Topical Bible: The Armies of Israel: Commanded by the Captain of the Host

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The concept of the "Captain of the Host" in the context of the armies of Israel is a significant theme throughout the Old Testament. This title is often associated with divine leadership and guidance, emphasizing that the true commander of Israel's forces is not merely a human leader but a divine figure who ensures victory and protection for God's chosen people.

Biblical References and Context

The term "Captain of the Host" is most prominently featured in the book of Joshua. In Joshua 5:13-15 , Joshua encounters a mysterious figure before the battle of Jericho: "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."

This passage highlights the divine nature of the Captain of the Host, who is often interpreted as a theophany, a pre-incarnate appearance of Christ. The encounter underscores the belief that the battles fought by Israel are under divine command and that victory is assured when the people are obedient to God's will.

Role and Significance

The Captain of the Host serves as a reminder that the success of Israel's military endeavors is not dependent solely on human strategy or strength but on divine intervention and guidance. Throughout the history of Israel, this divine leadership is evident in various military campaigns where miraculous victories are achieved against overwhelming odds. For instance, in the battle of Jericho, the walls fell not by conventional warfare but through obedience to God's unusual instructions (Joshua 6).

The role of the Captain of the Host also emphasizes the holiness and sanctity of the mission of Israel. The command to Joshua to remove his sandals echoes the encounter of Moses with God at the burning bush (Exodus 3:5), reinforcing the idea that the ground of divine encounter is holy and that the military campaigns of Israel are part of a larger divine plan.

Theological Implications

The presence of the Captain of the Host in Israel's military history serves as a theological assertion of God's sovereignty and faithfulness. It reassures the Israelites that their battles are not fought alone but with the backing of divine power. This concept is a source of encouragement and strength, urging the people to trust in God's promises and to remain faithful to His commandments.

Moreover, the Captain of the Host symbolizes the ultimate leadership of God over His people, pointing to the future messianic hope where God's anointed one will lead His people to ultimate victory. This anticipation is fulfilled in the New Testament through the person of Jesus Christ, who is seen as the ultimate leader and savior of God's people.

Conclusion

The Captain of the Host is a profound symbol of divine leadership and assurance for the armies of Israel. It reflects the belief that God is actively involved in the affairs of His people, guiding and protecting them through every challenge. This divine commandership is a central theme in understanding the military history of Israel and its theological significance in the broader narrative of Scripture.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Samuel 2:8
But Abner the son of Ner, captain of Saul's host, took Ishbosheth the son of Saul, and brought him over to Mahanaim;
Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Samuel 17:25
And Absalom made Amasa captain of the host instead of Joab: which Amasa was a man's son, whose name was Ithra an Israelite, that went in to Abigail the daughter of Nahash, sister to Zeruiah Joab's mother.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Samuel 20:23
Now Joab was over all the host of Israel: and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada was over the Cherethites and over the Pelethites:
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Library

The Lord of Hosts, the God of Jacob
... is the Lord of the armies of Israel, but the ... Captain, are far other and grander than
any earthly armies. ... of the legion in which he himself commanded, when he ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture j/the lord of hosts the.htm

How David, when He had Recovered his Kingdom, was Reconciled to ...
... office which Joab before had; and he commanded him to ... Sheba through all the country
of Israel, one told ... God ordained kings and generals of armies, that they ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 11 how david when.htm

The Trial of Saul.
... Thus the two armies remained in sight of each other ... the Lord have established thy
kingdom upon Israel for ever ... His own heart, and the Lord hath commanded him to ...
/.../newman/parochial and plain sermons vol viii/sermon iii the trial of.htm

Faith and Courage.
... valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the ... You may perhaps reply that Moses
was commanded by God ... notice when God was about to deliver Israel out of ...
/.../moody/to the work to the work/chapter iii faith and courage.htm

Carried Captive into Babylon
... At this Zedekiah commanded that they "commit Jeremiah into the ... follow the counsel
of the Mighty One of Israel. ... The Hebrew armies were beaten back in confusion. ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 37 carried captive into.htm

The Antiquities of the Jews
... Privately, Whose Name Was David, As God Commanded Him. ... King Of Syria And Pekah King
Of Israel, Made War ... And Killed The Generals Of Their Armies Themselves; And ...
//christianbookshelf.org/josephus/the antiquities of the jews/

Palestine under Pagan Kings.
... as was done by the Assyrians in Israel; and thus ... in the plains of Dura, and commanded
that, when ... hundred years before Christ, marched his armies against the ...
/.../headley/half hours in bible lands volume 2/palestine under pagan kings.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... distributed among the five fortresses which commanded the Shephelah ... the many evils
they had inflicted on Israel. ... of his own contingent.* Their armies were made ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm

The Treatise
... For sin has hemmed us in with three strong, mighty armies. ... our Saviour." For this
reason Jeremiah, chapter xxix, commanded the people of Israel to pray ...
//christianbookshelf.org/luther/a treatise on good works/the treatise.htm

Appendix xii. The Baptism of Proselytes
... the Zodiac), each having 30 chiefs of armies, each chief ... when the demons have no
power over Israel (Pes.109 b ... be killed, a good man, and who commanded the Jews ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/appendix xii the baptism of.htm