Psalm 46/Notes/Grammar.v. 8.329363

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In the refrain in vv. 8 and 12, the divine name יהוה צבאות is understood as being short for "YHWH, [the God] of Hosts," wherein the two elements are in apposition[1], with the second member, "[the God of] Hosts", specifying the status and role of the first member, "YHWH", i.e., YHWH is a deity who possesses and commands heavenly hosts or armies. In other words, YHWH here is cast as a warrior who leads his heavenly (and human) armies into battle (cf. 1 Sam 17:45, which has יהוה צבאות אלהי מערכות ישראל). Without restoring "the God of", some render this name as "Yhwh Armies".[2]

  1. ↑ JM §131o; "YHWH" is a proper noun.
  2. ↑ Cf. Goldingay 2007: npn.