Therefore say to them, “Thus says the LORD of hosts: ‘Return to Me,’ says the LORD of hosts,
‘and I will return to you,’ says the LORD of hosts.”
Zechariah 1:3
Zechariah truly got it; this is an important title of God. Used 235 times in the Old Testament, it conveys power and authority. The International Standard Version translates this phrase “LORD of the heavenly armies.” This view of God sees Him backed up by an innumerable force of fighting angels. No power in the universe can stand against Him.
The title clearly belongs to God, but is it also clear that it pertains to God the Son (a.k.a the Lord Jesus Christ)? Well…yes, of course. Just examine how the name links to verses that obviously describe the Messiah.
- “Then the moon will be disgraced and the sun ashamed; For the LORD of hosts will reign On Mount Zion and in Jerusalem and before His elders, gloriously” (Isaiah 24:23).
- “Thus says the LORD, the King of Israel, and his Redeemer, the LORD of hosts: ‘ I am the First and I am the Last; Besides Me there is no God'” (Isaiah 44:6).
- “‘The glory of this latter temple shall be greater than the former,’ says the LORD of hosts, ‘and in this place I will give peace,’ says the LORD of hosts” (Haggai 2:9).
- “Many nations shall be joined to the LORD in that day, and they shall become My people. And I will dwell in your midst. Then you will know that the LORD of hosts has sent Me to you” (Zechariah 2:11).
When Christ comes at the final day of judgment with the assembled armies of heaven, the whole world will acknowledge that Jesus is the LORD of hosts.
They bound the hands of Jesus, in the garden where He prayed;
They led Him thro’ the streets in shame.
They spat upon the Savior so pure and free from sin;
They said, “Crucify Him; He’s to blame.”
He could have called ten thousand angels, To destroy the world and set Him free.
He could have called ten thousand angels, But He died alone, (alone), for you and me.
Ray Overholt (1924-2008)
April 8
