Michael the Archangel: Leading Joshua and Our Spiritual War

Yes, explorers have found ruins on Mount Ebal, though nothing has been discovered that definitively connects these structures with the altar built by JoshuaHBS 209.3.

Discoveries on Mount Ebal ⛰️

Explorers with the Palestine Exploration Fund, including Sir Charles Wilson, Major Anderson, and Major Conder, have made interesting discoveries on Mount EbalHBS 209.3.

• A Square Ruin: On the summit of Ebal, Sir Charles Wilson described a ruin consisting of a square enclosure, ninety-two feet on each side, with walls twenty feet thickHBS 209.3. This structure was built of selected unhewn stones without mortarHBS 209.3. However, there is nothing in this building to connect it with the altar erected by JoshuaHBS 209.3.

• An Alternative Site: Major Conder suggested that a Moslem sacred site on the ridge of the mountain, called the "Monument of the Faith," is the true location of Joshua's altarHBS 209.3.

• Samaritan Tradition: The Samaritans have a different tradition, placing the altar on the neighboring Mount GerizimHBS 209.3.

The Altar Described in Scripture

After the Israelites entered Canaan, Joshua led the people to the vale of Shechem, between Mount Ebal and Mount Gerizim, to renew their covenant of loyalty to GodEP 355.3+2. This solemn event was commanded by Moses before his death Deuteronomy 27:4+1.

• Construction: Joshua built an altar to the Lord on Mount Ebal made of unhewn, whole stones, upon which no iron tool was usedPP 499.3+1; Joshua 8:31.

• Sacrifices: On this altar, burnt offerings and peace offerings were sacrificed to the LordEP 355.3+1; Joshua 8:31. The placement of the altar on Mount Ebal, the mountain of the curse, was significantPP 499.3. It signified that because of their transgressions, Israel had justly incurred God's wrath, which would be visited upon them were it not for the atonement of Christ, represented by the altar of sacrificeEP 355.3+1.

• The Law Inscribed: Beside the altar, a monument of great stones was erectedEP 355.3+1. These stones were covered with plaster, and upon the plaster, Joshua wrote a copy of the law of MosesEP 355.3+2; Joshua 8:32. This included not only the Ten Commandments spoken from Sinai but also the laws communicated to Moses and written in a bookEP 355.3+1. Writing on the plaster was an easy and rapid processHBS 209.3.

A Note on Archaeology

While archaeology can offer fascinating insights, it's important to remember its place10MR 389.1+1. Some make painstaking efforts to dig for hidden cities and inscriptions, but the Lord has not laid it upon man to search out these mysteries as the primary way to find Him10MR 389.1. Rightly understood, science and the written Word agree, and each sheds light on the other, leading us to God by teaching of His wise lawsST March 14, 1900, par. 21. Researches in archaeology ultimately serve to heap evidence upon evidence of the Bible's absolute truthfulnessARSH May 9, 1882, page 290.7.

The connection is an extraordinary one: the "Captain of the Lord's host" who appeared to Joshua was, in fact, Michael the Archangel, who is Christ Himself4aSG 61.3+2. Therefore, Joshua did not just have a character similar to Michael; he had a direct, personal encounter with Him before the battle of Jericho4aSG 61.3.

The Encounter at Jericho ⚔️

As Joshua prepared for the conquest of Jericho, he withdrew from the armies of Israel to meditate and pray4aSG 61.3. It was then that he saw a man of lofty stature in warlike garments, holding a drawn sword4aSG 61.3. When Joshua challenged him, "Are you for us, or for our adversaries?" the warrior revealed His true identity Joshua 5:134aSG 61.3.

He declared, "No; but as captain of the host of the LORD am I now come" Joshua 5:144aSG 61.3. In that moment, Joshua recognized His divinity, fell on his face to worship, and asked for his Lord's command Joshua 5:144aSG 61.3. The Captain then instructed him, "Loose your shoe from off your foot; for the place where on you stand is holy" Joshua 5:15ARSH June 6, 1899, page 360.22+1. This was the same command given to Moses at the burning bush, confirming that Joshua was in the presence of God Exodus 3:5PTUK March 29, 1894, page 198.9+1.

Identifying the Captain of the Lord's Host

This divine being was none other than Christ Himself, the Son of God, who came from heaven to personally lead the angelic armies in the attack on JerichoTA 110.4+3. It was the Captain of the Lord's host and His angels who laid hold of the massive walls and brought them to the groundTA 110.4+1. He did not reveal Himself to the entire congregation but communicated only with Joshua, who then related the commands to the peopleTA 110.4+2. The victory at Jericho was not achieved by Israel's strength but by the power of their divine Leader4aSG 64.1+2.

Michael the Archangel is Christ

The Scriptures identify Michael the Archangel as another title for Christ4aSG 57.4+1.

