God of the armies of Israel is a name that King David gave to God when he was about to fight Goliath. The name occurs in parallel with one of the best known names of God, the Lord of hosts. Both names of God have military roots. The word ma‘arkhot speaks of orderly rows like ranks of soldiers.
God of the armies of Israel (’Elohei ma’arkhot Yisra’el) in the Hebrew text of 1 Samuel 17:45.
God of the armies of Israel in Hebrew:
’Elohei ma‘arkhot Yisra’el
Strong’s Concordance numbers: 430, 4634, 3478
Bible reference: 1 Sam. 17:45
Then said David to the Philistine, Thou comest to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield: but I come to thee in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom thou hast defied. (1 Samuel 17:45 KJV)
