{"id":54120,"date":"2023-09-15T08:00:00","date_gmt":"2023-09-15T15:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.olivetree.com\/blog\/?p=54120"},"modified":"2023-09-11T11:49:51","modified_gmt":"2023-09-11T18:49:51","slug":"the-commander-of-the-lords-army","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.olivetree.com\/blog\/the-commander-of-the-lords-army\/","title":{"rendered":"The Commander of the Lord\u2019s Army"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Prior to the first battle after Israel entered the land of Canaan, Joshua encountered a mysterious warrior. This warrior identifies himself as the commander of the Lord\u2019s army. Who is this commander and what does his appearance indicate? Let\u2019s get some help in understanding Joshua\u2019s encounter with this mysterious warrior from the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.olivetree.com\/store\/product.php?productid=77414\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Teach the Text Commentary<\/a>. Keep reading to check out what this text teaches us.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-big-idea\"><strong>Big Idea<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The Lord assures his people that he is present and will give them victory.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Key Themes of Joshua 5:13\u201315<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>The appearance of God as the commander of Israel\u2019s armies indicates that he fights Israel\u2019s battles.<\/li><li>The Divine Warrior reveals his identity as the holy emissary of God.<\/li><li>Joshua acknowledges the Divine Warrior and humbly submits to his instructions.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Understanding the Text<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>The Text in Context<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>After the spiritual preparation of circumcision and Passover is completed (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.olivetree.com\/bible\/?query=Josh+5%3A1-12&amp;version=NIV\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">5:1\u201312<\/a>), the people are ready to enter the land at the Lord\u2019s command. Yet there is one more necessary element\u2014the presence of the Lord (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.olivetree.com\/bible\/?query=Josh+5%3A13-15&amp;version=NIV\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">5:13\u201315<\/a>). The sudden and mysterious appearance of the \u201ccommander\u201d recalls Moses\u2019s experience at the burning bush (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.olivetree.com\/bible\/?query=Ex+3&amp;version=NIV\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Exod. 3<\/a>). These verses (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.olivetree.com\/bible\/?query=Josh+5%3A13-15&amp;version=NIV\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">5:13\u201315<\/a>) function naturally as a transition to chapters 6\u201312. The commander is the true leader who will accomplish on behalf of Israel the victories described in chapters 6\u201312. Moreover, the passage shows that Joshua is dependent on the Lord\u2019s presence for success. Joshua\u2019s question, \u201cAre you for us or for our enemies?\u201d (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.olivetree.com\/bible\/?query=Josh+5%3A13&amp;version=NIV\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">5:13<\/a>), reveals what is of utmost importance to him. The Lord\u2019s revelation as the holy commander of the Lord\u2019s armies confirms Joshua\u2019s faith and Israel\u2019s victory.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Interpretive Insights<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>5:13<\/strong> <\/h4>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\"><p>When Joshua was by Jericho, he lifted up his eyes and looked, and behold, a man was standing before him with his drawn sword in his hand. And Joshua went to him and said to him, \u201cAre you for us, or for our adversaries?\u201d <\/p><cite>Joshua 5:13<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p>The scene shifts from Gilgal to Jericho (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.olivetree.com\/bible\/?query=Josh+4%3A19&amp;version=NIV\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">4:19<\/a>), where Joshua may have been on a reconnaissance mission, viewing the enemy stronghold. Yet the important sighting is the revelation of the commander. \u201cBehold\u201d commonly introduces a vivid depiction of imminent, surprising events. The figure appears to be a man, and only at his answer to Joshua\u2019s question does Joshua realize he stands before the divine presence. Military dress included a belt and side sheath. A sword was a common weapon for a champion combatant (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.olivetree.com\/bible\/?query=1+Sam+17%3A51&amp;version=NIV\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">1 Sam. 17:51<\/a>); that it is drawn indicates he is positioned for battle (contrast <a href=\"https:\/\/www.olivetree.com\/bible\/?query=Josh+8%3A20&amp;version=NIV\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Judg. 8:20<\/a>). Joshua\u2019s first action shows no sign of timidity, indicating that he thinks the man is an unidentified warrior. If he were an opponent, then a duel between warriors may have ensued (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.olivetree.com\/bible\/?query=2+Sam+2%3A14-15&amp;version=NIV\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">2 Sam. 2:14\u201315<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.olivetree.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/TTTblog1-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-54122\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.olivetree.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/TTTblog1-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.olivetree.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/TTTblog1-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.olivetree.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/TTTblog1-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.olivetree.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/TTTblog1-1536x1152.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>5:14<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\"><p>And he said, \u201cNo; but I am the commander of the army of the LORD. Now I have come.