Wednesday, March 19, 2025

Tonight’s Study – Session 9: Jehovah Tsebaoth – The Lord of Hosts

Introduction: As Christians, we are reminded that we are not alone. God promises to be with us always, even in our darkest moments. Jehovah Tsebaoth or Jehovah Sabaoth, which means the Lord of Hosts, is one of the many names of God that reminds us of His strength, power, and protection over our lives. In this Bible study, we will delve deeper into who Jehovah Tsebaoth is, and how we can rely on Him as our defender and protector in all circumstances.

The first usage of Jehovah Tsebaoth is found in 1 Samuel 17:45.

Key Scripture Passage Where Jehovah Tsebaoth is Found

So Saul clothed David with his armor, and he put a bronze helmet on his head; he also clothed him with a coat of mail. David fastened his sword to his armor and tried to walk, for he had not tested them. And David said to Saul, “I cannot walk with these, for I have not tested them.” So David took them off. Then he took his staff in his hand; and he chose for himself five smooth stones from the brook, and put them in a shepherd’s bag, in a pouch which he had, and his sling was in his hand. And he drew near to the Philistine.

So, the Philistine came, and began drawing near to David, and the man who bore the shield went before him. And when the Philistine looked about and saw David, he disdained him; for he was only a youth, ruddy and good-looking. So the Philistine said to David, “Am I a dog, that you come to me with sticks?” And the Philistine cursed David by his gods. And the Philistine said to David, “Come to me, and I will give your flesh to the birds of the air and the beasts of the field!” Then David said to the Philistine, “You come to me with a sword, with a spear, and with a 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 day the Lord will deliver you into my hand, and I will strike you and take your head from you. And this day I will give the carcasses of the camp of the Philistines to the birds of the air and the wild beasts of the earth, that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel. Then all this assembly shall know that the Lord does not save with sword and spear; for the battle is the Lord’s, and He will give you into our hands.” So it was, when the Philistine arose and came and drew near to meet David, that David hurried and ran toward the army to meet the Philistine. Then David put his hand in his bag and took out a stone; and he slung it and struck the Philistine in his forehead, so that the stone sank into his forehead, and he fell on his face to the earth. So David prevailed over the Philistine with a sling and a stone, and struck the Philistine and killed him. But there was no sword in the hand of David. Therefore David ran and stood over the Philistine, took his sword and drew it out of its sheath and killed him, and cut off his head with it. And when the Philistines saw that their champion was dead, they fled. Now the men of Israel and Judah arose and shouted, and pursued the Philistines as far as the entrance of the valley and to the gates of Ekron. And the wounded of the Philistines fell along the road to Shaaraim, even as far as Gath and Ekron. Then the children of Israel returned from chasing the Philistines, and they plundered their tents. And David took the head of the Philistine and brought it to Jerusalem, but he put his armor in his tent. (1 Samuel 17:38-54)

Jehovah Tsebaoth is mentioned over 260 times in the Old Testament and is often translated as “Lord of Hosts.” The word “Hosts” refers to both the heavenly armies of angels and the earthly armies of Israel. God is described as the commander of these hosts, and it is a reminder that He is sovereign, which means He is in total control of everything. When we face dark times, we can take comfort that God is in charge, and nothing happens without His knowledge or permission.

Jehovah Tsebaoth – The Lord Of Hosts is a powerful warrior who defends His people. In 1 Samuel 17, we see David fighting Goliath, and his confidence comes from knowing that Jehovah Tsebaoth will fight on his behalf. God is the one who ultimately fought Goliath and defeated him.

A Couple of Reminders from the Psalms

Who is this King of glory? The Lord of hosts, He is the King of glory. (Psalm 24:10)

The Lord of hosts is with us; The God of Jacob is our refuge. (Psalm 46:7)

These Scriptures remind us that no matter what we face, we can trust that God is with us, and He will defend us.

  A New Testament Promise

 “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” So we may boldly say: “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?” (Hebrews 13:5b-6)

Jehovah Tsebaoth – The Lord Of Hosts is not just a defender, but also a protector. In Psalm 91:1-2, we are reminded that “He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress; My God, in Him I will trust.” God promises to be a refuge and fortress for us, a safe haven in times of trouble. We can always turn to Him for protection and find rest in His presence.

Jehovah Tsebaoth – The Lord Of Hosts is also a reminder that we are called to fight against our enemies, not alone but with God on our side. The book of Ephesians tells us  how we are to do this.

Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. (Ephesians 6:10-13)

We are encouraged to put on the whole armor of God and fight against the spiritual forces of darkness. We are reminded that we do not wrestle against flesh and blood but against spiritual forces. Jehovah Tsebaoth is our commander in this fight, and we can trust that He will equip us with everything we need to fight the good fight.

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.” (2 Timothy 4:7-8)

Jesus is Jehovah Tsebaoth – The Lord Of Hosts. In Acts 7, when Stephen looked up to heaven as he was being stoned to death, he saw Jesus on the right hand of God, not seated, but standing. Jesus’ standing is indicative of His command over heaven, earth, and the angels, because in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily (Colossians 2:9). Let us take comfort in knowing that Jehovah Tsebaoth is not just a name but a promise, a promise that Jesus will always be with us, fighting for us, and protecting us.

Jesus’ Promise to Protect and Keep Those He Loves

While I was with them in the world, I kept them in Your name. Those whom You gave Me I have kept; and none of them is lost except the son of perdition, that the Scripture might be fulfilled.

(John 17:12)

Conclusion: Jehovah Tsebaoth is a name that reminds us of the promise of God’s protection and presence in our lives. He is our defender and protector, who fights on our behalf and gives us the strength to face our enemies. As Christians, we can draw near to God and trust that He will draw near to us (James 4:8), always ready to defend and protect us. Let us take comfort in the fact that we are not alone but have God who is in total control and always with us.

Next Week, Session 10: Jehovah Tsuri – The Lord Is My Rock