The Commander of the Lord’s Army

 Lessons of Faith from Joshua - Sabbath School Lesson 4 -  Sunday

The Commander of the Lord’s Army
Text: Joshua 5:13–15

When Joshua stood near Jericho, preparing for battle, he suddenly encountered a man standing opposite him with a drawn sword. Joshua, the seasoned military leader, boldly asked, “Are you for us or for our adversaries?” The mysterious figure’s response was startling: “Neither, but as Commander of the army of the Lord I have now come” (Joshua 5:14, NKJV).

This brief encounter reveals something crucial about the conquest of Canaan: the battle was never truly Israel’s. The Lord Himself—through His heavenly Commander—was leading the charge. The fall of Jericho and the victories that followed were not the result of Israel’s military skill but of divine intervention. Canaan’s conquest was first and foremost a spiritual campaign, carried out under the direction of Heaven’s armies.

When we compare this passage with 2 Kings 6:8–17, we see the same divine reality. The prophet Elisha’s servant feared when surrounded by the enemy, but Elisha prayed that God would open his eyes. Then the young man saw “the mountain full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.” The same unseen Commander who stood before Joshua was leading the heavenly hosts that protected Elisha. God’s people are never alone in their battles—spiritual or physical—for His angels encamp around those who fear Him (Psalm 34:7).

Nehemiah 9:6 and Isaiah 37:16 affirm this Commander’s divine identity. Nehemiah declares, “You alone are the Lord. You made the heavens, even the highest heavens, and all their starry host.” Isaiah, in his prayer, calls God the One who “sits enthroned between the cherubim” and who rules “over all the kingdoms of the earth.” These verses make it clear that the “Commander of the Lord’s army” is none other than the Lord Himself—often understood as a pre-incarnate appearance of Christ, the divine Warrior-King who commands the armies of heaven (Revelation 19:11–14).

What comfort this truth brings! When we face opposition, confusion, or spiritual conflict, we can be certain that our battles are not ours alone. The same Lord who stood before Joshua, who protected Elisha, and who defended Jerusalem in Isaiah’s time, stands with us today. We may not see His armies with our physical eyes, but faith assures us that the Commander of heaven’s hosts still fights for His people. He leads, protects, and secures victory—not by human power, but by divine strength.

Reflection Thought:
The battles you face today—whether seen or unseen—belong to the Lord. Trust that the Commander of Heaven’s army is already at work in your defense.

Prayer:
Lord of hosts, Commander of all heavenly armies, thank You for standing by Your people in every generation. When we face fear or uncertainty, remind us that You fight for us. Open our eyes to see Your power at work, and help us to rest in Your presence and protection. Lead us to victory—not for our glory, but for Yours. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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