What can we learn from Joshua's response to the "man with a drawn sword"? Setting the Scene “Now when Joshua was near Jericho, he looked up and saw a man standing in front of him with a drawn sword in his hand. Joshua approached him and asked, ‘Are You for us or for our enemies?’ ‘Neither,’ He replied. ‘I have now come as commander of the LORD’s army.’ Then Joshua fell facedown in reverence and asked Him, ‘What does my lord have to say to his servant?’ The commander of the LORD’s army replied, ‘Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy.’ And Joshua did so.” Key Truths We Can Learn • God often reveals Himself in unexpected ways—here as a Warrior ready for battle. • True worship begins with recognizing who is truly in command. • Holiness demands reverence and obedience on the spot. Joshua Models Discernment • He confronts the figure but does not fight first; he seeks clarity. • 1 John 4:1 reminds us to “test the spirits.” Joshua shows how to test—with direct, respectful questions. Joshua Recognizes Divine Authority • Once the commander says, “I have now come as commander of the LORD’s army,” Joshua immediately bows (Philippians 2:10 — “at the name of Jesus every knee should bow…”). • He shifts from “Are You for us?” to “What does my lord have to say?”—moving from self-interest to submission. Proper Posture: Face-Down Worship • Falling facedown expresses humility (Genesis 17:3; Revelation 1:17). • Reverence precedes instructions; worship is not optional but foundational. Instant Obedience • “And Joshua did so.” No delay, argument, or negotiation. • Compare with Abraham’s immediate obedience (Genesis 22:3). God values swift compliance. Holiness Has Boundaries • “Take off your sandals” echoes Exodus 3:5 at the burning bush. • Holy ground is wherever God manifests His presence; we respond by removing whatever defiles. Shifting the Battle Perspective • Joshua asks whose side God is on; God answers that the real issue is whether Joshua is on God’s side. • Psalm 24:8 — “Who is this King of glory? The LORD strong and mighty, the LORD mighty in battle.” Victory belongs to Him, not to any human strategy. Preparation for Jericho • This encounter comes just before the walls fall (Joshua 6). Spiritual alignment precedes physical conquest. • Ephesians 6:10-18 underscores that battles are first spiritual. Christophany Foreshadowing • The commander accepts worship (which angels refuse—Revelation 22:8-9) and declares holiness of ground—strongly suggesting a pre-incarnate appearance of Christ. • Hebrews 13:8 — “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever” ties Old-Testament appearances to the eternal Son. Takeaways for Believers Today • Approach every challenge looking for God’s presence rather than merely human allies. • Discern, then submit immediately when God speaks. • Worship and holiness prepare us for effective service. • Remember that the Lord fights the battles; our role is obedience and reverence. |
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