Joshua 5:14

KJV

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?

KJV (with Strong's)

And he said {H559}, Nay; but as captain {H8269} of the host {H6635} of the LORD {H3068} am I now come {H935}. And Joshua {H3091} fell {H5307} on his face {H6440} to the earth {H776}, and did worship {H7812}, and said {H559} unto him, What saith {H1696} my lord {H113} unto his servant {H5650}?

Complete Jewish Bible

"No," he replied, "but I am the commander of ADONAI's army; I have come just now." Y'hoshua fell down with his face to the ground and worshipped him, then asked, "What does my lord have to say to his servant?"

Berean Standard Bible

“Neither,” He replied. “I have now come as Commander of the LORD’s army.” Then Joshua fell facedown in reverence and asked Him, “What does my Lord have to say to His servant?”

American Standard Version

And he said, Nay; but as prince of the host of Jehovah 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?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Joshua 5:14 records a pivotal encounter where Israel's leader, Joshua, is confronted by a mysterious divine figure, identified as the "Captain of the host of the LORD," on the eve of the Jericho campaign. This moment profoundly reorients Joshua's understanding of the impending conquest, revealing that the true commander of Israel's forces is not Joshua himself, but God. Joshua's immediate response of prostration and humble inquiry signifies his complete submission to divine authority, establishing a crucial theological precedent for the entire conquest and for all future endeavors of God's people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This significant encounter immediately follows a series of crucial covenant renewals and preparations for the Israelites in the land of Canaan. After miraculously crossing the [Jordan River](/joshua/3 "Joshua 3 - The Miraculous Crossing of the Jordan"), the new generation of Israelite males, born during the wilderness wandering, underwent circumcision at Gilgal, fulfilling the covenant sign that had been neglected (see [Joshua 5:2-9](/joshua/5-2-9 "Joshua 5:2-9 - The Covenant of Circumcision Renewed")). Subsequently, the Israelites celebrated the Passover, commemorating their deliverance from Egypt, and began eating the produce of the land, signaling the cessation of the miraculous manna provision (see [Joshua 5:10-12](/joshua/5-10-12 "Joshua 5:10-12 - Passover and the End of Manna")). With these spiritual and physical preparations complete, Joshua, likely surveying the formidable city of Jericho, is suddenly confronted by a "man" with a drawn sword (see [Joshua 5:13](/joshua/5-13 "Joshua 5:13 - Joshua's Encounter with the Man")). Joshua's initial, pragmatic question, "Art thou for us, or for our adversaries?", sets the stage for the divine revelation in verse 14, which transcends human allegiances and redefines the nature of the upcoming war.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is the plains of Jericho, a heavily fortified and strategically vital city guarding the central route into Canaan. For ancient Israel, warfare was not merely a geopolitical conflict but often a "holy war" (Hebrew: חֶרֶם, _ḥerem_), where God Himself was understood to fight on behalf of His people, and victory was attributed to divine intervention rather than human military prowess alone. Leaders like Joshua were expected to consult God before battle, with divine guidance being paramount. The act of falling on one's face (prostration) and worshipping was a common cultural expression of profound reverence, submission, and adoration, typically reserved for kings, high officials, or, most significantly, for deity. The "host of the LORD" would have been understood in a military culture as God's heavenly army, suggesting a divine power far superior to any earthly force, signifying that the true battle was spiritual and divinely led.
* **Key Themes:** Joshua 5:14 profoundly contributes to several overarching themes in the book of Joshua and the broader biblical narrative. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Leadership**. The appearance of the "Captain of the host of the LORD" unequivocally declares that God, not Joshua, is the ultimate commander of Israel's military campaign. This encounter serves to humble Joshua and reorient his understanding of leadership, shifting focus from human strategy and military strength to absolute reliance on divine direction and power. It also reinforces the theme of **Obedience and Submission**, as Joshua's immediate prostration and humble inquiry, "What saith my lord unto his servant?", model the posture required for all who would serve God. Furthermore, the nature of this figure, widely interpreted as a **Christophany** (a pre-incarnate appearance of Jesus Christ), highlights the theme of **God's Active Presence** with His people, assuring them of His direct involvement in fulfilling His covenant promises, a consistent motif throughout the Pentateuch, as seen in the burning bush encounter with Moses (e.g., [Exodus 3:2-5](/exodus/3-2-5 "Exodus 3:2-5 - Moses at the Burning Bush")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Captain (Hebrew, שַׂר, _sar_):** This term (H8269) denotes a chief, prince, ruler, or commander. While it can be used for earthly military commanders (e.g., [Genesis 21:22](/genesis/21-22 "Genesis 21:22 - Abimelech's Commander Phicol")), it is also employed for angelic princes (e.g., [Daniel 10:13](/daniel/10-13 "Daniel 10:13 - Michael, One of the Chief Princes")). Here, combined with "host of the LORD," it signifies supreme authority over divine, spiritual forces, distinguishing this figure from any earthly general and pointing to a heavenly commander.