• Christ's Identity: He is called "Michael, or Christ," who resurrected Moses after his death4aSG 57.4. The angel Gabriel referred to Christ as "Michael, your prince"SITI March 26, 1902, page 3.14+1.

• Commander of Angels: In the war in heaven, it was "Michael and His angels" who fought against the dragon, Satan Revelation 12:77MR 63.2+2. Christ is the Commander-in-chief of all heavenly armiesATNM 22.1.

• The Archangel: The voice of the archangel that will be heard at the resurrection is the voice of Jesus Himself 1 Thessalonians 4:16+1ATNM 22.1.

Therefore, the warrior who appeared to Joshua was Christ, the Son of God, also known as Michael the Archangel, the true Commander of the armies of heavenTA 110.4+2.

Our Leader Today 🙏

Just as Christ was the invisible leader for Joshua and ancient Israel, He is the Captain of our salvation today2SM 387.2+2. He stands at the head of the angels of heaven to direct the battle for His people1888 762.1. In all our spiritual warfare, we need not be discouraged, because the Captain of the Lord's host is with us, leading us on to victory2SAT 96.5+2.

That is a deeply insightful connection; the battles recorded in the book of Joshua serve as profound parallels for the spiritual warfare that marks the Christian life ⚔️.

The whole history of the church, from its earliest days, represents the continuous conflict between Christ and the forces of darkness, making the physical campaigns of Israel a powerful illustration of the invisible contest raging for the human soulGCB March 3, 1895, page 434.20+1.

The True Nature of the Conflict

The struggle faced by the Israelites to conquer Canaan finds its highest spiritual application in the believer’s daily battle against sin and evil powersRH September 25, 1883, par. 5. Christian warfare is not waged against human adversaries, but against far greater, unseen powers: "principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places" Ephesians 6:12EVRR191.

• A Universal War: This conflict—known as the great controversy—began in heaven when Satan was expelled, and it continues throughout the entirety of this earth's history21LtMs, Ms 34, 1906, par. 12+1.

• The Goal: Just as Joshua fought to gain a temporal inheritance (Canaan), the Christian fights the "good fight of faith" to lay hold on eternal life and secure their heavenly inheritanceST June 10, 1889, par. 6+1. Every conflict faced in this life works either toward advancement or defeat, depending on our surrender to GodCE 122.2.

• A Personal War: The sternest part of this warfare is the conflict against inward corruption and besetting sinsCE 122.2+1. The primary aim of Christian warfare is not to kill the sinner, but to achieve death to self and sinAMS August 25, 1898, page 517.2+1.

Combining Divine Power and Human Effort

The success of Joshua’s armies depended entirely upon divine help, mirroring the dynamic of the spiritual life, where ultimate victory is accomplished by God working with us rather than merely for usRH February 10, 1903, par. 5.

• Divine Aid is Essential: We cannot hope to succeed in this conflict by human power alone, for our finite will must be brought into perfect submission to the will of the Infinite20MR 54.5+1. It is part of God's plan to provide divine aid, but we must reach out to receive itPr 96.1+1.

• Cooperation is Required: God has provided abundant grace and strength for every soul to be "more than a conqueror" in the warfare against sin Romans 8:37AUGleaner January 17, 1906, par. 5. However, man has a part to act in this plan; the human will must be blended with the divine willRH December 7, 1886, par. 2+1.

• Fighting Faithfully: We are not left alone to battle temptations in our own strength, as help has been laid upon Christ, who is mighty1MCP 36.1+1. We must put on the whole armor of God and resolutely resist every inclination to sin, remembering that to gain victory, Christ must abide in us and we in Christ Ephesians 6:135T 47.2.

Weapons of Victory and Assurance

The tools of our spiritual combat stand in stark contrast to the carnal weapons used in earthly campaigns, and the outcome is always certain for those who trust in the divine LeaderEVRR191+1.

Spiritual Weapon	Significance
The Word of God	This is the "sword of the Spirit," essential for arming ourselves for battle Ephesians 6:17RH September 25, 1883, par. 5.
Faith and Prayer	We obtain strength and efficiency from the throne of grace, and simple, persevering faith secures divine powerRH December 22, 1904, par. 11+1.
The Whole Armor	We are called to wear every piece of the Christian armor, keeping up the warfare against Satan and never yielding groundYI June 13, 1895, par. 2+1.

In this spiritual march, we are assured of victory because our Captain, who has already overcome the world, leads us John 16:33ST April 4, 1895, par. 5. When we realize our own inability and cry out for divine power, the strength of Jesus is imparted to us, enabling us to become overcomersST June 10, 1889, par. 6. By walking and working in unity with Christ, we press on to victory, knowing that heavenly angels cooperate with us in the conflictST April 4, 1895, par. 5+1.