Jehovah-Sabaoth "The Lord Of Hosts" Series

Purpose: To unfold the truth that God has all power.

Aim: I want the listener to be in awe of God's strength.

INTRODUCTION: Jehovah-Sabaoth (not to confused with Sabbath) is often translated "The LORD of Hosts." Sometimes the Bible uses, "LORD God of hosts" or "God of hosts." All together we find this name for God over 270 times in the OT which make it the most frequent compound title for God in the OT.

The Hebrew word for "host" is Tsaba and it is used 486 times. Most uses have something to do with warfare, armies or fighting. So this is a very important name to know.

Years ago a movie actresses continued performing in nightclubs after she claimed to be converted to Christ. She was overheard telling someone, "You ought to know God. You know, God is just a livin' doll!" I read where another man said, "God is a good guy." A person who understands that "The Eternally Self-existent One is over Hosts" will never joke about "the Man upstairs" or that "Someone up there likes me."

This name for God will change how we relate to Him. First, though, we must understand,

► I. What Does Jehovah-Sabaoth Rule Over?

"In general, 'Host' can describe (1) a multitude of men (army), (2) angels (good & bad) or (3) physical stars. The important truth is that Jehovah is LORD over ALL HOSTS, whether they are the armies on the earth, the stars or the angels (good or bad)." [1]

► A. Jehovah-Sabaoth rules over the battles we face

The first use of this compound name for God does not occur until 1 Samuel, although there is a similar reference used in Joshua 5:14-15.

Joshua was leading the Jews to invade Canaan. He obeyed God by observing the Passover and commanding the men to be circumcised. Now he was preparing for a major military battle. The impressive fortress of Jericho lay directly in front of the Jews. Before he led his troops into battle Joshua got alone and God came and appeared to him.

Joshua 5:13--15 Now it came about when Joshua was by Jericho, that he lifted up his eyes and looked, and behold, a man was standing opposite him with his sword drawn in his hand, and Joshua went to him and said to him, "Are you for us or for our adversaries?" He said, "No; rather I indeed come now as captain of the host of the LORD." And Joshua fell on his face to the earth, and bowed down, and said to him, "What has my lord to say to his servant?" The captain of the LORD'S host said to Joshua, "Remove your sandals from your feet, for the place where you are standing is holy." And Joshua did so. (NAU)

The question was NOT "Is Jericho weak?" The question was "Will the LORD of hosts lead in the battle against Jericho?"

Zechariah 4:6 Then he said to me, "This is the word of the LORD to Zerubbabel saying, 'Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,' says the LORD of hosts. (NAU)

Our focus should never be on how big our problem is, it should be on how big our God is. 1 Corinthians 15:57 but thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. (NAU)

Ephesians 3:20--21 Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen. (NAU)

► B. Jehovah-Sabaoth rules over the unseen world

Nehemiah 9:6 "You alone are the LORD. You have made the heavens, The heaven of heavens with all their host, The earth and all that is on it, The seas and all that is in them. You give life to all of them And the heavenly host bows down before You. (NAU)

1 Kings 22:19 Micaiah said, "Therefore, hear the word of the LORD. I saw the LORD sitting on His throne, and all the host of heaven standing by Him on His right and on His left. (NAU)

Jesus said that the angels of heaven were at His beck and call. Matthew 26:53 "Or do you think that I cannot appeal to My Father, and He will at once put at My disposal more than twelve legions of angels? (NAU)

Luke 2:13 And suddenly there appeared with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, (NAU)

► C. Jehovah-Sabaoth rules over creation

The stars are called a HOST and God created them. Isaiah 45:12 "It is I who made the earth, and created man upon it. I stretched out the heavens with My hands And I ordained all their host. (NAU) Psalm 33:6 By the word of the Lord the heavens were made, And by the breath of His mouth all their host. (NAU)