“Who is this King of glory? The LORD of hosts, He is the King of glory.” Psalm 24:10
Hosea was a prophet to God’s people, a prophet who delivered a passionate message with a plea to return to the Lord. In chapter 12 of Hosea, God is asking His people to remember their past. He asks them to remember how Jacob feverishly struggled with the Angel of Lord to receive God’s favor and named and later how Jacob heard from the Lord. It was said, “And there He (God) spoke to us (Jacob and his descendants). Then Hosea says, “…the LORD of hosts. The LORD is His memorable name (Hosea 12:5).” His name is memorable.
The “LORD of hosts” is Jehovha Sabaoth in Hebrew. The name Jehovah means “Lord” or “the Existing One.” The name is derived from the Hebrew word Havah meaning “to be” or “to exist.” It also suggests, “to become” or more specifically “to become known,” a God who is revealing Himself to us unceasingly. God wants us to know Him.
The name Sabaoth means “hosts, armies, or powers.” As the LORD, He is over all. The LORD of Hosts is the king of all heaven and earth. He is over all powers, both physical and spiritual. Being the Creator of it all, it seems understandable that God would be honored as supreme.
“The LORD of hosts” is often used when there has been a struggle or conquest of some kind. It is often used in the context of war, blood, and violence. When nations or people fight, it is usually because there is something valuable hanging in the balance, as in Jacob’s struggle. It is also used when God is deserving of honor, for overcoming on our behalf.
The name is also used in the context of protection. In Psalm 84:3 we see the psalmist using the name “LORD of Hosts” when describing a safe haven for a swallow to not only care for herself, but also a place she trusts for her young. Again, we see it in Micah 4:4,5 when God says, “no one shall make them afraid” and said the people will “walk in His name.”
Hosea wrote that God’s name was memorable. When we love someone, their name has meaning to us. Because they are valuable to us, their name is valuable to us. We think about that person, and we use their name to remember them. In Hosea 12:6 Hosea says, so return! If you remember that you love Him, return to Him!
Application: What is one thing that God has done for you in the past? Today take time to remember what He has done for you, and honor Him!