Yahweh Tsebaoth (The LORD of Hosts)

The names Yahweh (LORD) and Elohim (God) often occur with tsebaoth “army” or “host” meaning “the LORD of armies/hosts” [240x in the OT]...the God who commands armies and fights for His people! In today’s reading, young David drew near to the champion Goliath with a shepherd’s sling and 5 stones (from a wadi). The Philistine ridiculed David and said he’d make pieces of him. David replied, “You come to me with sword and spear and javelin; I come to you in the name of the LORD of Hosts (Yahweh Tsebaoth), the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. This very day the LORD will deliver you into my hand….” David didn’t face Goliath with the latest technology or newest weapon; God’s name was enough. Yahweh Tsebaoth is a title of great power. In Scripture, God’s “hosts/armies” include the armies of Israel (here); heavenly bodies/luminaries (Dt. 4:19; Isa 40:26); angelic beings (Josh 5:14); and the created order (Gen 2:1) – all these worship the LORD and do His bidding. Yahweh Tsebaoth affirms His universal rulership that encompasses every force or army: heavenly, cosmic, and earthly. When captured in all of its thrust, Yahweh Tsebaoth is a most exalted title…the supreme and truly glorious King (Ps 24:9ff)! One day all kingdoms and nations will publicly acknowledge His complete authority, lordship, and reign.