Celebrating The Names Of God SUmmer Series— Jehovah Sabaoth

The Lord of Hosts

Have you ever thought about your name? Your parents, grandparents, children, or grandchildren’s names? “Your name is [Insert your name here]. But you may be called [Insert nickname or shortened name here]. Your mom calls you [?]. Your friends call you [?]. You’re called by many names but still the same person.”

“The different names indicate a special relationship. It means what we have is unique, and it’s a mark of a friendship or relationship.”

Have you ever wondered why God has so many different names and what they all mean? Join me this summer, and let’s take a look at a few of God’s names and the beauty behind what they mean…

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Jehovah Sabaoth

The phrase “Lord of Hosts” is a title of God that is used frequently in the Old Testament. However, for some people, the meaning of this title has been lost over time. In modern language, the phrase “Lord of Hosts” can be translated to mean “Lord of Heaven’s Armies.” This translation captures the essence of the title, which is that God is the commander of the heavenly armies.

It was this name that David used when he approached Goliath in 1 Samuel 17:45. 

David retorted to the Philistine, “You may have your sword, spear, and javelin, but I have the backing of the LORD of Heaven’s Armies – the God of Israel’s armies, whom you have dared to challenge.”

The most fascinating thing about this verse is how David, a young shepherd boy, approached Goliath, one of the fiercest warriors of his time. Unlike the other Israelites, who were terrified of Goliath, David did not tremble or fall on his face in fear. Instead, he approached Goliath with confidence and courage, knowing that God was with him.

Instead of being afraid, David invoked the name of God. He knew that when we bring the name of God into a conversation, it changes radically. So, he did just that.

David did not come into battle with his own strength, wisdom, or armor. He was a shepherd boy, and he was not trained in the ways of war. He was completely unprepared for battle, according to the human eye.

David did not see himself as a warrior fighting for his own glory. He recognized that the battle belonged to the Lord of Hosts, the God of Heaven’s Armies. David was simply an instrument of God’s will, and he was confident that God would deliver him.

Before the battle is even won, David proclaims victory in the name of His God, “And everyone assembled here will know that the LORD rescues his people, but not with sword and spear. This is the LORD’s battle, and he will give you to us!” (1 Samuel 17:47, NLT).

Calling God the Lord of Hosts is a statement of ultimate trust. It is a declaration that we know who will win the war because God is the commander of the heavenly armies. It displays our faith in the only true Victor who conquered death itself.

No matter what battle you face today, whether physical, emotional, mental, or financial, you can find peace in knowing that God is the Lord of Hosts. He reigns supreme over all things both in this world and the unseen realm. He has the power to defeat any enemy, and he will never abandon you.

God has not forgotten us. He has not abandoned us. He is still on the throne, and he is still fighting for us. He is not deaf to our cries, and he will not leave us to fend for ourselves.

God’s intervention is most evident during the Israelites’ crossing of the Red Sea. They were confronted with the trauma of their past and the unknowns of their future, but God intervened and provided a way forward.

Often, we think that we are the ones who have to do all the work to win a battle. But God often asks us to simply show up and proclaim his name. He does not need our puny efforts or pitiful stones. All he asks is our faith and reliance. He will do the rest. He will fight our enemies. He will win the battle on our behalf.

~ We’ve come to the end of our Celebrating The Names Of God Summer Series ~

Final Thoughts

The Intimacy of a Name

Names are powerful things. They can indicate a special relationship. Just like you might call your spouse “sweetie” or your beloved child “baby girl,” you are signifying the importance of your relationship when you call God by a special name.

The name of God can be a rallying point in the middle of a difficult season. When we are facing challenges, we can call on God by his special names, such as “Provider,” “Strength,” or “Defender.” These names remind us of God’s character and power, giving us hope and strength to persevere.

God is always exactly what you need. You can rely on Him to show you who He is.

Linking up this month with these AMAZING Blog Hop/Link-Up party hosts

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