Yahweh Sabaoth
"The Lord of Hosts/Armies" David refers to God as such in Psalm 46:7. This passage in particular is referring to the Lord as a place of refuge in hard times. The previous verse describes what happens when God speaks, nations raging, kingdoms toppling, etc. and it shows God's strength. He then goes to describe Him as the Lord of Hosts and compare Him to a stronghold.
So, there is a definite idea of protection and refuge through God's power, but, accompanying the idea of a host or army, is the idea of offense. God is not merely defending His people, but pressing forward, making ground. Our God is an active God, reaching out and conquering. In this light we rejoice for we can see God winning the battles and, finally, the war.
