Jehovah Sabaoth: The Lord of Hosts

When there seemed to be no other recourse for deliverance, the children of Israel came to know God as Jehovah-Sabaoth. David certainly understood this as he faced Goliath.

1 Samuel 17:45-46: Then said David to the Philistine, Thou comest to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield: but I come to thee in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom thou hast defied. This day will the LORD deliver thee into mine hand; and I will smite thee, and take thine head from thee; and I will give the carcases of the host of the Philistines this day unto the fowls of the air, and to the wild beasts of the earth; that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel.

David cried out to the God who rules over every other power in the material and spiritual universe. A God so magnificent that all creation serves His purposes.

This is God's name for man's extremity. It is for those who find their resources inadequate in the midst of a struggle. David understood His truth. This is the name for those who may be in a struggle, but they have not given up - they will continue to fight.David called upon the Lord of Hosts as he faced this huge, seemingly impossible challenge. We will face different challenges at various times of our lives. We need to ask our Lord of Hosts to take away our fear arm us with faith and confidence. We need to ask Him to use us to advance His kingdom in the midst of any struggles that might lie ahead. Remember that the battle always belongs to Jehovah-Sabaoth.

Read the story of Elisha and his servant found in 2 Kings 6:15-17. Elisha's servant panicked in the face of the enemy surrounding the city. Elisha said "not to worry for they that be with us are more than they that be with them." Elisha asked God to open his servant's eyes and allow him to see the vast army of the heavenly host - with horses and chariots of fire - surrounding the enemy. Jehovah-Sabaoth was at the head.

Now stop and remember this: No matter who is against us, God is for us. Next time you feel like panicking, besieged by an army of troubles, cry out to the Lord of Hosts for His help. Ask Him to open your eyes by faith to see the way He is already working on your behalf. Always remember the words of Elisha: "Those who are with us are more than those who are with them."

Be encouraged by these verses:

Psalm 46:6-7 - The heathen raged, the kingdoms were moved: he uttered his voice, the earth melted. The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge.

Psalm 84:12 - O LORD of hosts, blessed is the man that trusteth in thee.

Zechariah 1:3 - Therefore say thou unto them, Thus saith the LORD of hosts; Turn ye unto me, saith the LORD of hosts, and I will turn unto you, saith the LORD of hosts.

Psalm 46:10-11 - Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth. The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge.