Joshua Meets Jesus Christ With Sword Drawn

Joshua 5:13-15 - Joshua saw and spoke with "the captain of the LORD's host."

This is Christ before His incarnation ("pre-incarnate"). Notice:

• Christ leads the host of God, Revelation 19:11-14.


• This is the "Angel" of Exodus 23:20-23, who has God's name in Him.


• This Captain did not refuse worship, as Peter refused (Acts 10:25-26) and as angels refused (Revelation 19:10 and Revelation 22:8-9).


• To be in this Captain's presence was to be on holy ground. Compare Moses with God at the burning bush, Exodus 3:5.

This meeting serves two purposes for Joshua. First, it humbles him to remind him that he - the leader of this great people - is but a servant and under the authority of another. Second, it encourages him to remind him that their victory will come, not by the hand of man, but by the hand of God - that God fights their battles for them and only expects obedience.

VM