THE HEAVENLY HOST
The Heavenly host, found throughout the Hebrew and Christian Bibles, represents a celestial army under the command of Yahweh, comprising primarily of angels.
Praise him, all his angels; praise him, all his heavenly hosts. ( Psalms 148: 2 )
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Etymology
Hebrew Bible:
In the Hebrew Bible, the name Yahweh and the title Elohim (literally ‘gods’, usually rendered as ‘God’ in English translations) frequently occur with the word tzevaot or sabaoth (“hosts” or “armies“, Hebrew: צבאות ) as YHWH Elohe Tzevaot (“YHWH God of Hosts”), Elohe Tzevaot (“God of Hosts”), Adonai YHWH Tzevaot (“Lord YHWH of Hosts”) or, most frequently, YHWH Tzevaot (“YHWH of Hosts”). This name is traditionally transliterated in Latin as Sabaoth, a form that will be more familiar to many English readers, as it is used in the King James Version of the Bible.
New Testament:
The Book of Revelation offers a vivid portrayal of the cosmic conflict between the forces of good and evil, where the heavenly host, led by Michael the Archangel, confronts and defeats Satan and his rebellious allies.
7 Then war broke out in heaven. Michael and his angels fought against the dragon, and the dragon and his angels fought back. 8 But he was not strong enough, and they lost their place in heaven. 9 The great dragon was hurled down—that ancient serpent called the devil, or Satan, who leads the whole world astray. He was hurled to the earth, and his angels with him. ( Revelation 12: 7– 9 )
The passage opens with the onset of war in heaven. Michael, identified as the archangel and leader of God’s angels, leads the charge against the dragon, who represents Satan, and his followers.
Despite the dragon and his angels putting up a fight, they are ultimately defeated by Michael and his angelic army. This decisive victory results in their expulsion from heaven, symbolizing the removal of evil from the divine realm. The defeated dragon, identified as the devil or Satan, is cast down to the earth along with his followers. This expulsion marks a significant turning point in the spiritual realm, setting the stage for subsequent events in Revelation’s apocalyptic narrative.
The Dynamic Role From The Scripture
The biblical evidence portrays the Heavenly host as a dynamic and organized assembly of celestial beings, primarily angels, with a specific purpose in the divine order. They are depicted as warriors, guardians, executors of judgment, and participants in cosmic battles, illustrating their crucial role in both spiritual warfare and the fulfillment of God’s divine purposes throughout scripture.
1. Angelic Encampment
In Genesis, Jacob encounters “the angels of God” ( אלוהים Elohim) and refers to them as a “camp” (מחנה machaneh).
32 Jacob also went on his way, and the angels of God met him. 2 When Jacob saw them, he said, “This is the camp of God!” So he named that place Mahanaim. ( Genesis 32: 1– 2 )
This term suggests an organized, military-like arrangement of heavenly beings, emphasizing their collective presence and purpose.
2. Guardian Angels
Psalms describes angels as having a protective role over believers:
“For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways. On their hands they will bear you up, lest you strike your foot against a stone.” ( Psalms 91: 11– 12 )
This implies a hierarchy and command structure among the heavenly host.
3. Angels as Reapers
In the New Testament, Jesus speaks of the angels as active agents in the final judgment:
“The Son of Man will send his angels, and they will gather out of his kingdom all causes of sin and all law-breakers.” ( Matthew 13: 41 )
This portrays angels not only as warriors but also as executors of divine justice.
4. Angelic Sealing
Revelation depicts angels carrying out specific tasks such as sealing God’s servants:
“Then I saw another angel ascending from the rising of the sun, with the seal of the living God, and he called with a loud voice to the four angels who had been given power to harm earth and sea.”
( Revelation 7: 2 )
This demonstrates their obedience to divine command and their role in cosmic governance.
5. Heavenly Host in Combat
Job refers to heavenly beings as warriors:
“His troops come on together; they have cast up their siege ramp against me and encamp around my tent.”
( Job 19: 12 )
This poetic imagery portrays them engaged in spiritual battles.
6. War in Heaven
In Revelation, a cosmic battle unfolds between Michael and his angels against the dragon (Satan) and his angels:
“Now war arose in heaven, Michael and his angels fighting against the dragon.” ( Revelation 12: 7 )
This epic conflict underscores the heavenly host’s role in combating evil forces.
7. Stars as Heavenly Host
In Judges and Isaiah, stars are metaphorically referred to as part of the heavenly host.
“From heaven the stars fought, from their courses they fought against Sisera” ( Judges 5: 20 )
“Lift up your eyes on high and see: who created these? He who brings out their host by number, calling them all by name” ( Isaiah 40: 26 )
This expands the concept of the heavenly host beyond angels to include celestial bodies.
The Divine Leader
In the Book of Joshua, we encounter a significant episode involving the “commander of the army of the Lord,” which provides a profound glimpse into the heavenly host and their interaction with humanity.
Joshua, the appointed leader of the Israelites, stands before Jericho, the first fortified city they must conquer to enter the Promised Land. This encounter occurs at a crucial moment, symbolizing the transition from wilderness wandering to the fulfillment of God’s covenant promise.
( Joshua 5: 13 – 15 )
Verse 13: “When Joshua was by Jericho, he lifted up his eyes and looked, and behold, a man was standing before him with his drawn sword in his hand. And Joshua went to him and said to him, ‘Are you for us, or for our adversaries?'”
Joshua approaches the man, recognizing him as someone significant due to the drawn sword. His question seeks to discern the allegiance of this imposing figure in the imminent battle.
Verse 14: “And he said, ‘No; but I am the commander of the army of the Lord. Now I have come.’ And Joshua fell on his face to the earth and worshiped and said to him, ‘What does my lord say to his servant?'”
The man declares himself as the commander of the army of the Lord, unequivocally stating his divine authority and purpose. Joshua responds with reverence, falling prostrate in worship, acknowledging the holy presence before him.
Verse 15: “And the commander of the Lord’s army said to Joshua, ‘Take off your sandals from your feet, for the place where you are standing is holy.’ And Joshua did so
.” The commander instructs Joshua to remove his sandals, reminiscent of God’s command to Moses at the burning bush.
5 “Do not come any closer,” God said. “Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy ground.” ( Exodus 3: 5 )
This gesture signifies the sacredness of the encounter and Joshua’s submission to the divine will.
Significance and Interpretation
This passage underscores several key theological themes:
- Divine Leadership :
The commander of the army of the Lord embodies divine authority and leadership over the heavenly host, symbolizing God’s presence and guidance in the Israelites’ conquest of Canaan.
- Holy Ground:
The command to remove sandals indicates the sanctity of the moment and the recognition of God’s presence. It parallels Moses’ encounter with God and signifies Joshua’s acknowledgment of the commander’s divine nature.
- Encouragement and Guidance:
The commander’s appearance serves to encourage Joshua and affirm God’s promise of victory. It reassures Joshua of God’s active participation in Israel’s military campaigns.
Star Worship and Josiah’s Reforms
In the ancient Near East, including Canaanite culture, the worship of celestial bodies, particularly stars, was prevalent. This practice stood in stark contrast to the commandments given to the Israelites by Yahweh, their God. Despite explicit prohibitions against idolatry, including star worship, throughout Israel’s history, adherence to these commandments fluctuated among the people and their kings. This article explores the biblical evidence concerning idolatrous practices involving stars and the significant reforms enacted by King Josiah to eradicate such worship.
Canaanite Influence and Idolatry
Canaanite religious practices often included the worship of various gods associated with celestial bodies, such as stars. These practices involved attributing divine authority and influence to these heavenly entities, contrary to the monotheistic worship prescribed by Yahweh to the Israelites.
“And beware lest you raise your eyes to heaven, and when you see the sun and the moon and the stars, all the host of heaven, you be drawn away and bow down to them and serve them, things that the Lord your God has allotted to all the peoples under the whole heaven.” ( Deuteronomy 4: 19 )
This passage explicitly warns against the worship of celestial bodies, emphasizing that such practices are forbidden by Yahweh. It underscores the Israelites’ unique calling to worship God alone, rejecting the idolatrous customs of surrounding nations.
“And has gone and served other gods and worshiped them, or the sun or the moon or any of the host of heaven, which I have forbidden,” ( Deuteronomy 17: 3 )
This verse reiterates the prohibition against worshiping the sun, moon, or stars, categorically condemning any form of idolatry that deviates from Yahweh’s exclusive worship.
King Manasseh’s Apostasy
“For he rebuilt the high places that his father Hezekiah had destroyed, and he erected altars for Baal and made an Asherah, as Ahab king of Israel had done, and worshiped all the host of heaven and served them.”
( 2 Kings 21: 3- 5 )
King Manasseh’s reign epitomizes the Israelites’ periodic departure from Yahweh’s commandments. His idolatrous practices, including the worship of the host of heaven, reflect a disregard for Yahweh’s covenant and a return to pagan rituals.
Josiah’s Reforms
In response to the idolatrous practices that had proliferated, King Josiah undertook comprehensive religious reforms. He purges the temple of Yahweh from all artifacts associated with idol worship, including those related to the host of heaven. This act symbolizes Josiah’s commitment to restoring Yahweh’s exclusive worship and removing any vestiges of idolatry from Judah.