\u201d And Joshua fell on his face to the earth and worshiped and said to him, \u201cWhat does my lord say to his servant?\u201d<\/p><cite>Joshua 5:14<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p>Joshua\u2019s question is irrelevant since the commander is a different order of being altogether. The title occurs twice in Joshua (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.olivetree.com\/bible\/?query=Josh+5%3A14-15&amp;version=NIV\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">5:14, 15<\/a>). \u201cCommander of the army\u201d (<em>sar hatsaba\u2019<\/em>) describes human and divine leaders of armies (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.olivetree.com\/bible\/?query=1+Sam+17%3A55&amp;version=NIV\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">1 Sam. 17:55<\/a>; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.olivetree.com\/bible\/?query=Dan+8%3A11&amp;version=NIV\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Dan. 8:11<\/a>). The divine title \u201cthe LORD Almighty\u201d (or \u201cLORD of hosts,\u201d <em>yhwh tseba\u2019ot<\/em>), indicates his sovereign rule over Israel\u2019s armies (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.olivetree.com\/bible\/?query=1+Sam+17%3A45&amp;version=NIV\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">1 Sam. 17:45<\/a>). The commander is the Divine Warrior who defeats Israel\u2019s enemies (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.olivetree.com\/bible\/?query=Josh+21%3A44&amp;version=NIV\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">21:44<\/a>; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.olivetree.com\/bible\/?query=Ex+15%3A3&amp;version=NIV\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Exod. 15:3<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The allusion in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.olivetree.com\/bible\/?query=Josh+5%3A15&amp;version=NIV\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">verse 15<\/a> to the burning bush revelation suggests that the commander is the same \u201cangel of the LORD\u201d who speaks to Moses, identified as \u201cthe LORD\u201d (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.olivetree.com\/bible\/?query=Ex+3%3A2-6&amp;version=NIV\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Exod. 3:2\u20136<\/a>; see below). The verse alludes to \u201cthe angel of the LORD\u201d with drawn sword who appears to Balaam (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.olivetree.com\/bible\/?query=Num+22%3A22&amp;version=NIV\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Num. 22:22<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.olivetree.com\/bible\/?query=Num+22%3A31&amp;version=NIV\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">31<\/a>). Joshua bows subserviently, indicating that the commander is Joshua\u2019s superior. The exhortation for Joshua to remove his shoes because of holy ground means that the identity of the \u201cman\u201d is the Lord God (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.olivetree.com\/bible\/?query=Josh+5%3A15&amp;version=NIV\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">5:15<\/a>). That the stranger accepts worship suggests that he is worthy of worship (cf. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.olivetree.com\/bible\/?query=Acts+14%3A12-15&amp;version=NIV\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Acts 14:12\u201315<\/a>; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.olivetree.com\/bible\/?query=Rev+19%3A10&amp;version=NIV\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Rev. 19:10<\/a>). \u201cReverence\u201d translates <em>hawah<\/em>, indicating obeisance (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.olivetree.com\/bible\/?query=Ruth+2%3A10&amp;version=NIV\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Ruth 2:10<\/a>; NIV: \u201cbowed down\u201d) or worship (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.olivetree.com\/bible\/?query=2+Chron+20%3A18&amp;version=NIV\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">2 Chron. 20:18<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.olivetree.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/TTTblog2-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-54123\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.olivetree.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/TTTblog2-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.olivetree.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/TTTblog2-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.olivetree.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/TTTblog2-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.olivetree.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/TTTblog2-1536x1152.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Joshua matches his act of reverence with submission to the commander\u2019s will. By using the ambiguous term \u201clord\u201d the text maintains the reader\u2019s concentration on the commander\u2019s identity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>5:15<\/strong> <\/h4>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\"><p>And the commander of the LORD\u2019S army said to Joshua, \u201cTake off your sandals from your feet, for the place where you are standing is holy.\u201d And Joshua did so.<\/p><cite>Joshua 5:15<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p>This directive clarifies that the identity of the commander is God. It recalls the burning bush (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.olivetree.com\/bible\/?query=Ex+3%3A1-12&amp;version=NIV\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Exod. 3:1\u201312<\/a>) that confirms the role of Joshua as Moses\u2019s successor and encourages his confidence in the Lord\u2019s directive. \u201cSandals\u201d represents a person\u2019s power or authority (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.olivetree.com\/bible\/?query=Deut+25%3A9&amp;version=NIV\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Deut. 25:9<\/a>; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.olivetree.com\/bible\/?query=Ruth+4%3A7-8&amp;version=NIV\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Ruth 4:7\u20138<\/a>), indicating Joshua\u2019s submission. Also, sandals are soiled by refuse and are not worn on sacred ground.