TRV
Translation
King James Version
¶ And it came to pass, when Joshua was by Jericho, that he lifted up his eyes and looked, and, behold, there stood a man over against him with his sword drawn in his hand: and Joshua went unto him, and said unto him, Art thou for us, or for our adversaries?
KJV (with Strong's)
And it came to pass, when Joshua H3091 was by Jericho H3405, that he lifted up H5375 his eyes H5869 and looked H7200, and, behold, there stood H5975 a man H376 over against him with his sword H2719 drawn H8025 in his hand H3027: and Joshua H3091 went H3212 unto him, and said H559 unto him, Art thou for us, or for our adversaries H6862?
Complete Jewish Bible
One day, when Y'hoshua was there by Yericho, he raised his eyes and looked; and in front of him stood a man with his drawn sword in his hand. Y'hoshua went over to him and asked him, "Are you on our side or on the side of our enemies?"
Berean Standard Bible
Now when Joshua was near Jericho, he looked up and saw a man standing in front of him with a drawn sword in His hand. Joshua approached Him and asked, “Are You for us or for our enemies?”
American Standard Version
And it came to pass, when Joshua was by Jericho, that he lifted up his eyes and looked, and, behold, there stood a man over against him with his sword drawn in his hand: and Joshua went unto him, and said unto him, Art thou for us, or for our adversaries?
World English Bible Messianic
When Joshua was by Jericho, he lifted up his eyes and looked, and behold, a man stood in front of him with his sword drawn in his hand. Joshua went to him, and said to him, “Are you for us, or for our adversaries?”
Geneva Bible (1599)
And when Ioshua was by Iericho, he lift vp his eyes and looked: and behold, there stood a man against him, hauing a sword drawen in his hand: and Ioshua went vnto him, and said vnto him, Art thou on our side, or on our aduersaries?
Young's Literal Translation
And it cometh to pass in Joshua's being by Jericho, that he lifteth up his eyes, and looketh, and lo, one standing over-against him, and his drawn sword in his hand, and Joshua goeth unto him, and saith to him, `Art thou for us or for our adversaries?'
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Commentary on Joshua 5 verses 13–15
13 ¶ And it came to pass, when Joshua was by Jericho, that he lifted up his eyes and looked, and, behold, there stood a man over against him with his sword drawn in his hand: and Joshua went unto him, and said unto him, Art thou for us, or for our adversaries?
14 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?
15 And the captain of the LORD'S host said unto Joshua, Loose thy shoe from off thy foot; for the place whereon thou standest is holy. And Joshua did so.
We have hitherto found God often speaking to Joshua, but we read not till now of any appearance of God's glory to him; now that his difficulties increased his encouragements were increased in proportion. Observe,
I. The time when he was favoured with this vision. It was immediately after he had performed the great solemnities of circumcision and the passover; then God made himself known to him. Note, We may then expect the discoveries of the divine grace when we are found in the way of our duty and are diligent and sincere in our attendance on holy ordinances.
II. The place where he had this vision. It was by Jericho; in Jericho, so the word is; in it by faith and hope, though as yet he had not begun to lay siege to it; in it in thought and expectation; or in the fields of Jericho, hard by the city. There, it should seem, he was all alone, fearless of danger, because sure of the divine protection. There he was (some think) meditating and praying; and to those who are so employed God often graciously manifests himself. Or perhaps there he was to take a view of the city, to observe its fortifications, and contrive how to attack it; and perhaps he was at a loss within himself how to make his approaches, when God came and directed him. Note, God will help those that help themselves. Vigilantibus non dormientibus succurrit lex - The law succours those who watch, not those who sleep. Joshua was in his post as a general, when God came and made himself known as Generalissimo.
III. The appearance itself. Joshua, as is usual with those that are full of thought and care, was looking downwards, his eyes fixed on the ground, when of a sudden he was surprised with the appearance of a man who stood before him at some little distance, which obliged him to lift up his eyes, and gave a diversion to his musings, v. 13. He appeared to him as a man, but a considerable man, and one fit to be taken notice of. Now, 1. We have reason to think that this man was the Son of God, the eternal Word, who, before he assumed the human nature for a perpetuity, frequently appeared in a human shape. So bishop Patrick thinks, consonant to the judgment of the fathers. Joshua gave him divine honours, and he received them, which a created angel would not have done, and he is called Jehovah, Jos 6:2. 2. He here appeared as a soldier, with his sword drawn in his hand. To Abraham in his tent he appeared as a traveller; to Joshua in the field as a man of war. Christ will be to his people what their faith expects and desires. Christ had his sword drawn, which served, (1.) To justify the war Joshua was engaging in, and to show him that it was of God, who gave him commission to kill and slay. If the sovereign draw the sword, this proclaims war, and authorizes the subject to do so too. The sword is then well drawn when Christ draws it, and gives the banner to those that fear him, to be displayed because of the truth, Psa 60:4. (2.) To encourage him to carry it on with vigour; for Christ's sword drawn in his hand denotes how ready he is for the defence and salvation of his people, who through him shall do valiantly. His sword turns every way.
