army
tsa.va denotes an organized military force, and in some clauses the host of heaven or Israel’s ordered companies.
The term most often denotes a human fighting force, including troops equipped for battle and the force under a commander. It also occurs for Israel’s ordered companies leaving Egypt, for the host of heaven, and in the designation “God of hosts.”
Senses in use
-
Human military force and its commanders · dominant
In 1 Chronicles 19:8 the APB renders David’s sending Joab with “the entire army of mighty men,” while 1 Chronicles 20:1 describes Joab leading the force against Ammon. The construct form in 1 Kings 2:32 occurs in the clauses naming Abner and Amasa as commanders of Israel’s and Judah’s forces; 1 Chronicles 12:24 places shield- and spear-bearers in relation to the force.
-
The host of heaven · common
In 1 Kings 22:19 and 2 Chronicles 18:18, the construct form occurs in the vision of all the host of heaven standing beside the LORD’s throne. In 2 Kings 23:5, the same construction appears in a list with the sun, moon, and constellations, to which incense was burned.
-
Israel’s companies in the exodus · occasional
The plural construct forms in Exodus 6:26 and Exodus 7:4 occur where Moses and Aaron are to bring the sons of Israel out of Egypt. Exodus 12:41 and Exodus 12:51 similarly describe all the LORD’s hosts going out, or Israel being brought out, in those companies.
-
God of hosts · rare
In Amos 3:13, the plural absolute form appears in the declaration identifying the speaker as “the Lord GOD, the God of hosts.” The verse uses the term within that designation rather than to identify a human commander or a fighting contingent.
In the Anselm Project Bible: The APB variously presents the military use with “army,” “ranks,” and commanders of an army, while heavenly clauses use “host of heaven.” In the exodus verses it uses “hosts” or “armies”; these are verse-level renderings, not definitions.