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 records a pivotal encounter between Joshua, Israel's leader, and a mysterious figure identified in subsequent verses as the Captain of the Lord's Host, just as the Israelites are poised to attack Jericho. This pre-battle revelation serves to underscore the divine nature of the impending conquest, shifting Joshua's focus from human strategy to God's supreme command and active involvement in the unfolding events, thereby setting the stage for Israel's first major victory in Canaan.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed at a crucial juncture in the book of Joshua. Immediately preceding this encounter, Israel has miraculously crossed the [Jordan River on dry ground](/joshua/3-17 "Joshua 3:17 - Crossing the Jordan"), signifying God's continued faithfulness and power, reminiscent of the Red Sea crossing. Following this, the nation observed a mass circumcision at Gilgal, rolling away the "reproach of Egypt" ([Joshua 5:9](/joshua/5-9 "Joshua 5:9 - The Rolling Away of Reproach")), and celebrated Passover ([Joshua 5:10](/joshua/5-10 "Joshua 5:10 - Passover at Gilgal")), reaffirming their covenant relationship with Yahweh. The manna, which had sustained them for forty years, ceased ([Joshua 5:12](/joshua/5-12 "Joshua 5:12 - Manna Ceases")), signaling a transition to a new phase of reliance on the land. Thus, Joshua's encounter occurs precisely as Israel stands fully consecrated, divinely empowered, and physically prepared, yet still facing the formidable challenge of Jericho. It shifts the narrative focus from Israel's preparation to God's direct leadership in the conquest.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The city of Jericho was an ancient, heavily fortified stronghold, strategically located at the entrance to the central highlands of Canaan. Its formidable walls represented a significant military challenge for the newly formed nation of Israel, which, despite divine assistance, was not a professional army in the conventional sense. In the ancient Near East, battles were often seen as contests between the gods of opposing nations. The appearance of a divine warrior or general was a common motif, signifying divine endorsement and active participation in warfare. For Israel, this encounter would have 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" is central to the conquest narrative, where God is the primary actor.
* **Key Themes:** The encounter in [Joshua 5:13](/joshua/5-13 "Joshua 5:13 - Joshua's Encounter with the Captain") introduces and reinforces several key themes central to the book of Joshua and the broader Old Testament narrative. Firstly, it powerfully highlights **Divine Presence and Leadership**, demonstrating that God Himself is the true commander of Israel's forces, not Joshua alone. This appearance, often 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 have a profound unseen dimension where God's power is paramount, as later articulated in [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.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Man (Hebrew, _ʼish_):** 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) 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, often interpreted as a pre-incarnate appearance of Christ (a Christophany).
* **Sword Drawn (Hebrew, _shəlûphāh_):** The phrase "with his sword drawn in his hand" (חֶרֶב שְׁלוּפָה בְּיָדוֹ) is highly symbolic. A drawn sword signifies readiness for battle, authority, and the execution of judgment. It immediately communicates the figure's martial nature and purpose. In a divine context, it 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 visual manifestation of divine power and intent.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And it came to pass, when Joshua was by Jericho":** This opening clause establishes the precise geographical and chronological setting for the encounter. Joshua is in close proximity to Jericho, the first major obstacle in the conquest of Canaan, signifying a moment of strategic contemplation and intense anticipation for the impending conflict. The phrase "it came to pass" often introduces significant divine interventions in biblical narrative.
* **"that he lifted up his eyes and looked, and, behold, there stood a man over against him":** This describes the sudden, unexpected, and perhaps startling nature of the encounter. Joshua is not seeking this figure; the figure appears to him. The phrase "lifted up his eyes and looked" implies a deliberate observation, and "behold" (הִנֵּה, _hinnēh_) draws attention to the surprising appearance of this individual, who is positioned "over against him," suggesting a confrontational or opposing stance, or simply a direct face-to-face encounter.
* **"with his sword drawn in his hand":** This detail immediately conveys the figure's martial bearing and purpose. The drawn sword is a clear indicator of readiness for conflict and authority, creating an initial sense of potential threat or, conversely, powerful assistance. It sets the tone for a momentous encounter, hinting at the figure's significant 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 and direct. He does not cower but approaches the mysterious, armed figure and immediately seeks to ascertain his allegiance. This question reveals Joshua's primary concern: the success of Israel's mission and the identity of those who would either aid or oppose them. It reflects a leader focused on the immediate task and the critical need for divine alignment.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several potent literary devices. **Foreshadowing** is evident as this encounter, preceding the battle of Jericho, strongly hints at the divine, supernatural nature of the upcoming conquest, indicating that Israel's victory will not be by human strength alone. **Symbolism** is powerfully 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 but is the very embodiment of the divine authority that commands all sides, including Israel.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This encounter profoundly shapes the theological understanding of the conquest narrative, 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 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 army, demanding allegiance and holiness. This encounter serves as a foundational moment, teaching Joshua and Israel that true victory comes from absolute surrender to God's will and reliance on His power, rather than human strength or alliances. It establishes the principle that God's people must align themselves with God's purposes, recognizing His ultimate sovereignty over all earthly conflicts.

* [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.
* [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."
* [Ephesians 6:12](/ephesians/6-12 "Ephesians 6:12 - Spiritual Warfare"): Highlights the spiritual dimension of conflict, reminding believers that "we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Joshua's encounter with the Captain of the Lord's Host provides a timeless lesson for believers navigating their own "Jerichos" – those seemingly insurmountable obstacles or daunting challenges in life. Just as Joshua was focused on military strategy, we often become consumed by human plans and resources. This passage calls us to pause, "lift up our eyes," and discern the divine presence 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 asking if God is "on our side" to ensuring that we are truly "on His side," 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 burden of self-reliance and invites us into a posture of humble obedience and radical trust. When we encounter God's presence, the ground we stand on becomes holy, demanding reverence and a willingness to obey His unexpected commands, just as Joshua was instructed to remove his sandals.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life are you facing "Jerichos" that seem insurmountable, leading you to rely primarily on human strategies?**
* **How does Joshua's question, "Are you for us, or for our adversaries?", challenge your perspective on seeking divine help and alignment in your own challenges?**
* **What does it mean to truly recognize God's sovereignty and surrender your plans and strategies to His leading, even 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 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 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 shifts the focus from Joshua's leadership to God's supreme command.

**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 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. It reminds him that he is not alone and that the ultimate victory is secured by divine intervention, not human strength. Secondly, it sets the spiritual tone for the entire conquest, emphasizing that the battles are not merely physical conflicts but spiritual ones, fought under God's command. This encounter serves as a foundational moment, preparing Joshua and the nation for the unique and miraculous way God intends to fight their battles, beginning with Jericho. It underscores God's sovereignty and His direct 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. As the resurrected Lord, Jesus is the supreme commander of all spiritual forces, the one who has disarmed the powers and authorities and put them to open shame ([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. The "sword drawn" in the Captain's hand foreshadows Jesus, whose mouth is depicted with a sharp, two-edged sword, symbolizing the 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 "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 victory over all His adversaries ([Revelation 19:11](/revelation/19-11 "Revelation 19:11 - The Rider on the White Horse")).

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.