Jehovah Sabaoth (The Lord of Hosts)

Jehovah Sabaoth (The Lord of Hosts)

Isaiah 47:4 As for our redeemer, the LORD of hosts is his name, the Holy One of Israel. (KJV)

            Jehovah’s creation was made to perfection in the beginning. Nothing was corrupted or out of alignment until sin manifested its ugly head. God’s creation was wonderful even in Heaven for He made all kinds of angelic beings to worship, honor and serve Him. Despite God’s best efforts to have a world of total peace, Lucifer allowed pride to enter his heart, which disrupted the entire atmosphere in Heaven.

            Lucifer coveted God’s position of authority and therefore, decided that he was equal to his Creator. However, he was kicked out of Heaven because there could only be one Jehovah Sabaoth. The Lord of Hosts was and still is second to none; therefore, He had to show Lucifer who was in charge. Isaiah 14:12 How you have fallen from heaven, O morning star, son of the dawn! You have been cast down to the earth, you who once laid low the nations! (NIV)

            The word “hosts” in Hebrew means “armies.” Therefore, therefore, Jehovah Sabaoth is the Lord of armies. We know this to be true because the Bible lets us know that there was war in Heaven. Revelation 12:7-9 ⁽⁷⁾Then there was war in heaven. Michael and his angels fought against the dragon, and the dragon and his angels fought back. ⁽⁸⁾But he was not strong enough, and they lost their place in heaven. ⁽⁹⁾The great dragon was hurled down—that ancient serpent called the devil, or Satan, who leads the whole world astray. He was hurled to the earth, and his angels with him. (NIV) The Lord’s armies fought against Lucifer and the third of angels who had taken his side. However, they were not successful and was completely thrown out of Heaven; never able to return again. We will go in-depth about Lucifer and his fall in a future lesson.

            Anyone who has accepted Christ into their heart has enlisted in the Lord’s army. This is why the Word of God tells us to gear up for battle. Ephesians 6:11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. (NIV) The enemy comes to kill, steal and destroy those who have enlisted in the army of the Lord. For those whom he already has, he is not concerned about, but he desires to sift out the ones who are truly fighting on the Lord’s side. He wanted to do this with the disciples as well during Jesus’ day, but Jesus prayed on their behalf that God would keep them with strength and power to defeat the enemy. Luke 22:31 “Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift all of you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.” (NIV)

            Prior to going out to battle, one most go through boot camp in order to be trained for military duty. This training is not always pleasant and take great determination to complete, but once the officers have taught the new recruits all that there is to know, there is a final test. That test will determine rather you graduate, remain for additional training, or be sent back home. Jehovah Sabaoth is our Commanding Officer. He is the Lord of hosts. He is in charge of Heaven’s armies and over our lives here on earth. God will either allow you to graduate, retain you for further instruction, while here on earth, or if you reject His training, you will consequently, forfeit your Heavenly home. The choice is up to you. Will you allow him to be the commander of your life?