Isaiah 22:12-14
In that day the Lord God of hosts
called for weeping and mourning,
for baldness and wearing sackcloth;
and behold, joy and gladness,
killing oxen and slaughtering sheep,
eating flesh and drinking wine.
“Let us eat and drink,
for tomorrow we die.”
The Lord of hosts has revealed himself in my ears:
“Surely this iniquity will not be atoned for you until you die,”
says the Lord God of hosts.
Tag: Lord God of Hosts
The above passage is taken from the middle of chapter 22 and from the “oracle” (prophecy) against Jerusalem (The city that represents God’s People). Chapter 22 is in the middle of other “oracles” against other nations. All the oracles are claiming God’s punishment for their failure to obey God’s Word and walk in faith. Judgment comes on all men (Romans 2). The passage, above, is identified in the beginning of it and the end of it as coming from, “the Lord god of Hosts.” There are many names for God in the Bible, but here is what one blogger stated about this particular name:
“The name “LORD of hosts” occurs some 261 times in the Old Testament Scriptures. God is first called the “LORD of hosts” in 1 Samuel 1:3. The word LORD, capitalized, refers to Yahweh, the self-existent, redemptive God. The word hosts is a translation of the Hebrew word sabaoth, meaning “armies”—a reference to the angelic armies of heaven. Thus, another way of saying “LORD of hosts” is “God of the armies of heaven.” The NIV translates YHWH saboath as “LORD Almighty.”
The phrase Lord Almighty ought to stir up faith and courage and confidence for the one who trust in YHWH. When we cry out to the LORD, that ought to be a blessing and a sure sense of victory in our hearts. This is the LORD ALMIGHTY we are praying to for our help in time of need. This issue, however, in the above passage is that the Lord Almighty, the Lord of Hosts, is speaking to the nation about a time of judgement. He is speaking of judgment and their response, rather than repentance, is, “Oh, well, Let us eat and drink for tomorrow we die.” God’s response? “Well, If you don’t repent there is NO atoning for your sins.” It is not that God won’t forgive them. It is the fact, that without repenting, there can be no remission of sins. God can and does provide for forgiveness. However, if we reject the glory and power and provision of the Lord Almighty, and instead continue to indulge in our sin, their can be no more sacrifice for sin (Hebrews 6). This name for God ought to give us great and glorious assurance. However, when we walk in sin the same name of God that should assure us, instead, condemns and judges us. He is the LORD ALMIGHTY ... YHWH SABOATH!
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