Meeting God

leaving forever changed

There is an interesting occurrence in Scripture with limited interpretation offered contextually. There are two specific references to incredible divine encounters that include a particular command. Both stories, Moses’s experience during the burning bush encounter and Joshua’s meeting of Christ before the battle of Jericho, include an instruction to remove their sandals. This seems basic, but the only explanation offered is that they were to remove their sandals because they were standing on holy ground. Scripture does not provide direct references as to why these particular encounters on holy ground required this peculiar instruction; there is a slight reference to the washing of hands and feet before entering the holy of holies within the tabernacle (Exodus 30:18-21), but the requirement to “remove your sandals” is not emphasized as it is clearly for Moses and Joshua.

“God called to him out of the bush, ‘Moses, Moses!’ And he said, ‘Here I am.’ Then he said, ‘Do not come near; take your sandals off your feet, for the place on which you are standing is holy ground.’” (Exodus 4b-5)

“And Joshua fell on his face to the earth and worshipped and said to him, ‘What does my lord say to his servant?’ And the command of the Lord’s army said to Joshua, ‘Take off your sandals from your feet, for the place where you are standing is holy.’” (Joshua 5:14b-15a)

Some commentators over the years have speculated that either the removal of one’s sandals stood as a sign of respect or that such an act signified the entrance (or welcoming) of the presence of God; these interpretations, however, are not specified in the texts. The only interpretation directly provided is that the action is required because these two men were standing on holy ground. Despite the lack of contextual specificity, we can infer a potential interpretation through an understanding of ancient culture. In the story of Ruth, we are told that as a sign of the completion of Boaz’s business transaction, the other individual removed his sandals (Ruth 4:8); historically, we find that this peculiar action was a common ritualistic practice within the region. To remove one’s sandal signified that an exchange was agreed upon and that the transaction was finalized. 

The summoning of Moses before the burning bush was a pivotal encounter that altered the direction of his life; he was one thing before, but his meeting positioned his life to the will of God. Joshua, likewise, while already having wholeheartedly committed his life to serving the Lord, was faced with the question of his priorities and loyalties.

“When Joshua was by Jericho, he lifted up his eyes and looked, and behold, a man was standing before him with his drawn sword in his hand. And Joshua went to him and said to him, ‘Are you for us, or for our adversaries?’ And he said, ‘No; but I am the commander of the army of the Lord. Now I have come.” (Joshua 5:13:14a)

Joshua was initially focused on his will and the reality that there was an enemy opposed to it; but, his encounter introduced a third option: the will of heaven. Both Moses and Joshua, upon their holy ground encounter, were offered the opportunity to engage in an exchange, a divine transaction.

Perhaps the understanding that should be considered is that our interactions with God should include an exchange. We enter into the presence of God one way but are not expected to leave the same; we are expected to meet with Him and exchange what we had for what He is offering. Take off your sandals and finalize the deal.