* **Host (Hebrew, צָבָא, _tsâbâʼ_):** This word (H6635) refers to a mass of persons, especially an army. While often referring to an earthly army or multitude, _tsâbâʼ_ also frequently denotes the "host of heaven"—celestial bodies or, more pertinently here, the angelic armies of God (e.g., [1 Kings 22:19](/1_kings/22-19 "1 Kings 22:19 - The Heavenly Host Standing Before God")). The phrase "host of the LORD" unequivocally points to God's divine, spiritual forces, indicating that the commander is not merely a human ally but one who commands the very armies of heaven.
* **Worship (Hebrew, שָׁחָה, _shâchâh_):** This primitive root (H7812) means "to depress," "to prostrate (oneself)," or "to do obeisance." While it can be used for showing respect to humans (e.g., [Genesis 23:7](/genesis/23-7 "Genesis 23:7 - Abraham Bows to the Hittites")), when combined with falling "on his face to the earth" and directed towards a figure who accepts it in this context, it carries the full weight of religious adoration due only to God (e.g., [Genesis 24:26](/genesis/24-26 "Genesis 24:26 - Abraham's Servant Worships the LORD")). The acceptance of Joshua's worship by this figure is a strong indicator of his divine nature.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he said, Nay; but [as] captain of the host of the LORD am I now come."**: The mysterious figure's response directly addresses Joshua's prior question ("Art thou for us, or for our adversaries?"). By saying "Nay," he dismisses the notion of taking sides in a human conflict, indicating that his presence transcends partisan allegiances. Instead, he declares his true identity and purpose: he has come as the supreme commander of God's heavenly armies. This statement immediately elevates the nature of the war from a geopolitical struggle to a divine campaign, asserting God's ultimate authority and active leadership over Israel's mission.
* **"And Joshua fell on his face to the earth, and did worship,"**: Joshua's immediate and profound reaction demonstrates his recognition of the divine nature of the figure standing before him. Falling on his face signifies ultimate humility, complete submission, and profound reverence. The act of "did worship" (from _shâchâh_) indicates an act of religious adoration, which in the Old Testament is primarily reserved for God alone. This is a crucial moment of spiritual epiphany for Joshua, acknowledging that he stands in the presence of God Himself or a divine manifestation representing God's very presence and authority.
* **"and said unto him, What saith my lord unto his servant?"**: This question marks a complete and profound shift in Joshua's posture and understanding. From questioning allegiance, Joshua now expresses complete readiness to receive divine instruction. The use of "my lord" (Hebrew: אֲדֹנִי, _ʼâdôwn_, H113), while capable of referring to a human superior, in this context, coupled with Joshua's prostration and worship, strongly implies a recognition of divine lordship. Joshua, the earthly military commander, now humbly positions himself as a servant awaiting orders from the true, supreme Commander of Israel.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in Joshua 5:14 is **Theophany** or, more specifically, **Christophany**. This refers to a visible manifestation of God or, as many theologians believe, a pre-incarnate appearance of Jesus Christ. The figure's acceptance of Joshua's worship, which angels typically refuse (e.g., [Revelation 19:10](/revelation/19-10 "Revelation 19:10 - Angel Forbids Worship")), strongly supports a divine identity. The **Dialogue** between Joshua and the Captain is concise yet profoundly impactful, serving to reveal the shift in authority and Joshua's humble submission. The **Symbolism** of the drawn sword (from [Joshua 5:13](/joshua/5-13 "Joshua 5:13 - The Man with the Drawn Sword")) signifies readiness for battle, divine judgment, and the warrior aspect of God. Joshua's **Prostration** is also deeply symbolic, representing complete surrender, reverence, and acknowledgment of divine majesty and authority.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Joshua 5:14 serves as a profound theological anchor, establishing the foundational truth that the battles of God's people are ultimately His battles, fought under His supreme command. This encounter underscores the principle that human leadership, no matter how capable or divinely appointed, must always operate under ultimate divine authority and direction. It reorients Joshua's perspective from a human-centric military strategy to a God-centered one, where victory is assured not by Israel's strength, numbers, or tactical genius, but by the active presence and omnipotent power of the "Captain of the host of the LORD." This divine encounter sets the stage for the unique and seemingly illogical strategy for Jericho, emphasizing that God's ways are higher than human ways, and His power is absolute. It is a powerful reminder that true success in God's kingdom comes through humble submission and unwavering obedience to His revealed will, recognizing that God Himself leads His people into their inheritance.

