He said, Nay, I am neither Israelite nor Canaanite. Captain of the host of the Lord; either,
1. Of all creatures in heaven and earth, which are God's hosts. Or,
2. Of the angels, who are called the host of heaven, 1 Kings 22:19 2 Chronicles 18:18 Luke 2:13. Or,
3. Of the host or people of Israel, which are called the Lord's host, Exodus 12:41. The sense is, I am the chief Captain of this people, and will conduct and assist thee and them in this great undertaking. Now this person is none other than Michael the Prince, Daniel 10:21, Daniel 12:1; not a created angel, but the Son of God, who went along with the Israelites in this expedition, 1 Corinthians 10:4; not surely as an underling, but as their Chief and Captain. And this appears,
1. By his acceptance of adoration here, which a created angel durst not admit of, Revelation 22:8,9.
2. Because the place was made holy by his presence, Exodus 3:15, which was God's prerogative, Exodus 3:5.
3. Because he is called the Lord, Heb. Jehovah, Joshua 6:2. What saith my lord unto his servant? I acknowledge thee for my Lord and Captain, and therefore wait for thy commands, which I am ready to obey.