The Heavenly Host

Illustration of The Heavenly Host

The heavenly host is the vast army of angels that serves and worships God. A multitude of them appeared to the shepherds at Jesus' birth, praising God and singing 'Glory to God in the highest.' The same host surrounds and defends God's people, as when Elisha's servant saw the mountain filled with horses and chariots of fire. They are innumerable and always at God's command.

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Strongest connections in Scripture
Luke 2

Key Passages

The Host Praises at Christโ€™s Birth

Luke 2:8-14

A multitude of the heavenly host suddenly fills the night sky over Bethlehem, praising God before the astonished shepherds.

A8nd there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.

9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. 10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. 12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, 14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

Explore Related

Characters

Elisha Elisha served as a prophet in the northern kingdom of Israel during the ninth century BC, succeeding Elijahโ€ฆ Jesus Jesus is portrayed in the Bible as the Son of God and the long-awaited Messiah whose coming fulfilled Oldโ€ฆ

Places

Bethlehem Bethlehem, known as the City of David, served as the hometown of Israel's greatest king and the place whereโ€ฆ

Did You Know?

1

'Host' is an old military word - the heavenly host is literally God's army.

2

'The LORD of hosts' (Jehovah Sabaoth) appears about 240 times in the Old Testament.

3

At Jesus' arrest he said he could call on more than twelve legions of angels - over 72,000.

4

Elisha's servant saw the hills 'full of horses and chariots of fire' - the host defending them.