IV. The bold question with which Joshua accosted him; he did not send a servant, but stepped up to him himself, and asked, Art thou for us or for our adversaries? which intimates his readiness to entertain him if he were for them, and to fight him if he were against them. This shows, 1. His great courage and resolution. He was not ruffled by the suddenness of the appearance, nor daunted with the majesty and bravery which no doubt appeared in the countenance of the person he saw; but, with a presence of mind that became so great a general, put this fair question to him. God had bidden Joshua be courageous, and by this it appears that he was so; for what God by his word requires of his people he does by his grace work in them. 2. His great concern for the people and their cause; so heartily has he embarked in the interests of Israel that none shall stand by him with the face of a man but he will know whether he be a friend or a foe. It should seem, he suspected him for an enemy, a Goliath that had come to defy the armies of the living God, and to give him a challenge. Thus apt are we to look upon that as against us which is most for us. The question plainly implies that the cause between the Israelites and the Canaanites, between Christ and Beelzebub, will not admit of a neutrality. He that is not with us is against us.
V. The account he gave of himself, Jos 5:14. "Nay, not for your adversaries, you may be sure, but as captain of the host of the Lord have I now come, not only for you as a friend, but over you as commander in chief." Here were now, as of old (Gen 32:2), Mahanaim, two hosts, a host of Israelites ready to engage the Canaanites and a host of angels to protect them therein, and he, as captain of both, conducts the host of Israel and commands the host of angels to their assistance. Perhaps in allusion to this Christ is called the captain of our salvation (Heb 2:10), and a leader and commander to the people, Isa 55:4. Those cannot but be victorious that have such a captain. He now came as captain to review the troops, to animate them, and to give the necessary orders for the besieging of Jericho.
VI. The great respect Joshua paid him when he understood who he was; it is probable that he perceived, not only by what he said but by some other sensible indications, that he was a divine person, and not a man. 1. Joshua paid homage to him: He fell on his face to the earth and did worship. Joshua was himself general of the forces of Israel, and yet he was far from looking with jealousy upon this stranger, who produced a commission as captain of the Lord's host above him; he did not offer to dispute his claims, but cheerfully submitted to him as his commander. It will become the greatest of men to be humble and reverent in their addresses to God. 2. He begged to receive commands and directions from him: What saith my Lord unto his servant? His former question was not more bold and soldier-like than this was pious and saint-like; nor was it any disparagement to the greatness of Joshua's spirit thus to humble himself when he had to do with God: even crowned heads cannot bow to low before the throne of the Lord Jesus, who is King of kings, Psa 2:10, Psa 2:11; Psa 72:10, Psa 72:11; Rev 19:16. Observe, (1.) The relation he owns between himself and Christ, that Christ was his Lord and himself his servant and under his command, Christ his Captain and himself a soldier under him, to do as he is bidden, Mat 8:9. Note, The foundation of all acceptable obedience is laid in a sincere dedication of ourselves, as servants to Jesus Christ as our Lord, Psa 16:2. (2.) The enquiry he makes pursuant to this relation: What saith my Lord? which implies an earnest desire to know the will of Christ, and a cheerful readiness and resolution to do it. Joshua owns himself an inferior officer, and stands to receive orders. This temper of mind shows him fit for the post he was in; for those know best how to command that know how to obey.
VII. The further expressions of reverence which this divine captain required from Joshua (Jos 5:15): Loose thy shoe from off thy foot, in token of reverence and respect (which with us are signified by uncovering the head), and as an acknowledgment of a divine presence, which, while it continued there, did in a manner sanctify the place and dignify it. We are accustomed to say of a person for whom we have a great affection that we love the very ground he treads upon; thus Joshua must show his reverence for this divine person, he must not tread the ground he stood on with his dirty shoes, Ecc 5:1. Outward expressions of inward reverence, and a religious awe of God, well become us, and are required of us, whenever we approach to him in solemn ordinances. Bishop Patrick well observes here that the very same orders that God gave to Moses at the bush, when he was sending him to bring Israel out of Egypt (Exo 3:5), her here gives to Joshua, for the confirming of his faith in the promise he had lately given him, that as he had been with Moses so he would be with him, Jos 1:5. Had Moses such a presence of God with him as, when it became sensible, sanctified the ground? So had Joshua.
