“And 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?”
This verse is part of a significant event that took place before the Israelites entered the Promised Land under the leadership of Joshua, after the death of Moses. Let’s explore the context and significance of this verse in a Bible study.
Historical Context:At this point, the Israelites had crossed the Jordan River and were encamped in Gilgal, preparing to conquer Jericho, the first city in the Promised Land. The generation that had been delivered from Egypt had passed away during their wilderness wanderings, and the new generation, circumcised at Gilgal, was about to inherit the land.
The Encounter:In this verse, Joshua has an encounter with a divine figure described as “captain of the host of the LORD.” This figure is commonly understood to be an angel or a Christophany, a pre-incarnate appearance of Jesus Christ. The appearance of this figure signifies the divine presence and authority guiding the Israelites as they enter the Promised Land.
Joshua’s Response:Joshua’s reaction to encountering this divine figure is one of reverence and submission. He falls on his face to the earth, an act of worship, recognizing the presence of God’s messenger. Joshua acknowledges himself as a servant of the Lord and seeks to know the Lord’s will by asking, “What saith my Lord unto his servant?”
Lessons and Application:
- Recognizing God’s authority: Joshua’s response demonstrates the importance of recognizing and submitting to the authority of God. When we encounter God’s presence or His messengers, it is fitting to respond with reverence, humility, and worship.
- Seeking God’s guidance: Joshua’s question reflects his desire to know God’s will. As believers, we should also seek God’s guidance in our lives. When faced with important decisions or challenges, we can follow Joshua’s example and seek the Lord’s direction through prayer, studying His Word, and seeking godly counsel.
- Trusting God’s leadership: The presence of the divine figure as the captain of the host of the LORD reminds us of God’s leadership and guidance. Just as Joshua trusted God’s command to lead the Israelites into the Promised Land, we can have confidence in God’s guidance and provision as we navigate through our own journeys.
- Serving the Lord: Joshua identifies himself as a servant of the Lord, highlighting the importance of a servant’s heart in our relationship with God. We should strive to serve God wholeheartedly, being obedient to His commands and seeking to fulfill His purposes.