“And the king commanded Hilkiah the high priest and the priests of the second order and the keepers of the threshold to bring out of the temple of the Lord all the vessels made for Baal, for Asherah, and for all the host of heaven. He burned them outside Jerusalem in the fields of the Kidron and carried their ashes to Bethel.”
( 2 Kings 23: 4 )
Stars as Jehovah’s Army
- In the Old Testament, the term “heavenly host” refers to the multitude of celestial beings, often portrayed as an assembly or army under God’s command. This includes stars, which are symbolically depicted as part of Jehovah’s vast celestial army. Here are key biblical references that highlight this theme:
“And he said, Hear thou 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.” ( 1 Kings 22: 19 )
This passage describes a vision of God surrounded by the heavenly host, indicating their role in His divine council.
“Thou, even thou, art Lord alone; thou hast made heaven, the heaven of heavens, with all their host, the earth, and all things that are therein, the seas, and all that is therein, and thou preservest them all; and the host of heaven worshippeth thee.” ( Nehemiah 9: 6 )
Here, the host of heaven is described as worshiping and acknowledging God as the creator and sustainer of all things.
“By the word of the Lord were the heavens made; and all the host of them by the breath of his mouth.”
( Psalm 33: 6 )
This verse attributes the creation of the heavens and their host—including stars—to God’s command, highlighting His supreme authority and power.
“And it waxed great, even to the host of heaven; and it cast down some of the host and of the stars to the ground, and stamped upon them.” ( Daniel 8: 10 )
In prophetic imagery, this verse portrays a destructive force affecting the heavenly host and stars, symbolizing spiritual conflict and divine judgment. These verses underscore the biblical symbolism of stars as part of Jehovah’s heavenly host, depicting them not only as celestial objects but also as entities fulfilling God’s purposes in the cosmic order. The concept of the heavenly host enriches our understanding of God’s sovereignty, His divine council, and His overarching plan for creation. It invites us to contemplate the majesty and order of God’s celestial realm, where stars and celestial beings play a significant role in glorifying and serving Him.
- In the Bible, various terms such as “heavenly army,” “army of heaven,” “army of the sky,” and similar phrases are used to describe God’s angels, highlighting their role as celestial beings who serve and worship God. These terms emphasize the heavenly host’s function in executing God’s will, offering protection, and glorifying Him. Here are key biblical references that support this concept:
“And when Jacob saw them, he said, This is God’s host: and he called the name of that place Mahanaim.”
( Genesis 32: 2 )
Jacob encounters angels and refers to them as God’s host or army, signifying their presence and protection.
“And he said, Nay; but as captain of the host of the Lord am I now come. And Joshua fell on his face to the earth, and did worship, and said unto him, What saith my lord unto his servant?” ( Joshua 5: 14 )
Joshua encounters the commander of the army of the Lord, likely an angelic figure representing God’s authority and guidance.
“And he said, Hear thou 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.” ( 1 Kings 22: 19 )
A vision of God’s heavenly council, depicting the host of heaven as attendant angels in His divine presence.
“Thou, even thou, art Lord alone; thou hast made heaven, the heaven of heavens, with all their host, the earth, and all things that are therein, the seas, and all that is therein, and thou preservest them all; and the host of heaven worshippeth thee.” ( Nehemiah 9: 6 )
Acknowledgment of the host of heaven worshiping and honoring God as the creator and sustainer of all.
“Is there any number of his armies? and upon whom doth not his light arise?” ( Job 25: 3 )
Job reflects on God’s countless armies, likely referring to His angelic host who executes His commands.
“By the word of the Lord were the heavens made; and all the host of them by the breath of his mouth.”
( Psalm 33: 6 )
God’s command creates the heavens and their host, including angels who fulfill His divine purposes.
An exhortation to praise God, including His angels and heavenly hosts.
“And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,”
( Luke 2: 13 )
Angels appear to shepherds, praising God as part of the heavenly host’s worship.
These biblical passages collectively affirm the imagery of angels as Jehovah’s army or heavenly hosts, depicting them as obedient servants who execute God’s will, protect His people, and glorify His name. This concept enriches our understanding of angelology and the celestial realm’s significance in biblical theology, inviting us to marvel at God’s divine order and the roles assigned to His heavenly beings.
- In the Bible, God is often referred to as “Jehovah of armies” or “Lord of hosts,” emphasizing His authority and sovereignty over all celestial beings, including angels. This title underscores His role as the supreme commander of a heavenly army that executes His will and protects His people.
“Then said David to the Philistine, Thou comest to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield: but I come to thee in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom thou hast defied.”
