Psalms 89:8
O LORD God of hosts, who is a strong LORD like unto thee? or to thy faithfulness round about thee?
Original Language Analysis
יְהוָ֤ה׀
O LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֤ה׀
O LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
1 of 9
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אֱלֹ֘הֵ֤י
God
H430
אֱלֹ֘הֵ֤י
God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
2 of 9
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
צְבָא֗וֹת
of hosts
H6635
צְבָא֗וֹת
of hosts
Strong's:
H6635
Word #:
3 of 9
a mass of persons (or figuratively, things), especially reg. organized for war (an army); by implication, a campaign, literally or figuratively (speci
מִֽי
H4310
מִֽי
Strong's:
H4310
Word #:
4 of 9
who? (occasionally, by a peculiar idiom, of things); also (indefinitely) whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix
חֲסִ֥ין׀
who is a strong
H2626
חֲסִ֥ין׀
who is a strong
Strong's:
H2626
Word #:
6 of 9
properly, firm, i.e., (by implication) mighty
Cross References
Jeremiah 32:17Ah Lord GOD! behold, thou hast made the heaven and the earth by thy great power and stretched out arm, and there is nothing too hard for thee:Psalms 71:19Thy righteousness also, O God, is very high, who hast done great things: O God, who is like unto thee!1 Samuel 2:2There is none holy as the LORD: for there is none beside thee: neither is there any rock like our God.Psalms 147:5Great is our Lord, and of great power: his understanding is infinite.
Historical Context
The title 'LORD of hosts' (Yahweh Tzeva'ot) appears 285 times in Scripture, primarily in contexts of divine warfare or judgment. It reminded Israel that their military strength depended entirely on God's presence and covenant faithfulness, not chariots and horses (Psalm 20:7).
Questions for Reflection
- How does viewing God as 'LORD of hosts' (Commander of armies) change your perspective on spiritual battles you face?
- In what ways is God's faithfulness your surrounding 'fortress' in daily challenges?
- How does Christ's role as divine warrior in Revelation inform your understanding of final judgment and justice?
Analysis & Commentary
O LORD God of hosts, who is a strong LORD like unto thee? (יְהוָה אֱלֹהֵי צְבָאוֹת מִי־כָמוֹךָ חֲסִין יָהּ)—Yahweh Elohei Tzeva'ot (LORD God of armies/hosts) is the divine warrior commanding angelic armies. Chasin (mighty, strong) emphasizes military might—no rival commander exists. Or to thy faithfulness round about thee? (וֶאֱמוּנָתְךָ סְבִיבוֹתֶיךָ)—God's emunah (faithfulness, reliability) surrounds Him like an armor or fortress wall—it's part of His very essence, inseparable from His character.
The military imagery connects to God's covenant protection of Israel. When Israel went to war, they weren't merely fighting with human armies but with the cosmic Commander whose faithfulness guaranteed victory when they walked in obedience. This theme crescendos in Revelation 19:11-16 where Christ rides as 'King of kings and Lord of lords,' leading heaven's armies. God's strength and faithfulness are not separate attributes—His power is always deployed in covenant loyalty.