STAND FIRM: HE IS WHO HE SAYS HE IS! JEHOVAH SABAOTH.

As we conclude our series on the names of God found in the Bible, we’ve already encountered so much about His character and nature. We've reflected on YHWH, the holy and ‘unspeakable’ name that identifies God as the one true Creator and Lord. We’ve explored His various titles that reveal His intimate roles in our lives—Yahweh Raah, the Lord my Shepherd; Jehovah Nissi, the Lord my Banner; Jehovah Mekoddishkem, the Lord who Sanctifies; Jehovah Shammah, the Lord is There; Jehovah Shalom, the Lord of Peace; Jehovah Jireh, the Lord will Provide; and Jehovah Rapha, the Lord that Heals.

What an incredible God we serve!

Yet, there’s still more to uncover. Today, we’re looking at one more name of God: Jehovah Sabaoth—the Lord of Hosts or the Lord of Armies. You might not recognize this name right away, but it’s actually used around 280 times in the Old Testament. In some translations, like the NIV, it appears as "the Almighty," but the Hebrew term literally means the Lord of Hosts or Armies. It highlights His power, might, authority, and sovereignty over every army, both spiritual and earthly. The Lord of Hosts is the King of all heaven and earth, a mighty warrior with supreme authority over all creation.

The Power of Jehovah Sabaoth

The first time we see Jehovah Sabaoth is in the story of Hannah in 1 Samuel 1. Hannah, a woman deeply distressed and unable to bear children, is tormented by her inability to fulfill the cultural expectation of motherhood. She is described as being without hope, barren, and facing constant ridicule. Yet, in her desperation, she doesn’t turn away from God—she calls on Him in the most powerful way she knows how. She invokes the name of Jehovah Sabaoth, the Lord of Hosts:

“Hannah was greatly distressed, and she prayed to the Lord and wept in anguish. She made a vow, saying, ‘O Lord of hosts, if You will indeed look on the affliction of Your maidservant and remember, and not forget Your maidservant, but will give Your maidservant a son, then I will give him to the Lord all the days of his life; no razor shall ever touch his head’” (1 Samuel 1:10-11).

Hannah’s prayer is bold. She calls on the Lord of Hosts, the God of all power and sovereignty, to intervene in her situation—and He does. God answers her prayer and blesses her with a son, Samuel, who would later become a great prophet of Israel.

Hannah’s story reminds us of the incredible power of Jehovah Sabaoth. She recognized that when we are faced with hopelessness, we can call on the Lord of Hosts. He is able to handle every battle and fight on our behalf. What situation are you facing today that only Jehovah Sabaoth can fix?

Confidence in the Lord of Hosts

Throughout the Bible, the Lord of Hosts is called upon in times of desperate need. David also called on Jehovah Sabaoth when he faced Goliath. In 1 Samuel 17:45, David declares, “You come to me with sword and spear and javelin; but I come to you in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. This very day the Lord will deliver you into my hand…”

David’s confidence wasn’t in his own strength but in the Lord of Hosts. He knew that with Jehovah Sabaoth on his side, victory was certain. David’s boldness and faith were grounded in the understanding that God is all-powerful and fights on behalf of His people.

While David's battle involved a literal giant, many of us face figurative giants in our lives—difficulties, fears, and challenges that seem insurmountable. But like David, we can confidently call on the Lord of Hosts, knowing that no power, force, or enemy is greater than our God.

Jehovah Sabaoth and Our Redeemer

Isaiah reveals another dimension of Jehovah Sabaoth’s identity: He is not just the commander of heaven’s armies; He is also our Redeemer. “Our Redeemer, the Lord of hosts is His name, the Holy One of Israel” (Isaiah 47:4).

In the New Testament, we see this role fulfilled in Jesus Christ. He is Jehovah Sabaoth, the Lord of Hosts, who came to earth to redeem humanity. Throughout His ministry, Jesus demonstrated His authority over both spiritual and physical forces. He freed people from demon possession, raised the dead, healed diseases, and even commanded the wind and the waves to obey Him.

Jesus’ ultimate act of power came through the cross. He told His disciples, “Be of good cheer, I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). And before ascending to heaven, He declared, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth” (Matthew 28:18). By His death and resurrection, Jesus defeated sin, death, and the powers of darkness. Philippians 2:10-11 affirms that at the name of Jesus, every knee will bow, and every tongue will confess that He is Lord.

This is the Lord of Hosts—Jesus Christ, our Redeemer. He has conquered every enemy and holds all authority in His hands.

Conclusion: Our Confidence in the Lord of Hosts

So, what does Jehovah Sabaoth mean for us today? It means that we serve a God who is all-powerful, sovereign, and able to intervene in our most desperate situations. Whether we face spiritual battles, physical struggles, or emotional turmoil, we can call on the Lord of Hosts to fight on our behalf.

As we reflect on who Jehovah Sabaoth is, let’s hold on to the divine confidence that comes from knowing that we have the King of Heaven’s Armies fighting for us. As Psalm 24 declares, “Who is this King of glory? The Lord of hosts, He is the King of glory!”

Let’s trust in His power and authority as we face the battles before us.

Application Questions:

1. What is one challenge you’re currently facing that seems too big for you to handle? How can calling on Jehovah Sabaoth change your perspective?
2. In what areas of your life have you been trying to fight battles in your own strength? How can you rely on God’s power instead?
3. How does the understanding of Jesus as the Lord of Hosts and Redeemer deepen your faith in His ability to handle all situations in your life?
4. What practical steps can you take this week to surrender your battles to God and trust in His authority over them?
5. How can you remind yourself daily of the truth that Jehovah Sabaoth is fighting for you, even in the unseen spiritual realm?

Tim Funnell