What are the heavenly hosts?

Answer

On the night when Jesus was born, an angel proclaimed the good news to the shepherds in the fields of Bethlehem. “Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel” and joined in praising God «And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, », (Luke 2:13). Most hymnals contain “The Doxology,” a significant hymn of the faith, which includes the line “Praise him above, ye heavenly host.” In both instances, the heavenly hosts are God’s holy angels who reside in God’s presence.

Essentially, the term host refers to a large number of individuals or to an army. When modified by the word heavenly, hosts represent a multitude of angelic beings forming a celestial army under God’s authority. There is an implication of hierarchy and organization, of groups and divisions within that heavenly army. The heavenly hosts were created by God and are under God’s control.

One of God’s titles is “LORD of hosts,” a phrase frequently used in the Old Testament. In Hebrew, it is Yahweh Sabaoth, signifying “Lord of the heavenly armies” or “God of the heavenly hosts.” The NIV translates this title as “LORD Almighty.” Refer to 1 Samuel 1:3; Psalm 24:10; Isaiah 22:14; Jeremiah 2:19; Amos 4:13; Haggai 2:9; Zechariah 8:6; and Malachi 2:16 for examples.

There are instances in Scripture where the heavenly hosts include fallen angels, as seen in 1 Kings 22:19. The prophet Micaiah describes a vision of God’s throne room, where he saw “the whole heavenly host” positioned on God’s right and left (HCSB). Among these beings in the divine presence is a “deceiving spirit” (verse 22), indicating that the term heavenly hosts can encompass all angelic beings, both holy and unholy.

Psalm 148:2 links the terms angels and heavenly hosts: “Praise him, all his angels; praise him, all his heavenly hosts.” PsaPsalm 103:19–21 provides additional insight: “The Lord has established his throne in heaven, and his kingdom rules over all. Praise the Lord, you his angels, you mighty ones who do his bidding, who obey his word. Praise the Lord, all his heavenly hosts, you his servants who do his will.” Here, the psalmist praises God for the vastness of divine authority—there is no part of creation beyond God’s rule; His throne is “established.” The heavenly hosts (the angels) praise the Lord; they are, indeed, God’s servants who are always ready to serve Him. They faithfully follow God’s commands, fulfill His wishes, and submit to His will.

As followers of Christ, we will one day dwell in heaven with God and the heavenly hosts. According to Hebrews 12:22, we are invited to the place where “thousands upon thousands of angels are gathered in joyful assembly.” When Jesus comes back to earth to establish His kingdom, “the armies of heaven [will] accompany him, riding on white horses and dressed in fine linen, white and clean” «And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean. », (Revelation 19:14). In this scenario, the heavenly hosts encompass all those present in heaven at that moment: the redeemed from the church era, believers from the Old Testament, martyrs from the tribulation, and angels. The angelic army will be joined by humans saved by the sacrifice of the Lamb. We will not transform into angels, but we will share in their glory.