And (lastly) Hereby he prepares him to receive the instructions he was about to give him concerning the siege of Jericho, which this captain of the Lord's host had now come to give Israel possession of.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 13–15. Public domain.
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Origen of AlexandriaAD 253
HOMILIES ON NUMBERS 27.11
And so you must beware and exercise great care in order to discern with knowledge the kinds of visions, just as Joshua the son of Nun, when he saw a vision and knew there was temptation in it, immediately asked the one who appeared to him and said, "Are you for us, or for our adversaries?" So, then, the soul progresses when it comes to the place where it begins to distinguish between visions; and it is proved to be spiritual if it knows how to discern them all. That is why, as well, one of the spiritual gifts, given by the Holy Spirit, is mentioned as "the ability to distinguish between spirits."
Eusebius of CaesareaAD 339
ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY 1.2
Joshua, the successor of Moses, calls the leader of the heavenly angels and archangels and of the supernal powers and as if he were the power and wisdom of the Father, entrusted with the second rank of sovereignty and rule over all, “prince of the host of the Lord,” although he saw him only in the form and shape of a man. At any rate, it is written: “And it came to pass, when Joshua was in the field of the city of Jericho, he lifted up his eyes, and saw a man standing over against him, holding a drawn sword, and he went to him and said: ‘Are you one of ours, or of our adversaries?’ And he said to him, ‘I am prince of the host of the Lord and I have now come.’ And Joshua fell on his face to the ground and said to him, ‘What does my Lord command to his servant?’ And the prince of the Lord said to Joshua, ‘Loose your shoe from off your feet, for the place on which you stand is a holy place.’ ” Here, too, you will perceive from the identity of words that this is no other than he who also spoke to Moses.
Desert FathersAD 500
The Desert Fathers, Sayings of the Early Christian Monks
A brother asked a hermit, ‘Is it good to be always repenting?’ He answered, ‘We have seen Joshua the son of Nun; it was when he was lying prostrate on his face that God appeared to him’ (cf. Josh. 5:14).
Isaac of NinevehAD 700
ASCETICAL HOMILIES 5.31-32
Divine providence surrounds all persons at all times, but it is not visible except to those who have purified their souls of sin and think about God at all times. To these it is luminously revealed at that time; because when they have undergone great temptations for the sake of truth, then they receive the faculty to perceive sensibly as if with eyes of flesh also when necessary, even palpably, according to the kind and cause of the temptation, as if for greater encouragement.So it was with Jacob and Joshua son of Nun, Hananiah and his companions, Peter and others to whom the form of a man appeared to encourage them and to console their faith.
John DamasceneAD 749
ON DIVINE IMAGES 1.8
Joshua, the son of Nun, and Daniel bowed in veneration before an angel of God, but they did not adore him. For adoration is one thing, and that which is offered in order to honor something of great excellence is another.
John DamasceneAD 749
ON DIVINE IMAGES 3.26
Joshua the son of Nun did not see the angel as he is by nature, but an image, for an angel by nature is not visible to bodily eyes, yet he fell down and worshiped, and Daniel did likewise. Yet an angel is a creature, a servant and minister of God, but not God. And they fell down in worship before the angels, not as God, but as God’s ministering spirits. Shall I not make images of friends? Shall I not honor them, not as gods but as the images of God’s friends? Neither Joshua nor Daniel worshiped the angels they saw as gods. Neither do I worship an image as god, but through the images of Christ and of the holy Theotokos and of the saints, I bring worship and honor to God, because of the reverence with which I honor his friends. God did not unite himself with angelic nature but with human nature. God did not become an angel; he became a man by nature and in truth.
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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SUMMARY
Joshua 5:13 recounts a pivotal and mysterious encounter between Joshua, Israel's newly appointed leader, and a formidable, armed figure identified in subsequent verses as the Captain of the Lord's Host. This dramatic revelation occurs just as the Israelites stand poised on the brink of their first major conquest in Canaan, the heavily fortified city of Jericho. The encounter serves as a profound theological turning point, shifting Joshua's strategic focus from human military planning to a divine mandate, underscoring God's supreme command and active involvement in the impending conquest, thereby setting the stage for Israel's miraculous victory.
