The answer is: Take off his sandals

Josh 5:15

In the fascinating world depicted in the Book of Joshua, Joshua stands on the brink of leading Israel into the Promised Land—a land flowing with milk and honey. As he prepares, a remarkable encounter takes place. The captain of the Lord's army appears to him—theophany, anyone? It’s a teachable moment rooted in humility and reverence.

When the captain nudges Joshua to take off his sandals, it’s not about style choices but setting a sacred atmosphere. Just as Moses encountered God at the burning bush and was told to remove his sandals, so too does Joshua. The repeated themes hint at the divine holiness of the places we stand, reminding us of the importance of recognizing God’s presence in our midst.

Isn’t it intriguing that the act of removing sandals wasn’t just ceremonial? In ancient Near Eastern culture, it symbolized respect and humility. This wasn’t Joshua just hearing a command, but it was an invitation into a deeper relationship with the divine—a tap on the shoulder to acknowledge he was standing on holy ground.

Moreover, Joshua serves as a pivotal figure connecting other biblical events: he’s a bridge from the Exodus and the wandering in the wilderness to the conquering of the land. So, when Joshua takes off his sandals, it signifies an openness to divine leading and a reminder that regardless of our life’s next steps, we must approach the divine with awe and intention.

As we delve deeper into the nuances of scripture, we gain profound insights that transcend time! How do we encounter the sacred in our own lives? It's a great question to ponder!