoms of the earth cf: Isaiah 37:16.

Ultimately, Yahweh of armies will quell all rebellion (Isaiah 24:21-23)And establish His Kingdom from Mt. Zion (Isaiah 31:4-5;34:12). As the LORD of hosts, God is the all-powerful Ruler over the entire universe. All power and authority are His. He alone intervenes to provide victory for His people. He alone brings world peace. At the same time, He is available to hear the prayers of His people “Turn us again, O LORD God of hosts, Cause thy face to shine; and we shall be saved.”, (Psalm 80:19). There is no other God like this.

The sovereign LORD of hosts has the grace to always be there for the one who comes to Him through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. The King of glory, who commands the armies of heaven and who will eventually defeat all His enemies in this world, is none other than Jesus Christ. He is the LORD of hosts (Revelation 19:11-20).