CONTEXT
Literary Context: This encounter is strategically positioned at a critical juncture in the book of Joshua, immediately following a series of events that underscore Israel's renewed covenant relationship with Yahweh and their readiness for the conquest. Prior to this, Israel miraculously crossed the Jordan River on dry ground, echoing the Red Sea deliverance and reaffirming God's powerful presence. This was followed by a mass circumcision at Gilgal, which consecrated the new generation and symbolically "rolled away the reproach of Egypt" (Joshua 5:9). The nation then observed the Passover (Joshua 5:10), reinforcing their identity as God's redeemed people. Finally, the manna, which had sustained them for forty years in the wilderness, ceased (Joshua 5:12), signaling a transition from divine provision in the wilderness to reliance on the produce of the promised land. Thus, Joshua's encounter occurs precisely when Israel is spiritually renewed, physically prepared, and divinely positioned, yet still facing the daunting military challenge of Jericho. It shifts the narrative from Israel's preparation to God's direct, active leadership in the conquest.
Historical & Cultural Context: Jericho was an ancient and formidable city, strategically located at the gateway to the central highlands of Canaan. Its reputation for strong fortifications (later confirmed by archaeology, though the exact nature of the walls at the time of the conquest is debated) presented a significant military challenge to the Israelites, who were not a professional, standing army in the conventional sense. In the ancient Near East, warfare was often perceived as a contest between the deities of opposing nations. The appearance of a divine warrior or a divine general was a common motif, signifying divine endorsement, active participation, and guaranteed victory for the favored side. For Israel, this encounter would have profoundly reinforced their understanding that Yahweh was not merely their tribal deity but the supreme commander of all creation, actively fighting on their behalf to fulfill His covenant promises regarding the land of Canaan. This concept of "holy war" or "Yahweh War," where God is the primary actor and strategist, is central to the conquest narrative.
Key Themes: The encounter in Joshua 5:13 introduces and reinforces several foundational themes central to the book of Joshua and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it powerfully highlights Divine Presence and Leadership, demonstrating unequivocally that God Himself is the true commander of Israel's forces, not Joshua alone. This appearance, widely interpreted as a Christophany or theophany, assures Joshua of God's direct involvement and supreme authority over the military campaign. Secondly, it emphasizes the nature of Spiritual Warfare; before any physical battle commences, Joshua faces a spiritual confrontation, underscoring that Israel's conflicts are not merely earthly but possess a profound unseen dimension where God's power is paramount, a truth echoed in later biblical texts like Ephesians 6:12. Finally, it powerfully reaffirms the Sovereignty of God over all events, demonstrating His unwavering commitment to fulfilling His covenant promises to Abraham and his descendants regarding the land of Canaan, ensuring that the conquest is not a human endeavor but a divinely orchestrated fulfillment of His will and purpose.
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The passage employs several potent literary devices that enrich its theological and narrative impact. Foreshadowing is powerfully evident as this pre-battle encounter strongly hints at the divine, supernatural nature of the upcoming conquest of Jericho, indicating that Israel's victory will not be achieved by human strength or strategy alone. Symbolism is profoundly used through the "sword drawn in his hand," which immediately conveys authority, readiness for battle, and divine judgment, setting a tone of serious, divinely ordained conflict. The appearance of the "man" who is later revealed as the "Captain of the Lord's Host" functions as a Theophany or Christophany, a visible manifestation of God or a pre-incarnate appearance of Christ, imbuing the narrative with profound theological weight and divine presence. Furthermore, there is a subtle Dramatic Irony in Joshua's initial question, "Art thou for us, or for our adversaries?", as the reader (and soon Joshua himself) realizes that the figure is not merely "for" a side in a human conflict but is the very embodiment of the divine authority that commands all sides, including Israel, and demands absolute submission.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This encounter profoundly shapes the theological understanding of the conquest narrative, decisively shifting the focus from human military strategy to divine command and participation. It underscores that the battles of Israel are ultimately the Lord's battles, fought under His direct leadership and supreme authority. Joshua's bold question, "Are you for us, or for our adversaries?", is met not with a partisan answer, but with a declaration of supreme authority: the Captain is not "for" a side in a human sense, but is the commander of God's own celestial army, demanding allegiance, reverence, and holiness. This encounter serves as a foundational moment, teaching Joshua and all of Israel that true victory comes not from human strength or strategic alliances, but from absolute surrender to God's will and unwavering reliance on His power. It establishes the enduring principle that God's people must align themselves with God's purposes, recognizing His ultimate sovereignty over all earthly conflicts and His active engagement in their behalf.