THE CAPTAIN OF THE LORD’S HOST
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro
Main Text: Joshua 5:13-15
Key Verse: “And he said, Nay; but as captain of the host of the Lord am I now come. And Joshua fell on his face to the earth, and did worship, and said unto him, What saith my lord unto his servant?” — Joshua 5:14 (KJV)
Supporting Texts: Exodus 15:3, 2 Chronicles 20:15, Psalm 24:8, Isaiah 45:2, Ephesians 6:10-12
INTRODUCTION:
The encounter between Joshua and the mysterious figure near Jericho reveals a profound truth about spiritual warfare: the battles of life are not fought by human might but under divine command. The “Captain of the Lord’s host” who appeared to Joshua symbolised the pre-incarnate Christ, the divine Commander-in-Chief of Heaven’s armies.
Joshua, though a seasoned warrior and leader, bowed in reverence when he recognised that he stood before One greater than himself. His submission teaches us that before every victory in battle, there must first be surrender to divine authority. The Lord of Hosts never loses a battle, but He only fights for those who recognise His leadership.
Every believer must understand that life’s conflicts are not merely physical but spiritual. To prevail, we must align ourselves with the Captain of the Lord’s host, Jesus Christ, who commands heavenly armies and grants victory to those who follow His strategy.
1. THE IDENTITY OF THE CAPTAIN OF THE LORD’S HOST
The Captain of the Lord’s host is none other than the Lord Himself, appearing to Joshua in divine form. He leads the armies of heaven and commands victory for His people.
a) He is the pre-incarnate Christ (Exodus 3:2-6)
The same divine presence that appeared to Moses in the burning bush appeared to Joshua as the Commander of God’s army.
b) He reveals the authority of God in warfare (Psalm 24:8)
The Lord is strong and mighty, mighty in battle. His presence guarantees victory in every conflict.
c) He commands angelic forces (Psalm 103:20-21)
The heavenly host obeys His voice, ensuring that His will prevails over every human or demonic resistance.
d) He demands reverence and obedience (Joshua 5:15)
The Captain told Joshua to remove his shoes, a sign of submission and holiness before divine presence.
Biblical Example: The Angel of the Lord appeared to Gideon as a divine messenger of victory, assuring him that the battle was the Lord’s (Judges 6:11-16).
2. RECOGNISING GOD’S COMMAND IN OUR BATTLES
Before we can experience victory, we must first recognise that every battle belongs to the Lord. No matter our skills, strength, or strategy, divine direction must take the lead.
a) Acknowledge that the Lord is the ultimate Commander (2 Chronicles 20:15)
Jehoshaphat was told, “The battle is not yours, but God’s.” Victory comes through surrender to God’s plan.
b) Seek divine strategy before acting (Proverbs 3:5-6)
Joshua learned that success in battle requires hearing from God before making any move. Divine instructions bring divine results.
c) Depend on divine strength, not human ability (Ephesians 6:10)
Spiritual warfare requires divine empowerment. The strength of man fails, but God’s power endures.
d) Walk in holiness and obedience (Isaiah 59:1-2)
Sin separates us from the presence of the divine Commander. Holiness ensures divine backing in battle.
Biblical Example: David always inquired of the Lord before going to battle, and the Lord guided him to victory (2 Samuel 5:19-25).
3. SUBMITTING TO THE COMMAND OF THE CAPTAIN
Victory begins with submission. Joshua’s immediate act of worship and humility shows that every warrior under God’s command must first yield completely to Him.
a) Submission precedes direction (James 4:7)
Until we submit to God, we cannot resist the enemy effectively. True strength is found in surrender.
b) Obedience activates divine intervention (Deuteronomy 28:1-2)
When we obey divine instructions, God takes over our battles.
c) Worship positions us for revelation (John 4:24)
Joshua’s posture of worship led to divine instruction. Worship opens the heavens for direction.
d) Humility invites divine presence (1 Peter 5:6)
When we humble ourselves before God, He lifts us up and fights on our behalf.
Biblical Example: King Hezekiah humbled himself and sought the Lord in prayer when confronted by the Assyrian army, and God sent an angel to destroy the enemy camp (2 Kings 19:14-35).
4. EXPERIENCING VICTORY THROUGH DIVINE LEADERSHIP
When the Captain of the Lord’s host leads, victory is certain. He fights for His people and ensures that His name is glorified through their triumph.
a) God’s presence guarantees victory (Exodus 33:14)
Where His presence abides, defeat is impossible.
b) His commands bring supernatural results (Joshua 6:2-5)
The walls of Jericho fell, not by human power, but through obedience to divine instruction.
c) His leadership assures protection (Psalm 91:11)
Angels are dispatched to guard those who dwell under His command.
d) His strategy always brings glory to His name (1 Corinthians 15:57)
God’s victories magnify His power and bring honour to His name among the nations.
Biblical Example: When Israel obeyed the Lord’s unusual instruction to march around Jericho, the walls collapsed, and victory was achieved without a single sword being raised (Joshua 6:20).
CONCLUSION:
The Lord is not only our Saviour but also our Commander. Every victory in life begins with acknowledging His leadership and submitting to His authority. Like Joshua, we must bow in worship before the Captain of the Lord’s host, recognising that the battle is not ours but His.
When we yield to His command, He takes over the battle, fights for us, and ensures victory. Remember, every struggle you face, whether spiritual, emotional, or physical, belongs to the Lord. Trust His leadership, follow His strategy, and you will experience undeniable triumph.
PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, thank You for being the Captain of my battles and the Commander of my destiny.
2. Father, help me to always recognise and submit to Your authority in every situation.
3. Lord, deliver me from self-reliance and teach me to depend fully on You.
4. Father, reveal Your divine strategy for every challenge I face in life.
5. Lord, lead me by Your Spirit in all my decisions and battles.
6. Father, surround me with Your heavenly host and grant me victory over every enemy.
7. Lord, silence every voice that challenges Your authority in my life.
8. Father, let Your presence go before me and make every crooked path straight.
9. Lord, teach my hands to war and my fingers to fight according to Your will.
10. Father, let every battle confronting me today end in total victory to Your glory.
