Joshua 5:13

KJV

¶ 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?

Commentary

### 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](/joshua/3-17 "Joshua 3:17 - Crossing the Jordan"), 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](/joshua/5-9 "Joshua 5:9 - The Rolling Away of Reproach")). The nation then observed the Passover ([Joshua 5:10](/joshua/5-10 "Joshua 5:10 - Passover at Gilgal")), 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](/joshua/5-12 "Joshua 5:12 - Manna Ceases")), 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](/joshua/5-13 "Joshua 5:13 - Joshua's Encounter with the Captain") 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](/ephesians/6-12 "Ephesians 6:12 - Spiritual Warfare"). 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
* **Man (Hebrew, _ʼîysh'_ H376):** The initial description of the figure as "a man" (אִישׁ) creates an immediate sense of mystery and ambiguity. While the term typically refers to a human male, the context and subsequent verses ([Joshua 5:14-15](/joshua/5-14-15 "Joshua 5:14-15 - The Captain of the Lord's Host")) quickly elevate this figure beyond ordinary humanity. This deliberate choice of word highlights Joshua's initial perception, setting up the dramatic reveal of the figure's true identity as the "Captain of the Lord's Host," suggesting a divine or highly exalted angelic being, most commonly interpreted as a pre-incarnate appearance of Christ (a Christophany).
* **Sword (Hebrew, _chereb'_ H2719) and Drawn (Hebrew, _shâlaph'_ H8025):** The phrase "with his sword drawn in his hand" (חֶרֶב שְׁלוּפָה בְּיָדוֹ) is highly symbolic and immediately conveys the figure's martial nature and purpose. A "sword" (חֶרֶב) is a cutting instrument used for battle and judgment, while "drawn" (שָׁלַף) signifies that it has been pulled out of its sheath, indicating readiness for immediate action, authority, and the execution of judgment. In a divine context, this visual represents God's active engagement in warfare, His power to judge and execute His will, and His readiness to fight for His people or against their enemies. It is a potent manifestation of divine power, intent, and impending action.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And it came to pass, when Joshua was by Jericho":** This opening clause precisely establishes the geographical and chronological setting for this momentous encounter. Joshua is positioned in the immediate vicinity of Jericho, the first formidable obstacle in the conquest of Canaan, signifying a moment of intense strategic contemplation and anticipation for the impending conflict. The phrase "it came to pass" often serves as a literary marker in biblical narrative, introducing significant divine interventions or pivotal events.
* **"that he lifted up his eyes and looked, and, behold, there stood a man over against him":** This vivid description portrays the sudden, unexpected, and perhaps startling nature of the encounter. Joshua is not actively seeking this figure; rather, the figure appears to him. The action of "lifted up his eyes and looked" implies a deliberate observation, while the interjection "behold" (הִנֵּה, _hinnēh_) draws immediate attention to the surprising appearance of this individual. The phrase "over against him" suggests a direct, face-to-face encounter, possibly even a confrontational or opposing stance, which prompts Joshua's subsequent question.
* **"with his sword drawn in his hand:":** This crucial detail immediately conveys the figure's martial bearing and unmistakable purpose. The drawn sword is a clear and universally recognized indicator of readiness for conflict, authority, and the potential for decisive action. It creates an initial sense of potential threat or, conversely, powerful assistance, setting the tone for a momentous encounter and hinting at the figure's significant and active role in the upcoming events.
* **"and Joshua went unto him, and said unto him, [Art] thou for us, or for our adversaries?":** Joshua's response is remarkably bold, direct, and pragmatic. He does not cower or flee but, demonstrating his leadership and courage, approaches the mysterious, armed figure. His immediate question seeks to ascertain the figure's allegiance, revealing Joshua's primary concern: the success of Israel's mission and the identity of those who would either aid or oppose them. This question reflects a leader intensely focused on the immediate task and the critical need for divine alignment and support.

#### 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.

* [Exodus 3:5](/exodus/3-5 "Exodus 3:5 - The Burning Bush and Holy Ground"): Parallels Moses' encounter with God at the burning bush, where the ground became holy, demanding reverence and obedience, a command echoed to Joshua.
* [Deuteronomy 20:4](/deuteronomy/20-4 "Deuteronomy 20:4 - God Fights for Israel"): Reinforces the theme that "the Lord your God is He who goes with you, to fight for you against your enemies, to save you," a promise vividly personified in the Captain.
* [2 Chronicles 32:8](/2_chronicles/32-8 "2 Chronicles 32:8 - Hezekiah's Trust in God's Help"): Highlights the enduring truth that "with us is the Lord our God, to help us and to fight our battles," a principle established powerfully in Joshua's encounter.

### 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
* **In what areas of your life are you currently facing "Jerichos" that seem insurmountable, and how might you be relying primarily on human strategies rather than divine leading?**
* **How does Joshua's question, "Are you for us, or for our adversaries?", challenge your own perspective on seeking divine help and alignment in your personal and spiritual challenges?**
* **What does it truly mean to recognize God's ultimate sovereignty and surrender your plans and strategies to His leading, especially when His ways are unexpected or counter-intuitive?**
* **In what practical ways can you cultivate a deeper awareness of God's active presence and leadership in your daily life, and how might this transform your approach to spiritual battles?**

### 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](/joshua/5-14 "Joshua 5:14 - Captain of the Lord's Host")). 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](/joshua/5-15 "Joshua 5:15 - Holy Ground")). 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](/joshua/5-13 "Joshua 5:13 - Joshua's Encounter with the Captain") 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](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumph Over Powers")). 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](/hebrews/2-14 "Hebrews 2:14 - Jesus Destroys the Devil's Power")). Unlike Joshua, who was a temporary leader, Christ is the eternal head of the church ([Ephesians 1:22](/ephesians/1-22 "Ephesians 1:22 - Christ as Head of the Church")), 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](/revelation/1-16 "Revelation 1:16 - Jesus with the Sharp Sword"); [Hebrews 4:12](/hebrews/4-12 "The Word of God is Living and Active")). 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](/revelation/19-11-16 "Revelation 19:11-16 - The Rider on the White Horse and the Armies of Heaven")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Genesis 18:2

And he lift up his eyes and looked, and, lo, three men stood by him: and when he saw [them], he ran to meet them from the tent door, and bowed himself toward the ground,

Numbers 22:23

And the ass saw the angel of the LORD standing in the way, and his sword drawn in his hand: and the ass turned aside out of the way, and went into the field: and Balaam smote the ass, to turn her into the way.

Numbers 22:31

Then the LORD opened the eyes of Balaam, and he saw the angel of the LORD standing in the way, and his sword drawn in his hand: and he bowed down his head, and fell flat on his face.

1 Chronicles 21:16

And David lifted up his eyes, and saw the angel of the LORD stand between the earth and the heaven, having a drawn sword in his hand stretched out over Jerusalem. Then David and the elders [of Israel, who were] clothed in sackcloth, fell upon their faces.

1 Chronicles 21:17

And David said unto God, [Is it] not I [that] commanded the people to be numbered? even I it is that have sinned and done evil indeed; but [as for] these sheep, what have they done? let thine hand, I pray thee, O LORD my God, be on me, and on my father's house; but not on thy people, that they should be plagued.

1 Chronicles 21:30

But David could not go before it to enquire of God: for he was afraid because of the sword of the angel of the LORD.

Daniel 10:5

Then I lifted up mine eyes, and looked, and behold a certain man clothed in linen, whose loins [were] girded with fine gold of Uphaz: