The answer is: Take off his sandals

Josh 5:15

In Joshua 5:15, when the captain of the Lord's host tells Joshua to take off his sandals, it's a profound moment steeped in significance. This command echoes Moses' experience at the burning bush when he also was instructed to remove his sandals because he stood on holy ground (Exodus 3:5). Both instances emphasize the importance of reverence and recognize the sanctity of their encounters with the divine.

When Joshua takes off his sandals, it's not just a sign of respect; it's also a symbolic gesture of submission. He is being reminded of his covenant relationship with God, resting on the assurance that he is not alone in this monumental task of leading the Israelites into the Promised Land. The act serves as an acknowledgment of a boundary between the ordinary and the divine realm.

Interestingly, the role of Joshua as a leader parallels that of Moses in many ways. While Moses led the people out of Egypt, Joshua was tasked with guiding them into the land of promise. However, the mantle of leadership transferred gracefully between them, ensuring God's continuous presence in their journey.

This command to remove sandals can also be seen metaphorically. It's about shedding things that bind us—like worries or fears—making space for the divine to lead us into new eras of life. Joshua's obedience is the setting of holy ground and a foundational step forward for a nation. In stories like this, we can glean lasting life lessons on humility, service, and connectedness with the divine.