Joshua - Joshua 5:13-15 DailyBibleStudy.Org

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Joshua 5:13-15

Lesson # Josh. 5:13-15
Study Material - Josh. 5:13-15

You must be in fellowship prior to your Bible study, so that the spiritual information you receive can become a source, of blessing to your soul and produce spiritual growth.

Josh. 5:13-15

13 Now it came about when Joshua was by Jericho, that he lifted up his eyes and looked, and behold, a man was standing opposite him with his sword drawn in his hand, and Joshua went to him and said to him, 'Are you for us or for our adversaries?' 14 And he said, 'No, rather I indeed come now as captain of the host of the LORD.' And Joshua fell on his face to the earth, and bowed down, and said to him, 'What has my lord to say to his servant?' 15 And the captain of the Lord's host said to Joshua, 'Remove your sandals from your feet, for the place where you are standing is holy.' And Joshua did so.

Joshua had gone to reconnoiter Jericho. He had not been commanded to do that yet. The Israelites had been encamped in the plains just to the east of Jericho, and in the process of partaking in the Feasts of Passover, and Unleaven Bread. Joshua had obviously recovered from his own circumcision enough such that he could go out for a walk to have a look at Jericho. This was obviously going to be their first objective.

Joshua is ordered to remove his shoes. He was soiled and therefore not permitted to be in the presence of God. The soiling is not of the feet however, but of the soul. So we conclude that it is Joshua who is attempting to resolve in his own mind as to how 'he' is going to defeat the city of Jericho.

Suddenly a man appears with drawn sword. This gets Joshua's attention and thus the challenge from Joshua - 'friend or foe?' And the man replies to the two questions with one response, 'No.' An that means 'No' to both questions. The man was neither there for friendship as with Abraham at the oaks of Mamre, when Christ appeared in friendship, nor was He there as an enemy. But the purpose was to remind Joshua of Joshua's true position in the command structure of the Israelite host.

Joshua was general due to the appointment made by God, but Christ was the Commander and Chief and herein states, ' ... I indeed come now as captain of the host ...'

The host referred to here is more than just the Israelites, but also to legions of angels who will serve to protect them, as well as to the actions of nature that will serve to aid them in battle. Joshua is but one link, a subordinate link, in the command structure. Christ, who was standing there with sword drawn, was the sovereign, the highest authority. All that exists is under his command.

Joshua, who was obviously out of fellowship, did not recognize the Lord, but saw only a warrior with sword drawn and a potential enemy. Joshua immediately falls to the ground in humble posture and 'worships' God, who stands before him. God is further identified in the next chapter, 6:2.

Joshua recovers his fellowship (removal of the shoes - confession - obedience to Gods command) and awaits instructions. And that is exactly where our lives should be on a day to day basis.

We await instruction by studying our Bibles, learning, and growing up spiritually. God gives us insight and understanding through His word. We become oriented to life, oriented to grace, oriented to the world around us. With doctrine in our soul and with a status of fellowship, we can recognize and discern right from wrong, priorities and responsibilities. Through some form of supernatural control, God through His word in our soul, guides and directs our lives without interfering with our freedom of choice.

Our first command of obedience is clear - clean up our daily walk in life. Remove those dirty shoes. Clean up your soul. Recover and remain in fellowship. The next command is clear as well. Wait for instruction from God. And we get that instruction by studying His Word on a daily basis. We do not get gulps at a time. We do not gain much by reading the entire content of the Bible each day. But like hot soup or fine wine, we sip little sips at a time, savoring each as we consume it. So it is with Bible study. A word, a verse, a precept at a time. A little at a time each day, and over time these little sips build an indestructible fortress in our souls.

Now is the time to post a prayer.

End Of Lesson

Study to show thyself approved (mature) unto God, a workman that needs not to be ashamed, rightly dividing (studying/discerning), the Word of truth.

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