"And 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."
Context and Background:The book of Joshua is located in the Old Testament and follows the Israelites’ journey into the Promised Land after wandering in the wilderness for forty years. Moses had led the Israelites out of Egypt, but it was Joshua who was appointed by God to lead them into the land of Canaan.
The Encounter with the Captain of the LORD’S Host:In Joshua 5, the Israelites had just crossed the Jordan River miraculously. The manna, which had sustained them in the wilderness, ceased to fall once they entered the Promised Land. They also observed the practice of circumcision to renew the covenant with God. As Joshua was near the city of Jericho, he encountered a man standing before him with a drawn sword. This man identified himself as the captain of the LORD’S host, or the commander of the army of the Lord.
Removing the Shoes:The captain of the LORD’S host instructed Joshua to "loose thy shoe from off thy foot." This command is reminiscent of the encounter Moses had with God at the burning bush (Exodus 3:5). In both instances, the removal of the shoes symbolised reverence and acknowledgement of standing on holy ground. It was an act of humility and submission before God’s presence.
The Holiness of the Place:The captain of the LORD’S host declared that the place where Joshua stood was holy. The Promised Land, Canaan, was a land set apart by God for the Israelites. The presence of the captain of the LORD’S host indicated that God’s presence dwelt in the midst of His people as they prepared to possess the land. The land was holy because God had chosen it for His people and intended to fulfil His promises to them.
Joshua’s Response:Joshua obeyed the command and removed his shoe, demonstrating his humility and reverence before God. Joshua recognised the significance of the encounter and responded with obedience. His act of removing his shoe symbolised his acknowledgement of God’s holiness and his submission to God’s authority.
Lessons and Applications:
- Reverence and Submission:Joshua’s response teaches us the importance of approaching God with reverence and humility. When we recognise God’s presence and authority, it is essential to submit ourselves to His will and follow His commands.
- Holiness of God’s Presence:The encounter highlights the holiness of God’s presence. When we come before God, whether in prayer, worship, or studying His Word, we should remember that we stand on holy ground. We should approach Him with reverence, awe, and respect.
- Obedience:Joshua’s immediate obedience to God’s command serves as a model for us. God calls us to obey His instructions promptly, trusting in His wisdom and guidance.
- Recognising God’s Presence:Just as Joshua recognised the captain of the LORD’S host, we must be attentive to God’s presence in our lives. God is with us, and when we acknowledge His presence, we can find strength, guidance, and comfort in Him.
Overall, Joshua 5:15 emphasises the importance of reverence, obedience, and acknowledging God’s holy presence. It encourages us to approach God with humility, recognising His authority and seeking to align our lives with His will.
