Bible Dictionary
Host
A host may be an entertainer or keeper of an inn, and the term may also mean a military force. Israel’s armies developed from infantry forces into organized armies containing cavalry and chariots.
Definition
Host may mean an entertainer, the keeper of an inn or caravansary, or a troop and military force. In military usage it can refer to an organized army.
Biblical Usage
The New Testament uses host for an entertainer and for the keeper of an inn. In Israelite history it describes military forces, first chiefly infantry and later including cavalry and chariots.
Historical Background
Every male Israelite from twenty to fifty was subject to military service when necessary. Saul formed the first standing army, and David, Solomon, and later kings maintained organized forces.
Scripture References
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Easton's Bible Dictionary
An entertainer (Rom. 16:23); a tavern-keeper, the keeper of a caravansary (Luke 10:35). In warfare, a troop or military force. This consisted at first only of infantry. Solomon afterwards added cavalry (1 Kings 4:26; 10:26). Every male Israelite from twenty to fifty years of age was bound by the law to bear arms when necessary (Num. 1:3; 26:2; 2 Chr. 25:5). Saul was the first to form a standing army (1 Sam. 13:2; 24:2). This example was followed by David (1 Chr. 27:1), and Solomon (1 Kings 4:26), and by the kings of Israel and Judah (2 Chr. 17:14; 26:11; 2 Kings 11:4, etc.).