CAPTAIN OF THE HOST OF THE LORD

Undoubtedly, a Christophany features in today’s reading. Willingly, Joshua’s mysterious visitor accepted his adoration. Even the highest of God’s creatures reject worship, Rev. 19.10; 22. 8-9. This Captain was no creature: He was the LORD, ch. 6. 2.

The people of Israel had safely negotiated Jordan and had attended to some unfinished business at Gilgal. The passover had been celebrated, the old corn of the land had been sampled, and now, the military campaign would commence. Two spies had visited Jericho, but the main outcome was their contact with Rahab. Making acquaintance with her was crucial to God’s great redemptive purpose! She would feature in the line of Messiah, Matt. 1. 5. The spies predicted victory, but had no strategy to effect it, ch. 2. 24. Neither they, nor Joshua, had any plan of attack: enter, the Captain of the Lord’s host! He is in control.

His title implies His supremacy, for He is ‘the head of all principality and power’, Col. 2.10, with ‘more than twelve legions of angels’ at His constant command. His presence demanded reverence hence Joshua’s obeisance and respect. His instructions required obedience and compliance meant victory.

Here, the presence of the Captain was in fulfilment of His promise to Joshua, 1.5,9. Encouraged by that, Joshua had confidence to believe this further assurance, ‘I have given into thine hand Jericho’, 6. 2. From God’s standpoint it was as good as done though the battle had still to be fought! To his credit, Joshua patiently followed the divine strategy. It demanded seven days of doing nothing but circling Jericho and surveying the scale of the problem! The silent daily march, v. 10, gave him opportunity to ‘be still, and know that I am God’, Ps. 46. 10. ‘By faith the walls of Jericho fell down’, Heb. 11. 30. Faith is taking God at His word.

In spiritual warfare, the pathway to victory follows the same route as Joshua’s. Visit Gilgal to deal with the flesh. Value the dear Lamb of God and His dreadful sufferings, the Passover. Rejoice in the triumphs of that risen Man, the old corn of the land. Submit to the authority of the divine Captain as revealed in His Word. ‘Thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory’.