Joshua 5:13-15 And it came to pass, when Joshua was by Jericho, that he lifted up his eyes and looked, and, behold… I. THAT BEFORE UNDERTAKING ANY DIFFICULT ENTERPRISE, INDEED IN ALL OUR TRIALS AND DISTRESSES, IN ALL OUR WAYS, WE SHOULD DIRECT OUR THOUGHTS TO HEAVEN. Joshua "lifted up his eyes" to heaven, from whence he knew that his help would in due time come. So should our eyes not be lowered to the "earthly, sensual, devilish," but be lifted up to the noble, holy, pure. II. THAT THE HELP OF GOD IS NOT MERELY TO BE PASSIVELY RECEIVED, BUT IS TO BE ACTIVELY SOUGHT FOR. Joshua not only lifted up his eyes: he also "looked." God helps those that help themselves. Men should all be, not merely idle waiters on God's bounty, but really "workers together with Him." III. THAT CHRIST IS EVER READY TO HELP THOSE THAT LOOK TO HIM FOR SUCCOUR. The Captain of the Lord's host "stood over against Joshua with His sword drawn in His hand" — typical of Christ, prepared to afford His omnipotent aid to all who are fighting manfully under His banner, and striving by His grace to continue faithful. IV. THAT WHEN FAITH HAS MADE KNOWN TO US HEAVENLY TRUTHS, REASON MUST DISCLOSE TO US THE EXACT BEARING OF THOSE TRUTHS. "Art thou for us or for our adversaries?" Bringest thou with thee airs from heaven or blasts from hell? Be thy intents wicked or charitable? Many a noble human soul, like stately galley, has been lured to destruction by "phantom ships" in "the spirit land." V. THAT IN THE LIGHT OF ETERNITY EARTHLY CONFLICTS ARE PALTRY AND UNIMPORTANT. Sectarianism must cease when Christianity reigns. VI. THAT HONOUR SHOULD BE GIVEN WHERE HONOUR IS DUE. Joshua "fell on his knees," &c. VII. THAT OBEDIENCE IS NOT THE LEAST OF THE CHRISTIAN VIRTUES. When commanded by the Captain of the Lord's host to "loose his shoes," &c., he at once "did so." Obedience is a sign, not of servitude, but of intelligence. (R. Young, M. A.) Parallel Verses KJV: And it came to pass, when Joshua was by Jericho, that he lifted up his eyes and looked, and, behold, there stood a man over against him with his sword drawn in his hand: and Joshua went unto him, and said unto him, Art thou for us, or for our adversaries? |
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