And the angel of the LORD protested unto Joshua, saying,
And the angel of the Lord protested - proceeded solemnly to declare. A forensic term for an affirmation on oath, which God hath given His people, in order the "more abundantly to show unto the heirs of promise the immutability of His counsel" (Hebrews 6:17-18). God thus solemnly states the end for which the priesthood is restored to the people, His own glory in their obedience and pure worship, and their consequent promotion to heavenly honour.