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Joshua's encounter with the Captain of the Lord's Host provides a timeless and profound lesson for believers navigating their own "Jerichos" – those seemingly insurmountable obstacles, daunting challenges, or spiritual battles in life. Just as Joshua was initially focused on military strategy and human resources, we often find ourselves consumed by our own plans, capabilities, and anxieties. This passage calls us to pause, to "lift up our eyes," and to discern the divine presence actively at work in our circumstances. Joshua's direct question, "Are you for us, or for our adversaries?", though initially focused on allegiance, ultimately leads to a revelation of supreme authority that transcends human partisanship. It challenges us to move beyond merely asking if God is "on our side" to ensuring that we are truly "on His side," fully surrendered to His will and leadership. Recognizing that our battles, both personal and corporate, are ultimately spiritual and belong to the Lord, frees us from the crushing burden of self-reliance and invites us into a posture of humble obedience and radical trust. When we truly encounter God's presence, the ground we stand on becomes holy, demanding reverence, a willingness to obey His unexpected commands, and a readiness to remove our "sandals" of self-sufficiency.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Who was the "man" Joshua encountered, and why is this significant?
Answer: The "man" Joshua encountered is identified in the very next verse as the "Captain of the Lord's Host" (Joshua 5:14). The significance of this figure is profound and widely debated among scholars, with the most prominent interpretations being a high-ranking angel or, more commonly, a Christophany—a pre-incarnate appearance of Jesus Christ. The latter view is strongly supported by the fact that Joshua immediately bows down and worships this figure, and the figure accepts the worship, even instructing Joshua to remove his sandals because the place is holy ground (Joshua 5:15). In the Bible, only God accepts worship. This encounter is supremely significant because it demonstrates that God Himself, in a visible manifestation, is directly leading Israel's conquest, assuring Joshua that the battle belongs to the Lord and not to human might. It fundamentally shifts the focus from Joshua's leadership to God's supreme command and active participation.
Why did this encounter happen precisely when Joshua was "by Jericho"?
Answer: The timing of this encounter is crucial and highly strategic. It occurs just as Israel is poised to face their first major, formidable military challenge in Canaan—the heavily fortified city of Jericho. This precise timing serves several critical purposes. Firstly, it provides divine assurance and a powerful demonstration of God's active presence and leadership to Joshua, who has recently taken over from Moses and is facing immense pressure and responsibility. It reminds him that he is not alone and that the ultimate victory is secured by divine intervention, not human strength or military prowess. Secondly, it sets the spiritual tone for the entire conquest, emphasizing that the battles are not merely physical conflicts but profound spiritual ones, fought under God's explicit command and strategy. This encounter serves as a foundational moment, preparing Joshua and the entire nation for the unique and miraculous way God intends to fight their battles, beginning with the astonishing fall of Jericho. It underscores God's absolute sovereignty and His direct, personal involvement in fulfilling His covenant promises to Israel.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The encounter between Joshua and the Captain of the Lord's Host in Joshua 5:13 finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in Jesus Christ, the true and eternal Captain of God's people. If the Captain of the Lord's Host was indeed a Christophany, it reveals the pre-incarnate Son of God actively leading His people in the Old Testament, demonstrating His eternal commitment to His covenant people. As the resurrected Lord, Jesus is the supreme commander of all spiritual forces, the one who has definitively disarmed the powers and authorities and put them to open shame through His victory on the cross (Colossians 2:15). He is the ultimate General who leads His church in spiritual warfare, having triumphed over sin, death, and the devil—the ultimate "Jericho" that held humanity captive (Hebrews 2:14). Unlike Joshua, who was a temporary leader, Christ is the eternal head of the church (Ephesians 1:22), interceding for His people and guiding them through every battle with divine wisdom and power. The "sword drawn" in the Captain's hand foreshadows Jesus, whose mouth is depicted with a sharp, two-edged sword, symbolizing the living and active power of His Word and His righteous judgment (Revelation 1:16; Hebrews 4:12). Ultimately, the scene in Joshua points forward to the glorious return of Christ as the conquering King, leading the armies of heaven, coming to establish His eternal kingdom and bring final, decisive victory over all His adversaries (Revelation 19:11-16).