Got a great question from James the other day! Thanks James and keep up the study!
The term Host of Heaven occurs 19 times in the KJV, (Libronix: Bible Speed Search Deut 4:19, Deut 17:3, 1 Kings 22:19, 2 Kings 17:16, 2 Kings 21:3, 2 Kings 21:5, 2 Kings 23:4, 2 Kings 23:5, 2 Chron 18:18, 2 Chron 33:3, 2 Chron 33:5, Neh 9:6, Isaiah 34:4, Jere 8:2, Jere 19:13, Jere 33:22, Dan 8:10, Zeph 1:5, Acts 7:42) Of these quotes there is a definite ring of personification, where the host, is described in personal terms as performing some action which would usually be something we think of in human or personal terms. The term “Heavenly Host” occurs only in Luke 2:13.
The word Host occurs more than 450 time in the scriptures (Libronix: H6635 .) It’s meaning relates the idea of an army, or large number, it is used to reflect both the great number of the celestial (heavenly) and terrestrial (earthly) elements of creation, this can be most notably seen in the biblical description of armies, (Num 10:14, Num 10:18, Num 10:22, 1 Sam 17:45 contrast) The idea of the heavenly host is one of magnitude, a number greater than can be counted easily.
In the Nehemiah 9:6 passage:
You alone are the Lord; You have made heaven, The heaven of heavens, with all their host, The earth and everything on it, The seas and all that is in them, And You preserve them all. The host of heaven worships You.
(Nehemiah 9:6, NKJV)
We see all of the combined meanings behind the idea of “host.” Not only are host reflected in creation, but the declaration of the host worshiping the LORD, is plainly stated as well. A thorough study of the available biblical reference can help us to better understand the usage of this word, and how it is applied.
An error would be to think that the word host when connected to heaven always refers to angels, or to the stars, or to armies. Context will always help us in this regard, you can find additional topical references in by searching for the topic H6635 Strong’s on Google, or the Blue Letter Bible site.
One thought on “Host of Heaven”
This is one of the most interestings studies (personally) that I’ve read. I love the 19 refferences to the host of heaven.
This part you wrote: It’s meaning relates the idea of an army, or large number, it is used to reflect both the great number of the celestial (heavenly) and terrestrial (earthly) elements of creation. -this is exactly what I had thought, that the “host of heaven” was/is elements of creation. I don’t know why but that’s exiting, I guess because just the elements of God’s creation are so amazing and yet in comparison to God they are nothing so it magnifies God just from it’s comparison.