Topical Bible: Armies: Called The: Hosts

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In the biblical context, the term "hosts" is frequently used to describe armies, both celestial and terrestrial. This term underscores the organized and powerful nature of these forces, often highlighting their role in executing divine will or engaging in significant battles.

Divine Hosts

The concept of "hosts" is prominently associated with the heavenly armies led by God Himself. The title "LORD of Hosts" (YHWH Sabaoth) is a recurring designation for God, emphasizing His supreme command over the celestial armies. This title is found throughout the Old Testament, illustrating God's sovereignty and might. For instance, in 1 Samuel 1:3, it is written, "Year after year this man would go up from his city to worship and sacrifice to the LORD of Hosts at Shiloh." Here, the term "LORD of Hosts" signifies God's authority over all spiritual and earthly realms.

The heavenly hosts are depicted as angelic beings who serve God and carry out His commands. In Psalm 103:20-21, the psalmist declares, "Bless the LORD, all His angels mighty in strength, who carry out His word, who hearken to the voice of His command. Bless the LORD, all His hosts, you servants who do His will." This passage highlights the obedience and power of the heavenly hosts as they fulfill God's purposes.

Earthly Hosts

In addition to the celestial hosts, the term is also applied to human armies, particularly those of Israel. The organization and mobilization of these armies are often described using the language of "hosts." For example, in Exodus 12:41, the departure of the Israelites from Egypt is described: "At the end of the 430 years, to the very day, all the LORD’s divisions went out of the land of Egypt." Here, the term "divisions" is synonymous with "hosts," indicating the structured and collective movement of the people as an army.

The earthly hosts of Israel were often seen as instruments of divine judgment or deliverance. In 1 Samuel 17:45, David confronts Goliath with the declaration, "You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the LORD of Hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied." This statement reflects the belief that the earthly hosts of Israel were under the command and protection of the LORD of Hosts.

Prophetic and Eschatological Hosts

The prophetic literature of the Bible frequently envisions the hosts of heaven playing a crucial role in eschatological events. In the book of Isaiah, the LORD of Hosts is depicted as a divine warrior who will execute judgment upon the nations. Isaiah 13:4 states, "Listen, a tumult on the mountains, like that of a great multitude! Listen, an uproar among the kingdoms, like nations gathered together! The LORD of Hosts is mustering an army for war."

The book of Revelation also portrays the hosts of heaven in the final cosmic battle between good and evil. Revelation 19:14 describes the armies of heaven following Christ: "The armies of heaven, dressed in fine linen, white and pure, follow Him on white horses." This imagery underscores the ultimate victory of divine forces over the powers of darkness.

In summary, the term "hosts" in the Bible encompasses both the celestial armies led by God and the organized human armies, particularly those of Israel. Whether in the context of divine worship, earthly battles, or eschatological visions, the hosts serve as a testament to God's power, authority, and ultimate plan for His creation.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Joshua 10:5
Therefore the five kings of the Amorites, the king of Jerusalem, the king of Hebron, the king of Jarmuth, the king of Lachish, the king of Eglon, gathered themselves together, and went up, they and all their hosts, and encamped before Gibeon, and made war against it.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Judges 8:10
Now Zebah and Zalmunna were in Karkor, and their hosts with them, about fifteen thousand men, all that were left of all the hosts of the children of the east: for there fell an hundred and twenty thousand men that drew sword.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Lord of Hosts, the God of Jacob
... are lavished upon the individual, even though the armies of the ... in flame upon his
heart, 'The Lord of hosts is with ... Thy name shall no more be called Jacob, but ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture j/the lord of hosts the.htm

The Call of Isaiah
... when Isaiah, of the royal line, was called, while yet ... invasion of Judah by the combined
armies of northern ... he was to behold the Assyrian hosts encamped before ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 25 the call of.htm

The Power of a Pebble.
... is this Philistine that he should defy the armies of the ... to come down and see the
battle, and called him naughty ... thee in the name of the Lord of Hosts, the God ...
/.../lathbury/childs story of the bible/chapter xx the power of.htm

Hymns for the Use of the People Called Methodists
... You know the literary artifice called by the grammarians chiasmus'. ... What though
a thousand hosts engage,. ... And drive the alien armies back; ...
/.../manning/the hymns of wesley and watts five papers/hymns for the use of.htm

The Final Conflict.
... and they are to be gathered "into a place called in the ... governments cease when taken
by the Lamb and his armies. ... burn them up, saith the Lord of hosts, that it ...
/.../bliss/a brief commentary on the apocalypse/the final conflict.htm

David.
... this Philistine, that he should defy the armies of the ... against thee trusting in the
Lord of Hosts, the God ... was buried at Jerusalem, which was called "The City ...
//christianbookshelf.org/anonymous/wee ones bible stories/david.htm

The Return of Christ to the Earth Itself.
... Sea, where Hehovah destroyed Pharaoh, and his hosts, Israel sang ... from 2:Thess.1:7.
That the "armies" are not ... that are "with Him" are styled "called and chosen ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the redeemers return/7 the return of christ.htm

As Celsus, However, is of Opinion that it Matters Nothing Whether ...
... for if we translate the term into "Lord of hosts," or "Lord of armies," or "Almighty ...
matter of indifference whether the highest being be called Jupiter, or ...
/.../origen/origen against celsus/chapter xlv as celsus however.htm

Proof that the virgin Mother of God was not Only Christotocos but ...
... which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son ... in a word to create all the armies
of heaven ... countless thousands of thousands of the Divine hosts ("For He ...
/.../cassian/the seven books of john cassian /chapter ii proof that the.htm

David the Shepherd Youth.
... whenever his sickness came upon the king he called for the ... is this Philistine, that
he should defy the armies of the ... in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God ...
/.../anonymous/children of the old testament/david the shepherd youth.htm