Bible Dictionary
Host of heaven
The host of heaven can mean the sun, moon, and stars, which display God’s created order but were sometimes worshiped by Israel. It can also refer to the angelic army serving God.
Definition
The host of heaven denotes either the stars and other heavenly bodies or the angels. As stars, the expression refers to the ordered heavenly bodies; as angels, it refers to the heavenly army serving God.
Biblical Usage
Israel sometimes worshiped the host of heaven, especially under later kings, but the stars also witness to the majesty, order, providence, and care of the Lord. In another usage, angels form the host of God, reflected in the title “Lord of hosts.”
Historical Background
Manasseh built altars for the host of heaven in the temple courts. Josiah later destroyed these altars, removed the associated priests, and burned the vessels used in this worship.
Scripture References
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Easton's Bible Dictionary
The sun, moon, and stars are so designated (Gen. 2:1). When the Jews fell into idolatry they worshipped these (Deut. 4:19; 2 Kings 17:16; 21:3, 5; 23:5; Jer. 19:13; Zeph. 1:5; Acts 7:42).
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>(tsebha' hashamayim): The expression is employed in the Old Testament to denote</p><p>(1) the stars, frequently as objects of idolatry (De 4:19; 17:3; 2Ki 17:16; 21:3,1; 23:4 f; Jer 8:2; 19:13; Ze 1:5), but also as witnesses in their number, order and splendor, to the majesty and providential rule and care of Yahweh (Isa 34:4; 40:26, "calleth them all by name"; 45:12; Jer 33:22); and</p><p>(2) the angels (1Ki 22:19; 2Ch 18:18; Ne 9:6; compare Ps 103:21).</p><p>(1) Star-worship seems to have been an enticement to Israel from the first (De 4:19; 17:3; Am 5:26; compare Ac 7:42,43), but attained special prominence in the days of the later kings of Judah. The name of Manasseh is particularly connected with it. This king built altars for "all the host of heaven" in the courts of the temple (2Ki 21:3,5). Josiah destroyed these altars, and cleansed the temple from the idolatry by putting down the priests and burning the vessels associated with it (2Ki 23:4,5,12).</p><p>(2) In the other meaning of the expression, the angels are regarded as forming Yahweh's "host" or army, and He himself is the leader of them--"Yahweh of hosts" (Isa 31:4, etc.)--though this designation has a much wider reference.</p><p>See ANGEL; ASTRONOMY; LORD OF HOSTS; compare Oehler, Theol of Old Testament, II, 270 ff (ET).</p><p>James Orr</p>