The prophets represented God among the covenant people. They brought new revelation to the people through their preaching, teaching and way of life. At the crucial time in the history of Israel that we find described in the books of Samuel, a new name of God is introduced. I find this very interesting!

Yahweh Elohe Sebaot – The LORD the God of hosts is first encountered as a title for God in the Bible in 1 and 2 Samuel. We find this expression 260 times in the Old Testament, particularly in the prophets. Isaiah uses it 60 times and Jeremiah as much as 80. This title represents God as the Eternal I AM, who rules over all powers in heaven and on earth, both the visible and the invisible, he is king over heaven and earth – yes, he rules the entire universe!

Interestingly enough this expression is used for the first time in 1 and 2 Samuel. Israel’s God, their invisible and friendly covenant God is also the sovereign LORD of hosts, who rules innumerable glorious creatures, known as angels, seraphs, cherubim etc. or, simply messengers. This aspect of God’s rule over the angelic powers is especially interesting since it was in those days that the monarchy was instituted in Israel. The prophets used the name Yahweh Elohe Sebaot to remind the people and the king that they had a greater king, an invisible king reigning over them, and not merely the earthly kingdom and king, who worked in society through hierarchical power structures.

God is greater than earthly kings and the prophets speak on his behalf. This is the reason why they spoke words from the LORD vigorously and undeterred while confronting prominent men and kings! The prophets serve The LORD, the God of hosts, and they are able to challenge established power structures in society by rebuking, correcting, and giving direction to powerful rulers in society.

The new name of God that was introduced by the prophets enabled them to represent him and preach his word in a better way. They made God even more relevant by the new name!

I wonder if the prophets today need to do the same thing?

Which are the names of God that will communicate who he is in our current situation in the world of consumerism, ecological pollution, environmental disorder, famine, terror and war?