Joshua 5:13

¶ 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?

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}?

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?"

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?”

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

Joshua 5:13 marks a pivotal moment in Israel's conquest of Canaan, just as they stand on the precipice of their first major battle against the fortified city of Jericho. This verse introduces a mysterious and significant encounter for Joshua, the new leader of Israel after Moses.

Context

Following the miraculous crossing of the Jordan River (Joshua 3:17) and the national circumcision and Passover celebration at Gilgal (Joshua 5:9-10), the Israelites are now encamped near Jericho. Joshua, likely scouting or contemplating strategy for the impending siege, encounters a figure unlike any ordinary man. This strategic moment, poised between past miracles and future battles, underscores the divine orchestration of Israel's mission.

Key Themes

  • Divine Presence and Leadership: The appearance of this figure, later identified as the Captain of the Lord's host (Joshua 5:14), signifies that God Himself is leading the campaign. It reassures Joshua that he is not alone and that the battle belongs to the Lord.
  • Spiritual Warfare: Before the physical walls of Jericho are even approached, Joshua faces a spiritual encounter. This highlights that Israel's battles are not just earthly conflicts but have a profound spiritual dimension, where God's power and authority are paramount.
  • Sovereignty of God: The Lord's direct involvement, through His representative, demonstrates His complete control over the events and His commitment to fulfilling His covenant promises to Israel regarding the land of Canaan.

Linguistic Insights

The term "a man" (Hebrew: ʼish) is used initially, but the subsequent verses (Joshua 5:14-15) reveal this figure as the "Captain of the Lord's host" (sar-tsevaʼ-YHWH). Many commentators interpret this as a Christophany, a pre-incarnate appearance of Jesus Christ, or a very high-ranking angelic being. The "sword drawn in his hand" (ḥereb shelufah b'yado) is a symbol of judgment and readiness for battle, indicating divine authority and intent to execute God's will.

Practical Application

Joshua's immediate question, "Art thou for us, or for our adversaries?", reveals his concern for allegiance and direction. This question resonates with believers today: In our own challenges and "battles," where do we look for help, and whose side are we on? This passage reminds us to seek God's presence and leadership in all circumstances, recognizing that our ultimate battles are not merely physical, but spiritual, as described in Ephesians 6:12. Just as this encounter echoes the divine revelation to Moses at the burning bush (Exodus 3:5), it teaches us that wherever God's presence is, that ground is holy, and His instructions must be obeyed.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Genesis 18:2 (11 votes)

    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 (11 votes)

    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 (8 votes)

    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 (5 votes)

    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 (5 votes)

    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 (5 votes)

    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 (4 votes)

    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: