The title "Commander of the Army of the Lord" refers to a mysterious and significant figure who appears in the Old Testament, specifically in the Book of Joshua. This figure is often interpreted as a divine being, possibly a theophany or a pre-incarnate appearance of Christ, who plays a crucial role in the narrative of Israel's conquest of the Promised Land.

Biblical Account:

The primary reference to the Commander of the Army of the Lord is found in Joshua 5:13-15. As Joshua prepares to lead the Israelites in the battle of Jericho, he encounters this enigmatic figure:

"Now when Joshua was near Jericho, he looked up and saw a man standing in front of him with a drawn sword in his hand. Joshua approached him and asked, 'Are you for us or for our enemies?' 'Neither,' he replied. 'I have now come as commander of the LORD’s army.' Then Joshua fell facedown in reverence and asked him, 'What does my lord have to say to his servant?' The commander of the LORD’s army replied, 'Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy.' And Joshua did so." (Joshua 5:13-15)

Interpretation and Significance:

1. Divine Encounter: The encounter between Joshua and the Commander of the Army of the Lord is often seen as a divine encounter. The command to remove sandals echoes God's instruction to Moses at the burning bush (Exodus 3:5), indicating the presence of holiness and divinity.

2. Identity: The identity of the Commander is a subject of theological discussion. Some scholars and theologians suggest that this figure is an angelic being, while others propose that it is a Christophany, an appearance of the pre-incarnate Christ. The latter view is supported by the figure's acceptance of worship and the holiness of the ground, which are typically reserved for God alone.

3. Role and Authority: The title "Commander of the Army of the Lord" signifies authority and leadership over the heavenly hosts. This figure's appearance reassures Joshua of divine support and guidance as Israel embarks on the conquest of Canaan. The drawn sword symbolizes readiness for battle and divine intervention on behalf of God's people.

4. Neutrality and Divine Purpose: The Commander's response to Joshua's question, "Are you for us or for our enemies?" with "Neither," emphasizes that the divine mission transcends human allegiances. The focus is on God's purposes and plans, rather than human conflicts. This underscores the idea that God's will is paramount, and His presence is with those who align with His purposes.

5. Theological Implications: The encounter highlights themes of holiness, divine authority, and the necessity of obedience to God's commands. It serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty and the importance of seeking His guidance in all endeavors.

Related Themes and References:

· Angel of the Lord: Similar appearances of divine messengers occur throughout the Old Testament, often associated with significant events and revelations (e.g., Genesis 16:7-13, Judges 6:11-24).
· Holiness: The command to remove sandals signifies the sanctity of God's presence, a recurring theme in Scripture (Exodus 3:5, Isaiah 6:1-5).
· Divine Warfare: The concept of God as a warrior leading His people is prevalent in the Old Testament, emphasizing His role as protector and deliverer (Exodus 15:3, Psalm 24:8).

The appearance of the Commander of the Army of the Lord in Joshua's narrative serves as a powerful reminder of God's active presence and leadership in the fulfillment of His promises to His people.