Jehovah-Sabaoth--The Lord of Hosts. This name, translated “The-Lord-of-hosts,” was used in the days of David and the prophets, witnessing to the Almighty God of sovereign power who is surrounded by His heavenly hosts (1 Sam. 1:3).

“Sabbaoth” means “army, war, warfare.” They are assembled for battle. This name of God is used repeatedly in the prophetic books, usually indicating some great national crisis. This term was also used of angels. What can we learn? Yahweh who rules the hosts of heaven, is able to mobilize them in an instant on behalf of his child. He is your guardian, protector. There is no battle you face that is overwhelming for Him and His hosts.

1. God’s armies are more powerful than Satan’s

1 Sam 17:45, David said to the Philistine, “You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the LORD Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. Philistines had steel. Israel only had bronze.

Jer 17:5, Thus saith the LORD; Cursed be the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart departeth from the LORD (Israel always looked elsewhere for help)

2. They are there—you must see them with your faith

2 Kings 6:14-17. The Aremean (Syrian) Army blinded and captured (Elisha). Ps 34:7)

3. Prayer forms the troops

Mt 26:53, Jesus in the Garden: Thinkest thou that I cannot now pray to my Father, and he shall presently give me more than twelve legions of angels?

4. I know how the book ends.

Rev 19:11-21, Jesus, not as gentle shepherd, but as warrior.

To summarize, the LORD of hosts, Jehovah Sabaoth is the Name of God we find used in Scripture when a man or woman is at the end of their rope so to speak -- Jehovah Sabaoth is the Strong Tower which God has made available for those times when we fail and are powerless, when our resources are inadequate, when there is no other help. And it is especially during those times that one comes to appreciate that God is truly the LORD of the armies and of all hosts.