The title “Lord of hosts” is the covenant name of God (Yahweh) coupled with his position as sovereign ruler of the heavenly army of angels. The God who has entered into an intimate relationship with Israel is supremely powerful, and greatly to be feared. The repeated use of this title in this short prophecy (twenty-three times in four chapters) is an ominous warning that should prompt God’s covenant people to take God’s threats seriously.
2 If you will not listen, if you will not take it to heart to give honor to my name, says the LORD of hosts, then I will send the curse upon you and I will curse your blessings. Indeed, I have already cursed them, because you do not lay it to heart.