Joshua 5:13-1513And it came to pass, when Joshua was by Jericho, that he lifted up his eyes and looked, and, behold, there stood a man over against him with his sword drawn in his hand: and Joshua went unto him, and said unto him, Art thou for us, or for our adversaries? 14And he said, Nay; but as captain of the host of the Lord am I now come. And Joshua fell on his face to the earth, and did worship, and said unto him, What saith my lord unto his servant? 15And the captain of the Lord's host said unto Joshua, Loose thy shoe from off thy foot; for the place whereon thou standest is holy. And Joshua did so. (Joshua 5:13‑15)
We have read of Joshua as the leader or captain of Israel but there was another Captain greater than he. Joshua saw that One standing before him, with a sword in His hand. He told Joshua He had come as Captain of the host (army) of the Lord.
It must have given Joshua courage to know this mighty One was over the army to conquer all enemies. The sword in His hand showed all evil must be punished, for He was holy and worthy to be obeyed.
We are not told of that great Captain being seen again, yet it was because of Him that the army of Israel won their battles. The nations of Canaan had become very wicked in their ways, but sadder still they were not sorry, and would not believe, or honor God. He has always shown great patience to all, but at last sends punishment.
Since the Lord Jesus came to earth, meek and patient, His people are not told to fight with swords: yet there is a war now even for boys and girls, if they love the Lord Jesus. God has given them precious lessons in the Bible to enjoy. But there are those who try to keep them from knowing and enjoying God’s Words.
Some say the Bible is only part true: some say it is all a fable: others say it cannot be meant for us now.
When we hear those doubts we are to answer by the words of the Bible, that is the Christian’s sword. This sword will also drive away our own doubts and wrong thoughts, by which Satan is able to tempt us to doubt God’s love (Eph. 6:1717And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: (Ephesians 6:17)).
ML 03/20/1938