Who are the heavenly hosts?

from the old testament

• Psalm 148:1–2 reveals that the heavenly hosts are angels who dwell in heaven in the presence of God.
• The word host means: "a multitude or great number of persons or things: an army." So, when we combine it with the word heavenly as a descriptor, we find that the "heavenly host" could also be known as a multitude of angels or an angel army. In general, the heavenly hosts are God's angels who serve Him. But the term may refer to fallen angels as well; in 1 Kings 22:19–22 a deceiving spirit was among the heavenly hosts at God's throne.
• In the book of Job, the term "heavenly host" is not used, but references to "the sons of God" presenting themselves before the LORD in Job 1:6 and Job 2:1 imply a divine assembly of heavenly beings. Additionally, Job 38:7 mentions "the morning stars" and "the sons of God" rejoicing at creation, indicating the presence and participation of celestial beings in God's activities.
• Throughout the Old Testament, God is frequently referred to as the "LORD of hosts" (See 1 Samuel 1:3; Psalm 24:10; Isaiah 22:14; Jeremiah 2:19; Amos 4:13; Haggai 2:9; Zechariah 8:6; and Malachi 2:16). The Lord forever reigns supreme ruler over all the heavenly hosts: "The LORD has established his throne in the heavens, and his kingdom rules over all. Bless the LORD, O you his angels, you mighty ones who do his word, obeying the voice of his word! Bless the LORD, all his hosts, his ministers, who do his will!" (Psalm 103:19–21). This passage shows that angels, the heavenly hosts, praise God and carry out His commands, helping to enforce His will here on the earth.

from the new testament

• The New Testament confirms that the heavenly hosts are angels who dwell in heaven in the presence of God.
• There are multiple instances throughout the Bible in which the "heavenly hosts" are referred to, the most commonly known one being when the angel announces the birth of Jesus to the shepherds in the field: "And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, 'Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!'" (Luke 2:13–14).
• As followers of Christ, when we arrive in heaven, we will inhabit it with God and His heavenly hosts (Hebrews 12:22). We ourselves will not become angels, but we will be with them in God's army when Jesus returns to establish His kingdom on earth (Revelation 19:14).

implications for today

It's powerful to realize that God's reign encompasses a vast army of angels who are ever-present, carrying out His will and praising Him. This understanding invites us to live with a deeper awareness of the divine orchestration at work in our lives. Just as the heavenly hosts diligently execute God's commands and celebrate His glory, we, too, are called to align our lives with His purposes, living in obedience and reverence. Knowing that we will one day dwell in the presence of these angelic beings and witness the fulfillment of God's kingdom should inspire us to live faithfully, embracing our role in His grand design and eagerly anticipating the time when we will join in the celestial chorus of praise and service.