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The place is \u201choly\u201d (<em>qodesh<\/em>) because of the Lord\u2019s presence. This particular term occurs once more, to describe the booty retrieved from Jericho that is dedicated to the Lord\u2019s service (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.olivetree.com\/bible\/?query=Josh+6%3A19&amp;version=NIV\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">6:19<\/a>). The essential meaning of what is \u201choly\u201d is defined by God himself and his character, since he alone is inherently holy (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.olivetree.com\/bible\/?query=Josh+24%3A19&amp;version=NIV\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">24:19<\/a>). Etymologically the term means \u201cwholly other, sacred\u201d in the sense of being apart from what is human and what is ordinary. It also has the related meaning \u201cpossessing moral purity,\u201d for God is ethically perfect, having no sin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Theological Insights<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>God is the essential actor in the destiny of Israel. It is God\u2019s will and power that secure for Israel a place in the land. Joshua meets the true commander of Israel. Joshua\u2019s experience is not a vision but a meeting with the Lord as though he is a man (theophany). That the event echoes the burning bush revelation shows that whether it is Moses or Joshua in leadership, the determining factor for success is the Lord. Human leaders come and go, but the Lord\u2019s faithful commitment does not wane (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.olivetree.com\/bible\/?query=Prov+19%3A21&amp;version=NIV\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Prov. 19:21<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The theology of holiness is a fundamental principle underlying the book. Holiness is overtly important to understanding what is transpiring when the commander encounters Joshua. Consecration of the people has occurred (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.olivetree.com\/bible\/?query=Josh+3%3A5&amp;version=NIV\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">3:5<\/a>; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.olivetree.com\/bible\/?query=Josh+5%3A1-12&amp;version=NIV\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">5:1\u201312<\/a>), and the people are now fit to move forward as holy vessels to achieve a task that is a necessary expression of the Lord\u2019s character. That the Lord is intrinsically holy and humans are intrinsically sinful (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.olivetree.com\/bible\/?query=Ps+143%3A2&amp;version=NIV\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Ps. 143:2<\/a>) creates a \u201cproblem\u201d that must be addressed by God when he relates to his creation (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.olivetree.com\/bible\/?query=Ps+99&amp;version=NIV\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Ps. 99<\/a>). Divine holiness demands his response to sin and sinful people by judgment (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.olivetree.com\/bible\/?query=Ps+9&amp;version=NIV\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Ps. 9<\/a>). The whole world collapses in moral chaos otherwise. Indeed, humans recognize the \u201crightness\u201d of justice (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.olivetree.com\/bible\/?query=Gen+18%3A25&amp;version=NIV\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Gen. 18:25<\/a>; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.olivetree.com\/bible\/?query=Job+34%3A10&amp;version=NIV\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Job 34:10<\/a>). The explicit appearance of the commander who reminds Joshua of his holiness reinforces the cause of empowering the people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Moreover, the response of God to Joshua\u2019s question shows that God is not partisan (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.olivetree.com\/bible\/?query=Deut+32%3A4&amp;version=NIV\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Deut. 32:4<\/a>). His purposes are not subject to human agendas. He does not choose Israel for ethnic reasons or for Israel\u2019s worth. If Israel fails to live in holy obedience, it too faces God\u2019s wrath. This is shown at Ai when Israel suffers for Achan\u2019s disobedience (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.olivetree.com\/bible\/?query=Josh+7&amp;version=NIV\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">chap. 7<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.olivetree.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/TTTblog3-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-54124\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.olivetree.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/TTTblog3-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.olivetree.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/TTTblog3-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.olivetree.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/TTTblog3-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.olivetree.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/TTTblog3-1536x1152.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Teaching the Text<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The most important teaching point is what the passage says about the Lord. <strong>First,<\/strong> it shows that God closely superintends the lives of his people. His surprising appearance shows that the Lord, although not always seen or evident, is present with Joshua as he has promised. <strong>Second,<\/strong> the Lord gives his people assurances through dramatic miracles (Jordan River) but also through encounters of the spoken word. The special assignment and times require the miraculous events of the conquest. The Lord grants Joshua this meeting to encourage him to move forward in faithful obedience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The concept of the holiness of God especially stands out in this passage. Confusion reigns today as to what \u201choly\u201d means. Yet understanding the meaning of holiness is critically important to understanding God\u2019s character since he alone by nature is holy. The Lord stands in stark contrast to humans in their very nature. The Lord is not simply greater in degree than Joshua but is of an entirely different order, as his holiness demonstrates. Holy living encompasses every aspect of Israel\u2019s life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Also essential to Israel\u2019s success is the response of Joshua, who humbly accepts his subservient role. Joshua recognizes that he has no station apart from God\u2019s grace. The commander\u2019s refusal to answer Joshua\u2019s question as to whose side of the conflict he stands for testifies to God\u2019s independence and freedom from human manipulation. Unlike pagan nations, whose deities\u2019 affection was won by ritual means, the Lord\u2019s people must be subject to his will (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.olivetree.com\/bible\/?query=Ps+143%3A10&amp;version=NIV\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Ps. 143:10<\/a>; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.olivetree.com\/bible\/?query=Rom+12%3A2&amp;version=NIV\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Rom. 12:2<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Illustrating the Text<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong><em>God is involved in the lives of his people.<\/em><\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>In 1990 singer Bette Midler released this song written by Julie Gold. The popular song proclaims, \u201cGod is watching us from a distance.\u201d The good news is that this song is wrong. God is not watching us from a distance but is intimately and compassionately involved in the lives of his people. This is the proclamation of the Bible not only in Joshua 5 but from Genesis to Revelation. The Lord did not create us and then walk away. Rather, he is present. The implication of this reality is that we can look to the Lord each and every day. God hears our prayers and responds to our needs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong><em>There is danger in claiming that God is on any particular nation\u2019s side.<\/em><\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>In his eulogy for Abraham Lincoln, Reverend Matthew Simpson remarked,<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To a minister who hoped the Lord was on our [the Union\u2019s] side, he [Lincoln] replied that it gave him no concern whether the Lord was on our side or not. \u201cFor,\u201d he [Lincoln] added, \u201cI know the Lord is always on the side of the right,\u201d and with deep feeling he added, \u201cBut God is my witness that it is my constant anxiety and prayer that both myself and this nation should be the Lord\u2019s side.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong><em>Godly leadership is marked by humility.<\/em><\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>This children\u2019s story (Charlotte\u2019s Web, by E. B. White) is about a spider named Charlotte who lives in a barn, just above the stall of a pig named Wilbur. Wilbur is concerned that one day, when he is fat enough, the farmer will turn him into bacon. Charlotte uses all her resources to try to rescue Wilbur. Dave Gibbons writes: \u201cAs the story draws to a close, Charlotte the spider is in the barn dying, and she can hear the roar of applause for Wilbur [as he wins a prize and his life is saved]. Charlotte finds great joy in knowing that her life has meant the success of another, her close friend, Wilbur. Though no one will remember her, the things she has done, and the sacrifices she has made, she is satisfied, having loved her friend in life and in death.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>A Commentary to Help You Teach the Text<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.olivetree.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/TeachTheTextBookSetSocial-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-52904\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.olivetree.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/TeachTheTextBookSetSocial-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.olivetree.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/TeachTheTextBookSetSocial-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.olivetree.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/TeachTheTextBookSetSocial-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.olivetree.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/TeachTheTextBookSetSocial-1536x864.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>As you can see, the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.olivetree.com\/store\/product.php?productid=77414\">Teach the Text Commentary<\/a> provides some really helpful content for understanding and teaching Scripture. The structure of each commentary section helps you interpret, teach, and illustrate the text. Stop by our store and find the help you need to teach the text!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-16018d1d wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-white-color has-text-color has-background\" href=\"https:\/\/www.olivetree.com\/store\/product.php?productid=77414\" style=\"background-color:#77aa3c\">TEACH THE TEXT COMMENTARY<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Prior to the first battle after Israel entered the land of Canaan, Joshua encountered a mysterious warrior. This warrior identifies himself as the commander of the Lord\u2019s army. Who is this commander and what does his appearance indicate? Let\u2019s get some help in understanding Joshua\u2019s encounter with this mysterious warrior from the Teach the Text<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":26,"featured_media":54127,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_sb_show_comment_boards":false,"_cf_multicollab_revision_bundle":"","_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[7849],"tags":[5974],"class_list":{"0":"post-54120","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-commentaries","8":"tag-teach-the-text-old-and-new-testament-set"},"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v26.0 (Yoast SEO v28.1) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>The Commander of the Lord\u2019s Army - Olive Tree Blog<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/staging-blog.olivetree.com\/the-commander-of-the-lords-army\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"The Commander of the Lord\u2019s Army\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Prior to the first battle after Israel entered the land of Canaan, Joshua encountered a mysterious warrior. 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