Yahweh Sabaoth – The War of Attrition (Psalm 46:7)
- Cydi Godzn
- Sep 19
- 3 min read
INTRODUCTION
The title Yahweh Sabaoth occurs more than 280 times in the Bible, especially in the books of Isaiah, Jeremiah, 1 Samuel, and Zechariah. It means "The Lord of Hosts," reminding us that God leads earthly and heavenly armies. According to GotQuestions, this name highlights God's supreme authority over every power—both visible and invisible.
Psalm 46:7 says: "The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge." (Bible Gateway)
Picture a man who hops into a taxi and says, "Anywhere." The perplexed driver responds, "Where exactly?" The man exhales and replies, "Anywhere, to flee from my problems. My wife, kids, finances—everything feels stacked against me. Even my phone ringing feels like trouble. The devil won't allow me to find peace."
This narrative exemplifies the war of attrition—a strategy employed by Satan to exhaust individuals over time. Just when one issue appears to be resolved, another surfaces, keeping us in a state of ongoing conflict.
However, Yahweh Sabaoth, the Lord of Hosts, reassures us that God is fighting on our behalf.
The Devil’s War of Attrition
Satan seldom launches a single overwhelming assault. Instead, he engages in a constant, exhausting barrage of challenges to diminish our spirits. This reflects Israel’s trials in the Old Testament, where they frequently confronted multiple adversaries at once.
Desiring God explains that spiritual warfare is ceaseless because the enemy aims to dishearten believers and rob them of hope. Nevertheless, God, the leader of angelic armies, remains our protector.
Biblical Example – Jesus’ Early Life
Jesus also endured this war of attrition. Herod attempted to kill Him as an infant, but God intervened:
An angel cautioned the wise men not to return to Herod.
Joseph was instructed to take Mary and Jesus to Egypt until Herod passed away.
Satan recognized the danger Jesus posed to his dominion. However, God safeguarded His Son because His plans cannot be disrupted.
This serves as a reminder that Yahweh Sabaoth is aware of every plot of the enemy and offers a path to safety.
Contemporary Examples of Spiritual Warfare
1. Kenneth E. Hagin (1917–2003): Hagin was born with serious health problems—so severe that doctors initially believed he was deceased. Later, at age 15, he experienced paralysis. However, after turning to Christ, he was healed and went on to establish Rhema Bible Church, preaching faith and healing globally (Christianity Today).
2. Archbishop Benson Idahosa (1938–1998): As a frail child in Nigeria, Idahosa’s parents contemplated abandoning him due to their poverty and his health issues. At one point, he was even discarded onto a garbage heap. Yet God protected him, and he grew to become one of Africa’s most remarkable evangelists.
3. Pastor Paul Enenche: The founder of Dunamis International Gospel Center, Pastor Enenche’s mother faced serious complications during her pregnancy. Despite many early challenges, God elevated him to become a worldwide minister.
These stories illustrate the same message: the enemy seeks to wear us down early, but Yahweh Sabaoth fights for His chosen people.
REFLECTION: WHAT THIS MEANS FOR US
When existence feels like an ongoing struggle—whether due to financial issues, health concerns, or family problems—remember that you are not on your own. Yahweh Sabaoth commands heavenly forces on your behalf.
Scriptures of faith remind us that victory is achieved not through our might but by trusting in God’s promises.
Be encouraged. Every assault signifies the enemy’s fear of your potential.
Practical Steps to Stand Strong in Spiritual Warfare
1. Pray every day – Declare God’s promises out loud.
2. Immerse yourself in Scripture – Memorize verses like Psalm 46:7.
3. Surround yourself with community – Fellowship fortifies faith.
4. Recall testimonies – The stories of Hagin, Idahosa, and Enenche inspire persistence.
5. Rest in God’s presence – Sometimes triumph comes through tranquility, not struggle.
PRAYER
Our Father in Heaven, we thank You for being Yahweh Sabaoth—the Lord of Hosts. We appreciate you for fighting our battles, seen and unseen. To You be all the glory, in Jesus’ name, Amen.
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