Definition: And he said, Nay; but [as] captain of the host of the LORD am I now come. And Joshua fell on his face to the earth, and did worship, and said unto him, What saith my lord unto his servant?

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Joshua 5:14. It’s a really interesting and somewhat mysterious passage! Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse describes a moment of intense prayer and reverence by Joshua after the Israelites were defeated by the Amalekites. Here’s a breakdown of what’s happening: “And he said, Nay; but [as] captain of the host of the LORD am I now come.” - Joshua is acknowledging that he is God's chosen leader, and he's here to fulfill his purpose. The word "captain" means a commander or leader. He’s not just any leader; he’s a special one because he’s part of the divine army of God. “And Joshua fell on his face to the earth, and did worship, and said unto him…” - This is the crucial part. Joshua is completely humbled and overwhelmed with awe. He's falling down to the ground, displaying reverence and adoration. He’s essentially bowing in prayer – he’s acknowledging God’s power and presence. Then he asks a question: “What saith my lord unto his servant?” So, what does this tell us? This is a classic example of how Moses communicated with his people. Moses was a leader, but he often used to speak directly to them – essentially, he'd ask for their thoughts and opinions. This verse shows that Joshua felt deeply connected to God and recognized the immense power and importance of the divine plan. Why is this important? It highlights Joshua’s faith: It shows his unwavering trust in God and his willingness to submit to His will. It's a moment of profound reverence: It demonstrates a genuine, heartfelt connection with God. It sets the stage for his leadership: This act of worship is a key step towards fulfilling God’s plan for Israel. In short, it’s a powerful image of Joshua acknowledging God’s power and humbly submitting to His will. --- Do you want me to explain any specific aspect of this verse in more detail? For example, would you like me to: Discuss the context of the story? Explain the symbolism involved?