Topical Bible: The Armies of Israel: Called: The Host

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Topical Encyclopedia

The term "host" in the context of the armies of Israel refers to the organized military forces of the nation, often depicted as divinely guided and empowered. The concept of the "host" underscores the belief that Israel's military endeavors were not merely human efforts but were under the sovereign direction of God.

Biblical References:

1. Divine Appointment and Organization:
The armies of Israel were often referred to as "the host" to emphasize their divine appointment and organization. In Exodus 12:41 , it is recorded, "At the end of the 430 years, to the very day, all the LORD’s divisions left Egypt." Here, the term "divisions" is synonymous with "hosts," indicating the structured and divinely orchestrated nature of the people as they departed from Egypt.

2. Leadership and Command:
The leadership of the host was typically under the command of a divinely chosen leader. Joshua, for instance, was appointed to lead the host of Israel into the Promised Land. Joshua 5:14 states, "Neither," He replied. "I have now come as commander of the LORD’s army." This passage highlights the belief that the true commander of Israel's host was the LORD Himself, with human leaders serving under His authority.

3. Divine Protection and Victory:
The host of Israel was often assured of divine protection and victory in battle. In 1 Samuel 17:45 , David declares to Goliath, "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 conviction that the host of Israel was backed by the power of God, ensuring triumph over their enemies.

4. Symbol of God's Presence:
The host of Israel also symbolized God's presence among His people. In 2 Samuel 6:2 , it is written, "And David and all his men set out for Baale of Judah to bring up from there the ark of God, which is called by the Name, the name of the LORD of Hosts who is enthroned between the cherubim on the ark." The association of the host with the Ark of the Covenant underscores the belief that God's presence was integral to the identity and success of Israel's armies.

5. Heavenly Host:
The concept of the host extends beyond the earthly armies to include the heavenly host, which is often depicted as participating in the battles of Israel. In 2 Kings 6:17 , Elisha prays, "O LORD, please open his eyes that he may see." And the LORD opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw that the hills were full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha." This vision reveals the heavenly host, reinforcing the idea that Israel's battles were supported by divine forces.

Theological Significance:

The designation of Israel's armies as "the host" carries profound theological significance. It reflects the belief in God's sovereignty over the nation and His active involvement in their military affairs. The host is not merely a collection of soldiers but a divinely ordained instrument through which God accomplishes His purposes. This understanding instills confidence in the people of Israel, assuring them that their battles are fought not by human strength alone but by the power of the LORD of Hosts.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Deuteronomy 23:9
When the host goes forth against your enemies, then keep you from every wicked thing.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Samuel 28:19
Moreover the LORD will also deliver Israel with you into the hand of the Philistines: and to morrow shall you and your sons be with me: the LORD also shall deliver the host of Israel into the hand of the Philistines.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Encamping Angel
... when Abraham 'took the knife to slay his son,' the voice that 'called to him ... of the
armies of heaven, and the true Leader of the armies of Israel; and His ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture j/the encamping angel.htm

David the Shepherd Youth.
... daily before him; and whenever his sickness came upon the king he called for the ...
the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom thou ...
/.../anonymous/children of the old testament/david the shepherd youth.htm

The Story of David, the Shepherd Boy
... He came every day and called out across the little valley: ... and a dart; but I come
to you in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel. ...
/.../marshall/the wonder book of bible stories/the story of david the.htm

Naaman
... Ben-hadad, king of Syria, had defeated the armies of Israel ... the purpose for which
God had chosen Israel as His ... to heathen lands; but all are alike called to be ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 20 naaman.htm

The Lord of Hosts, the God of Jacob
... tenderness of the God-heart, are lavished upon the individual, even though the armies
of the ... 'Thy name shall no more be called Jacob, but Israel; for as a ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture j/the lord of hosts the.htm

The Census of Israel
... in their armies to fight giant races, and armies versed in ... to stand before the Lord
God of Israel to testify ... in their veins, who shall be called by sovereign ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 37 1891/the census of israel.htm

A Battle Without a Sword
... reliance on the Jehovah revealed by His acts to Israel. ... us not count heads when we
are called on to ... Huge mobs of undisciplined men, as Eastern armies are, and ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/a battle without a sword.htm

Israel at the Red Sea
... the sea, how is it that I hear the armies of my ... by thee, even as Moses did for the
children of Israel. ... of God; but you would not like to be called the children ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 2 1856/israel at the red sea.htm

Following the Cloud.
... at first through a country without cities or armies, where they ... A company of the
Elders of Israel went up and ... glory of God afar off, but God called Moses up ...
/.../lathbury/childs story of the bible/chapter xii following the cloud.htm

Jehovah Nissi
... women, to reckon ourselves as anointed and called for the ... wind; but the banner of
old-world armies was a ... when he lifted it, victory came to Israel; and when it ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/jehovah nissi.htm