1 Samuel 17:45 “But David said to the Philistine, ‘You come to me with sword and spear and 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 episode explores Jehovah Sabaoth, the Lord of Hosts, reminding us that God is in control of every battle—both seen and unseen. Even when life feels like a spiritual struggle, it doesn’t mean God is absent; it often means we are becoming more aware of what’s at stake. The episode encourages listeners to trust God not because life is easy, but because He is present, powerful, and fighting for them in every circumstance. Music: "Adding the Sun" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
He Is Series Jehovah Sabaoth (The Lord of Hosts) — When You’re Tired of Fighting and Need God to Fight for You
1 Samuel 17:45 “But David said to the Philistine, ‘You come to me with sword and spear and 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.’”
Today, we are discussing Jehovah Sabaoth, the Lord of Hosts. I put this off because I wasn’t sure what it meant. I thought “Lord of Hosts” meant Eucharist, and I didn’t understand it. Do you ever do that? Put something off because you aren’t sure what it means or how to do it? I can always tell when God is stretching me because He highlighted this one for me. When I told Him I didn’t understand, He reminded me that this is the whole purpose of this podcast.
I didn’t start this podcast because I was a Bible scholar. I started because I had so much to learn and wanted to bring you along. I was learning through Bible studies and Encounter School of Ministry and wanted to share it. So when I didn’t understand this topic, I searched, “What does it mean when someone says God of Hosts?”
I found that “Lord of Hosts” appears over 200 times in the Old Testament. “Lord” refers to Yahweh, the self-existent, redemptive God—the “I AM.” He wasn’t created; He is the Creator. “Hosts” comes from the Hebrew sabaoth, meaning armies—spiritual and earthly. The name shows God’s complete authority over every power and realm.
As soon as I understood this, I knew I had to share it. So many of you are struggling and feel like you’re in a spiritual battle. Hear this: God is the Lord of Hosts. He is in charge of every army, seen and unseen. Sometimes battles in Scripture involved fighting, sometimes they didn’t—but God was always in control.
The battle we don’t see is the spiritual one. We can’t see angels and fallen angels fighting, but the battle for our souls is real. I take comfort knowing God fights for us. He is our Commander-in-Chief—not just of earthly armies, but of all armies.
Jesus defeated death once and for all through the cross and resurrection. Death no longer has a hold on us. So if we believe that, why are we so afraid? God is on our side. He is protecting us. He is our shield.
God is our Creator, Almighty, Provider, Healer, Peace, Shepherd, Strength, and Justice. If all of this is true, why does the spiritual battle feel so strong?
I looked for answers and found five reasons:
1. Knowing God doesn’t remove the battle—it reveals it
As we grow, we become more aware of what’s at stake.
1 Peter 5:8 reminds us the enemy is always prowling. The battle was always there—you’re just more aware now.
2. You matter more than you think
Your life has purpose, and your obedience affects others.
Ephesians 6:12 reminds us this is a spiritual battle. The enemy doesn’t fight what isn’t a threat.
3. Knowing God isn’t the same as trusting Him
We can know God is Provider, Peace, and Faithful—and still struggle to trust Him. The battle happens in that gap.
4. We are still being formed
God is shaping us to rely on Him.
James 1:2–3 reminds us trials build endurance. The battle is part of that process.
5. Love requires freedom
God could remove the battle, but then we wouldn’t choose Him. Real love requires trust and surrender.
The deeper truth: the goal isn’t to learn about God so life is easy. The goal is to know Him so you can stand when life is hard.
Sometimes we think if we pray enough or do everything right, life will be easy. But battles aren’t pointless. They change us.
If you are in a spiritual battle, you are not alone. God is with you, protecting you, healing you. We don’t understand His ways, but we know He keeps His promises. Sometimes He saves us from the battle; sometimes He saves us through it—but He always saves us.
God is the Lord of Hosts. He is the Commander-in-Chief. Everything answers to Him. We don’t have to be afraid.
Dear Jehovah Sabaoth, bless all those listening. Thank You for being in every battle with us. Give us strength, courage, and peace. Help us remember that the One in us is greater than the one in the world (1 John 4:4). We love You and ask this in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Thank you for joining me on this journey to walk boldly with Jesus. If you want to go deeper, I invite you to join my mentoring program. This month we’re diving into fasting—what it means and how it draws us closer to God. You can join live on Zoom and be part of a supportive, faith-filled community. I would love to have you. Visit walkboldlywithjesus.com or check the show notes. I’ll be praying for you. Remember, Jesus loves you just as you are, and so do I! Have a blessed day!
Today’s Word from the Lord (October 2025):
“Peace is my gift to you, my children—a peace beyond understanding. Receive it. Let it fill every part of your heart. Open yourself fully to it.”