Topical Bible: Armies: Multitudes of Angels

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In the biblical narrative, the concept of armies often extends beyond human military forces to include the celestial hosts, or multitudes of angels, who serve as the divine army of God. These heavenly beings are depicted as powerful, organized, and numerous, executing the will of God and engaging in spiritual warfare on behalf of His people.

Heavenly Hosts as God's Army

The Bible frequently refers to angels as the "hosts" of heaven, indicating their role as a divine army. In 1 Kings 22:19, the prophet Micaiah describes a vision of the LORD sitting on His throne, with "all the host of heaven standing by Him on His right and on His left." This imagery underscores the organized and hierarchical nature of the angelic forces.

Angelic Intervention in Human Affairs

Throughout Scripture, angels are depicted as intervening in human affairs, often in military contexts. In 2 Kings 6:17, the prophet Elisha prays for his servant's eyes to be opened, revealing "the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha." This vision of angelic forces provides reassurance of divine protection against earthly threats.

The Commander of the LORD's Army

In Joshua 5:13-15, Joshua encounters a mysterious figure identified as the "Commander of the army of the LORD." This encounter emphasizes the presence of a divine military leader who commands the heavenly hosts. The figure instructs Joshua to remove his sandals, indicating the holy nature of the encounter and the authority of the divine army.

Angels in Spiritual Warfare

The New Testament also highlights the role of angels in spiritual warfare. In Revelation 12:7, a war breaks out in heaven, with Michael and his angels fighting against the dragon. This passage illustrates the ongoing cosmic battle between the forces of good and evil, with angels actively participating in the struggle.

Protection and Deliverance

Angelic armies are often associated with protection and deliverance. Psalm 34:7 states, "The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear Him, and he delivers them." This verse reassures believers of the protective presence of angelic forces, acting as a shield against spiritual and physical dangers.

Worship and Service

In addition to their military functions, angels are depicted as worshipers and servants of God. Hebrews 1:14 describes angels as "ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation." This dual role highlights their dedication to both divine worship and the service of God's people.

The Multitude of Angels

The sheer number of angels is emphasized in passages such as Revelation 5:11, where John describes hearing "the voice of many angels, numbering thousands upon thousands, and ten thousand times ten thousand." This innumerable host signifies the vastness and might of God's heavenly army.

Conclusion

The biblical portrayal of angels as a divine army underscores their role in executing God's will, engaging in spiritual warfare, and providing protection and deliverance for His people. These celestial beings, organized and powerful, serve as a testament to the sovereignty and majesty of God, who commands the hosts of heaven.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Kings 22:19
And he said, Hear you therefore the word of the LORD: I saw the LORD sitting on his throne, and all the host of heaven standing by him on his right hand and on his left.
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Psalm 148:2
Praise you him, all his angels: praise you him, all his hosts.
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Daniel 4:35
And all the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing: and he does according to his will in the army of heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth: and none can stay his hand, or say to him, What do you?
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Matthew 26:53
Think you that I cannot now pray to my Father, and he shall presently give me more than twelve legions of angels?
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Library

The Whole Number of Spiritual Sheep; Man a Second Choir, after the ...
... who tends in order and numbers the multitudes of the ... to the shouts of the melodious
angels which came ... a human) life, leaving the ranks and the armies of angels ...
/.../chapter vi the whole number of.htm

The Oration. To-Day is the Festival of Our Great Emperor: and we ...
... heavenly hosts; his armies the supernal powers, who own allegiance to him as their
Master, Lord, and King. The countless multitudes of angels, the companies of ...
/.../pamphilius/the life of constantine/chapter i the oration to-day is.htm

The Chorus of Angels
... therefore distinctly ascribed to Him, by the angels, in the ... does what He pleases
in the armies of heaven ... are invited to receive freely, and multitudes from age ...
//christianbookshelf.org/newton/messiah vol 2/sermon xlix the chorus of.htm

The Controversy Ended.
... of warriors, leads the van, and his angels unite their ... are in his train, and the
multitudes follow in ... of the New Jerusalem are closed, and the armies of Satan ...
/.../the great controversy between christ and satan /42 the controversy ended.htm

The Controversy Ended
... of warriors, leads the van, and his angels unite their ... are in his train, and the
multitudes follow in ... of the New Jerusalem are closed, and the armies of Satan ...
/.../white/the great controversy/chapter 42 the controversy ended.htm

The General Service to a Monk.
... mentioned by name), hast pierced the armies of the ... Having gathered multitudes of
monks, thou hast with thine ... choirs of the religious, both truly angels and men ...
/.../anonymous/the general menaion/chapter xii the general service.htm

An Advance Step in the Royal Programme
... at the joyous marriage supper, and the armies following the ... the blood of the
Lamb.[90] These multitudes have been ... bit of picture talk.[91] The angels are never ...
/.../quiet talks on the crowned christ of revelation/v an advance step in the.htm

"Thy King Cometh"
... In imagination they saw the Roman armies driven from ... From the multitudes gathered
to attend the Passover ... have appeared escorted by heavenly angels, and heralded ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 63 thy king cometh.htm

"What Doest Thou Here?"
... of science above the truths of revelation, multitudes today are ... We should see angels
flying quickly to the aid ... The battles waging between the two armies are as ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 13 what doest thou.htm

Of the Religion of Mahomet.
... in battle of invisible hosts of angels, to deserve ... We admit that multitudes acknowledged
the pretensions of Mahomet ... honours, to the command of armies, and the ...
/.../paley/evidences of christianity/section iii of the religion.htm