8 - Jehovah Tsebaioth
Scripture Passages: Joshua 5, Joshua 6, Revelation 19:11-16
Devotional
When you hear the name Jehovah Tsebaioth—the Lord of Hosts—what comes to mind? This name reveals God as the Commander of heaven’s armies, fighting for His people in battles too great for human strength. In Joshua 5:13-15, we see this truth as Joshua stood overlooking Jericho, likely pondering the impossible task ahead. The city was fortified, the walls were impossible to get through. As Joshua strategized, something extraordinary happened:
Joshua 5:13-14.
And it came to pass, when Joshua was by Jericho, that he lifted up his eyes and looked, and, behold, there stood a man over against him with his sword drawn in his hand: and Joshua went unto him, and said unto him, Art thou for us, or for our adversaries? And he said, Nay; but as captain of the host of the LORD am I now come.
Joshua met the Captain of the Lord’s host, likely a pre-incarnate appearance of Christ. When Joshua asked, “Art thou for us, or for our adversaries?” the Captain replied, “Nay.” The battle wasn’t about choosing sides; it belonged to God. This reminded Joshua—and us—that ultimate victory comes from trusting the Lord of Hosts.
Each of us has a “Jericho,” a stronghold that feels impossible to overcome. It may be a sin, fear, bitterness, or pride—something that towers over us like Jericho’s walls. Scripture reminds us of our frailty: “If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us” (1 John 1:8). Like Joshua, we can’t conquer these strongholds on our own. But the Lord of Hosts fights for us: “The LORD shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace” (Exodus 14:14). Our role is to trust Him and obey His Word.
After meeting the Captain of the Lord’s host, Joshua received unusual instructions for conquering Jericho. The Israelites were to march around the city once a day for six days. On the seventh day, they marched seven times, blew trumpets, and shouted. Then, the walls fell flat (Joshua 6:2-20).
Marching and shouting couldn’t bring down walls. But the Israelites’ obedience allowed them to witness God’s power. Our spiritual battles aren’t won through human strength. “For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds” 2 Corinthians 10:4. Obedience and faith in God’s power bring victory. Victory often requires patience. The Israelites marched for days without seeing any change to Jericho’s walls. In the same way, we may feel like we’re making no progress against our strongholds. But Jehovah Tsebaioth is working behind the scenes.
No matter how impossible your Jericho seems, it’s no match for the Lord of Hosts. Trust Him, obey His Word, and watch as He brings down the walls. The Lord of Hosts fights for you—and His victory is certain.
Prayer:
Lord, You are the Lord of Hosts, the God who commands the armies of heaven and goes before us in every battle. Just as You were with Joshua, we trust that You are with us today. Thank You for the victory we have through Jesus, who conquered sin and death for us. Help us to rest in Your power and to trust that nothing can separate us from Your love. Be our strength in the fight and our peace in the struggle. In Jesus’ name, Amen.