On God's Side!

13 When Joshua was near the town of Jericho, he looked up and saw a Man standing in front of him with sword in Hand. Joshua went up to Him and demanded, “Are You friend or foe?” 14 “Neither one,” He replied. “I am the Commander of the Lord’s Army.” At this, Joshua fell with his face to the ground in reverence. “I am at Your command,” Joshua said. “What do you want Your servant to do?” 15 The Commander of the Lord’s Army replied, “Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy.” And Joshua did as he was told.

Joshua 5:13-15 (NLT).

Before the Israelites entered into the Promised Land, the people of Israel renewed their commitment and devotion to wholeheartedly follow God. This new generation of Israelites was committed to trusting and following God. God had always commanded absolute allegiance and love for Him as their  God (Deuteronomy 6:4-6) and this new generation people accepted God’s call of wholehearted faith in Him.

Even more important, Israel’s new leader, Joshua, met the Commander of the Lord's Army before entering the Promised Land (Joshua 5:13-15). Some biblical scholars say that Joshua actually met God in human form, also called a Theophany.  Other biblical scholars believe Joshua met the pre-incarnate Christ in human form or possibly an angel. Either way, Joshua’s encounter with Commander of the Lord’s Army is similar to Moses’ experience at the burning bush (Exodus 3:2–8) as God declared the land holy (Joshua 5:15).  As God was with Moses to lead the people, God was now with Joshua to lead Israel. Joshua humbly fell to ground in utter respect for the Commander of the Lord's Amy and removed his sandals. Joshua understood that God deserved absolute respect, honor, and worship. 

Moreover, God personally met Joshua to help him lead Israel into battle and conquer Canaan (or the Promised Land) for God’s people. God gave Joshua and Israel the battle instructions for victory as He was truly Israel's leader. Joshua humbly accepted God’s leading and guidance because Joshua knew God’s plans and ways is best (see also Jeremiah 29:11). Moreover, Joshua learned that God had a good plan for Israel’s victory. All Joshua and Israel had to do was humbly obey God and follow Him. Wholeheartedly following God would be Israel’s secret for their victory (see also 2 Chronicles 20:15).

Finally, Joshua asked God if He was a “friend or foe” (Joshua 5:13)  God relied to Joshua “neither” (Joshua 5:14)  To put this conversation in biblical terms, we are not to ask God to be on our side.  Rather, we must declare our wholehearted devotion and love to Him as our God and declare our commitment to be on God’s side.  This is what Joshua did when he realized who stood before him as he “fell with his face to the ground in reverence” to God (Joshua 5:14).  As Christians, we too must wholeheartedly commit ourselves to God.  At the heart of this Scripture passage is holiness.  Holiness means being wholeheartedly devoted to God and God's commands and set apart from sin and sin’s influence (1 Peter 1:16; see also Joshua 24:14-15, 23).  So, let us all get on God’s side!

Reference
Coleson, Joseph. Joshua, Judges, Ruth. Cornerstone Biblical Commentary. Carol Streams, IL:  Tyndale House Pub., 2012.