From Joshua 5:13-15

There are undoubtedly moments in the Bible that leave us wanting for more details, more information, more of the story.  For me, this passage is one of those times.  Joshua meets the commander of the army of the Lord and I would really like to know a little more about this man.  Was this person an angel, was he a saint, or was he someone else we would naturally assume commands the host of heaven – God the Father?  Joshua encounters this man standing between him and Jericho, Israel’s first major target in the Promised Land.  He sees the man’s drawn sword and naturally asks which side the man intends to fight for. The commander of the Lord’s army corrects Joshua’s misunderstanding, informing Joshua regarding the heavenly host he commanded.  Joshua then reacts by showing respect to the man and the ground he stood on.

Because we have so few details, it can be hard to really understand what we can take away from this passage. That being said, there are a few things we can take away with some safety that we’re remaining faithful to Scripture.  First, we might simply recognize this as a pretty cool story of God interacting with the earthly leader of His people.  Second, we can see that God takes a personal interest in the things going on in this world and be reminded that God hasn’t left us to our own devices – He still takes an active role in our lives.  And finally, this sets up the next several chapters well with the realization that, seen or unseen, God goes before His people into the Promised Land.  It isn’t their wisdom or bravery or strength that wins the day, it is the power of God that goes before and overshadows them. That’s worth remembering in our own moments of victory – it is not our wisdom or power or strength, but God going before us to take care of His people.

Focus on God

We are reminded in these verses that God graciously goes before His people, taking an active role in their lives.

Function in Our Lives

We are encouraged to have the humility to point to God in moments of victory.

Topics to Pray About                                                               

  • Thank God for going before you.
  • Confess to God the times where you get caught up in your own hype.
  • Ask God to open your eyes to His work in your life.

In His Service,

J. LeBorious