( 1 Samuel 17: 45 )
David declares his confidence in facing Goliath, invoking the name of Jehovah of armies, highlighting God’s power and authority over Israel’s armies.
“Who is this King of glory? The Lord of hosts, he is the King of glory. Selah.” ( Psalm 24: 10 )
This psalm praises God as the Lord of hosts, emphasizing His majesty and sovereignty.
“And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord of hosts: the whole earth is full of his glory.”
( Isaiah 6: 3 )
In Isaiah’s vision of God’s glory, seraphim declares God’s holiness as the Lord of hosts.
“Thou shewest lovingkindness unto thousands, and recompensest the iniquity of the fathers into the bosom of their children after them: the Great, the Mighty God, the Lord of hosts, is his name,”
( Jeremiah 32: 18 )
This verse attributes greatness and might to God, identifying Him as the Lord of hosts.
“For, lo, he that formeth the mountains, and createth the wind, and declareth unto man what is his thought, that maketh the morning darkness, and treadeth upon the high places of the earth, The Lord, The God of hosts, is his name.” ( Amos 4: 13 )
Here, God’s role as the creator and supreme ruler is affirmed with the title God of hosts.
“For thus saith the Lord of hosts; Yet once, it is a little while, and I will shake the heavens, and the earth, and the sea, and the dry land; And I will shake all nations, and the desire of all nations shall come: and I will fill this house with glory, saith the Lord of hosts.” ( Haggai 2: 6- 7 )
- Prophetic declaration of God’s power to shake nations and bring glory, emphasizing His authority as the Lord of hosts.
These verses collectively highlight the significance of the title “Jehovah of armies” or “Lord of hosts” in describing God’s authority over heavenly beings and earthly powers. It underscores His role as the commander-in-chief of a celestial army, symbolizing His power, protection, and sovereignty over all creation. This title invites reverence and awe, reminding believers of God’s majesty and His active involvement in the affairs of humanity and the cosmos.
Lessons from the Bible
- Worship and Praise
The heavenly host serves as a model of continuous worship and praise to God.
‘Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.'” ( Luke 2: 14 )
Angels praising God at the birth of Jesus.
• Obedience to God’s Commands
The heavenly host exemplifies prompt obedience to God’s commands.
“Bless the Lord, ye his angels, that excel in strength, that do his commandments, hearkening unto the voice of his word. Bless ye the Lord, all ye his hosts; ye ministers of his, that do his pleasure.”
( Psalm 103: 20- 21 )
Angels fulfilling God’s commands willingly.
• Protection and Provision
Angels are depicted as guardians and providers under God’s direction.
“For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways. They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone.” ( Psalm 91: 11- 12 )
Angels protecting believers according to God’s promise.
• Spiritual Warfare
Angels engage in spiritual battles against forces of evil, demonstrating God’s authority.
“Then said he unto me, Fear not, Daniel: for from the first day that thou didst set thine heart to understand, and to chasten thyself before thy God, thy words were heard, and I am come for thy words. But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me one and twenty days: but, lo, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me; and I remained there with the kings of Persia.”
( Daniel 10: 12- 13 )
Angelic involvement in spiritual warfare.
• Messenger of God’s Word
The angel Gabriel announces the birth of Jesus to Mary, demonstrating angels’ role as messengers of God’s will. ( Luke 1: 26 – 38 )
• Witnesses to God’s Glory
The heavenly host testifies to God’s glory and His sovereign rule over all creation.
“And I beheld, and I heard the voice of many angels round about the throne and the beasts and the elders: and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands; Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing.” ( Revelation 5: 11- 12 )
• Angels praising God’s glory in heaven.
These lessons from the heavenly host in the Bible inspire believers to worship God fervently, obey His commands faithfully, trust in His protection and provision, engage in spiritual warfare with confidence, receive divine messages with humility, and continually acknowledge God’s sovereignty and glory.
Praise the LORD. Praise the LORD from the heavens; praise him in the heights above. 2 Praise him, all his angels; praise him, all his heavenly hosts. ( Psalm 148: 2 )
It demonstrates the heavenly host praising God and declaring His glory. They serve as reminders of God’s active presence and care in the lives of His people, both spiritually and practically.
believers, we are called to join the countless angels in heaven.
22 But you have come to Mount Zion, to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem. You have come to thousands upon thousands of angels in joyful assembly, ( Hebrews 12: 22 )
When Jesus returns to establish His kingdom on earth, the armies of heaven, consisting of angels and redeemed humans, will accompany Him.
14 The armies of heaven were following him, riding on white horses and dressed in fine linen, white and clean. ( Revelation 19: 14 )
While we will not become angels, we will share in the glory of heaven alongside them, united in worship and service to God for eternity.