The title "Commander of the LORD's Army" refers to a mysterious and divine figure who appears in the Old Testament, specifically in the Book of Joshua. This figure is often interpreted as a theophany, a manifestation of God Himself, or as a pre-incarnate appearance of Jesus Christ. The encounter is significant for its theological implications and its role in the narrative of Israel's conquest of the Promised Land.

Biblical Account

The primary account of the Commander of the LORD's Army is found in Joshua 5:13-15. As Joshua prepares to lead the Israelites in the conquest of Jericho, he encounters a man standing before him with a drawn sword. The passage reads:

"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." (Joshua 5:13-15)

Interpretation and Significance

1. Divine Encounter: The encounter is marked by the holiness of the ground, reminiscent of Moses' encounter with God at the burning bush (Exodus 3:5). This suggests the presence of God Himself, indicating that the Commander is not merely an angelic being but a divine figure.

2. Pre-Incarnate Christ: Many conservative theologians interpret the Commander as a Christophany, an appearance of the pre-incarnate Christ. The reverence Joshua shows, coupled with the command to remove his sandals, supports this interpretation, as angels typically refuse worship (Revelation 19:10).

3. Role in the Conquest: The appearance of the Commander signifies divine authority and assurance of victory. It emphasizes that the battles Israel is about to undertake are under divine command and that success depends on obedience to God's will.

4. Neutrality and Sovereignty: The Commander's response, "Neither," to Joshua's question about allegiance underscores God's sovereignty. It indicates that God is not bound by human alliances but acts according to His divine purpose. This serves as a reminder that God's plans transcend human understanding and agendas.

5. Holiness and Worship: The command to remove sandals highlights the holiness of God's presence. It serves as a reminder of the reverence due to God and the sanctity of His mission. Joshua's immediate obedience reflects the appropriate response to divine revelation.

Theological Implications

The appearance of the Commander of the LORD's Army reinforces key theological themes such as God's sovereignty, holiness, and the necessity of obedience to His commands. It also foreshadows the ultimate victory and leadership of Christ, who leads His people in spiritual battles. This encounter serves as a powerful reminder of God's active presence and guidance in the lives of His people, assuring them of His support and direction in fulfilling His purposes.