Topical Bible: Protection: Not to be Found in Hosts

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In the biblical context, the concept of protection is often associated with divine intervention rather than reliance on human strength or military might. The Scriptures consistently emphasize that true security and safety come from God, not from the size or strength of one's army or the number of allies.

One of the clearest illustrations of this principle is found in the account of Gideon. In Judges 7, God reduces Gideon's army from 32,000 men to just 300 before they face the Midianites. This drastic reduction was to ensure that Israel would recognize that their victory was due to God's power, not their own military strength. Judges 7:2 states, "The LORD said to Gideon, 'You have too many men for Me to deliver Midian into their hands. Israel might boast against Me, saying, ‘My own hand has saved me.’"

Similarly, in 1 Samuel 17, the young shepherd David confronts the giant Goliath not with armor or a sword, but with faith in God. David declares in 1 Samuel 17:45 , "David said to the Philistine, '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.'" David's victory over Goliath underscores the biblical theme that protection and deliverance come from God, not from human weaponry or numbers.

The Psalms frequently echo this sentiment, portraying God as the ultimate protector. Psalm 20:7 declares, "Some trust in chariots and others in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God." This verse highlights the futility of relying on military power for protection, urging believers to place their trust in God instead.

In the prophetic books, the theme continues. Isaiah 31:1 warns, "Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help, who rely on horses, who trust in the abundance of chariots and in the multitude of horsemen. They do not look to the Holy One of Israel; they do not seek the LORD." This passage criticizes those who seek security through alliances and military strength rather than turning to God for protection.

The New Testament also reflects this understanding. In Matthew 26:53 , Jesus, during His arrest, tells Peter, "Do you not think that I can call on My Father, and He will at once put at My disposal more than twelve legions of angels?" Here, Jesus acknowledges the availability of divine protection but chooses to fulfill His mission through submission to God's will.

Throughout Scripture, the consistent message is that protection is not to be found in hosts, armies, or human alliances, but in the sovereign power and providence of God. Believers are encouraged to seek refuge in Him, trusting that He is their shield and fortress.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Joshua 11:4-8
And they went out, they and all their hosts with them, much people, even as the sand that is on the sea shore in multitude, with horses and chariots very many.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 33:16
There is no king saved by the multitude of an host: a mighty man is not delivered by much strength.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Lord of Hosts, the God of Jacob
... The realities of a divine protection, of a divine supply ... He does not spare His rod
for His child's crying ... you also the meaning which Jesus Christ found in this ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture j/the lord of hosts the.htm

The Encamping Angel
... let him be troubled and put in peril he has found; that He will not let him ... The
protection which we have is protection in, and not protection from, strife ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture j/the encamping angel.htm

Divine Destruction and Protection
... Divine Destruction and Protection. A Sermon (No.3494). Published on Thursday, January
13th, 1916. ... that we all may be found among the humble"not the haughty ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 62 1916/divine destruction and protection.htm

Letter xxii. St. Ambrose in a Letter to his Sister Gives an ...
... And I wish for their protection for those very persons who ... slight lead of shame;
we had patrons and knew it not. We have found this one thing, in which we seem ...
/.../ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/letter xxii st ambrose in.htm

Three Pictures of one Reality
... that God is true in this matter, and that we have found that His ... was: 'Thou shalt
not tempt the Lord thy God.' You will not get God's protection in ways of ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture h/three pictures of one reality.htm

How God Makes Trial of the Strength of Man's Will by Means of his ...
... his own strength, but solely with the protection of God's ... could by an equitable judgment
be found in either ... not yet strengthened, as they could not yet resist ...
/.../cassian/the conferences of john cassian/chapter xiv how god makes.htm

The Destruction of Jerusalem.
... But Israel had spurned the divine protection, and now she had no ... "Titus found it
impossible ... filled them with wonder; and as the flames had not yet penetrated ...
/.../1 the destruction of jerusalem.htm

The Destruction of Jerusalem
... But Israel had spurned the divine protection, and now she had no ... "Titus found it
impossible ... filled them with wonder; and as the flames had not yet penetrated ...
/.../white/the great controversy/chapter 1 the destruction of.htm

Epistles to the Seven Churches.
... about to die: for I have not found thy works ... Christians, and to seek instruction
and protection from them ... reason to suppose that it was not literally fulfilled. ...
/.../bliss/a brief commentary on the apocalypse/epistles to the seven churches.htm

Psalm XLVI.
... Presuming too much upon his own protection. ... and strength, a Helper in tribulations
which have found us out ... or in another Psalm, "For I will not trust in my bow ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm xlvi.htm