The Mysterious Warrior

A Warrior Dressed for War.

A tense encounter — battle is on the horizon.

A probing question — “is it go time?”

Joshua is moving forward in God’s call on his life. He’s prepared and taking the next step forward. For that we can commend him and find instruction — move forward, readying yourself for obedience. Walk obediently in God’s call, and be ready for the battle that lies ahead.

A Realization of YHWH’s Purpose.

The answer of the warrior is a reminder that God is most concerned with God and His glory.

The arrival of he warrior prior to Israel’s battles is a reminder that the battle(s) belong to YHWH.

A yet unanswered question — will God be faithful to Israel’s covenant with Rahab?

Resist the temptation to make this life about you! Joshua may or may not be on the verge of doing this, but it is an ever-present reality for us. As tough a pill this may be to swallow, God is for God, and we are called to adopt this posture.

A Servant who Rightly Responds.

Joshua adopts a posture of surrender — he loses it and falls face down to the ground.

Joshua refers to himself as a servant.

Joshua the leader will follow this heavenly commander.

If God is concerned with His glory, we respond rightly by living solely for His glory as surrendered servants, demanding no rights of our own, but fully embracing whatever God demands of us.

A Reminder of YHWH’s Presence.

The scene is reminiscent of Moses’ encounter with God; God was clearly in the burning bush.

The ground is holy because of God’s presence in the place.

Holiness = set apart. In the OT, holiness is rooted in YHWH.

Things are called holy only insofar as they are set aside for and are claimed by God.

The episode parallels Moses again, yet another reminder of God’s presence with Joshua.

Thoughts on removing sandals — symbolic purity/nakedness an indication of God’s presence.

The passage serves as a reminder that God’s presence with believers is NOT mantra to be uttered, but a reality to be experienced. When God is present with us, He is present in POWER. He fights our battles. He goes before us. And He does it for His sake and His glory. Will we mimic Joshua’s response: humble submission and reliance upon God, allowing the true battle to be the focus, or will we insist on taking control . Ps.118:5-6: “I called to the Lord in distress; the Lord answered me and put me in a spacious place. The Lord is for me; I will not be afraid. What can a mere mortal do to me?”