* [Exodus 3:5](/exodus/3-5 "Holy Ground at the Burning Bush")
* [Daniel 10:13](/daniel/10-13 "The Prince of Persia and Michael")
* [Revelation 19:10](/revelation/19-10 "Angel Forbids Worship")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The encounter at Jericho's gates offers timeless and profound lessons for believers navigating the challenges of life and ministry. Just as Joshua learned that he was not the ultimate commander of Israel's forces, we are powerfully reminded that God is sovereign over all our circumstances, our struggles, our aspirations, and our spiritual warfare. Our "battles," whether spiritual, professional, relational, or personal, are not ours alone to fight, but are ultimately His. This calls for a profound shift from self-reliance and human strategizing to absolute divine dependence. We are invited to adopt Joshua's posture of humility, falling on our faces in worship and asking, with complete surrender, "What saith my Lord unto His servant?" True spiritual leadership and effective living in God's kingdom flow from this place of humble submission and a readiness to obey God's unique, often counter-intuitive, instructions. When we face daunting tasks, seemingly insurmountable obstacles, or spiritual opposition, Joshua 5:14 encourages us to seek not merely God's help or blessing, but His active command, trusting that the "Captain of the host of the LORD" is already present, leading the way to victory according to His perfect and powerful plan.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific areas of your life or ministry are you currently tempted to rely on your own strength, wisdom, or strategy rather than fully submitting to God's command?**
* **What does Joshua's immediate act of worship and humble inquiry teach us about the appropriate and necessary response to recognizing God's active presence and supreme authority?**
* **How does the revelation of God as the "Captain of the host of the LORD" fundamentally change your perspective on the challenges and "battles" you face today?**
* **What specific "orders" or directions might the Lord be giving you today, and how ready are you to posture yourself as His servant, saying, "What saith my lord unto his servant?"**

### FAQ
**Who was the Captain of the Host of the LORD?**

Answer: The identity of the "Captain of the host of the LORD" is a subject of significant theological discussion, but the prevailing and most robust interpretation among evangelical scholars is that this figure was a Christophany—a pre-incarnate appearance of Jesus Christ. Several compelling factors support this view: the figure accepts Joshua's worship, which angels consistently refuse, directing worship only to God (see [Revelation 19:10](/revelation/19-10 "Revelation 19:10 - Angel Forbids Worship") and [Revelation 22:8-9](/revelation/22-8-9 "Revelation 22:8-9 - Angel Refuses Worship Again")); the figure declares the ground holy and commands Joshua to remove his sandals, a prerogative of God alone (compare with [Exodus 3:5](/exodus/3-5 "Exodus 3:5 - Moses and the Holy Ground") at the burning bush); and the title "Captain of the host of the LORD" suggests a divine commander, not merely an angelic messenger, possessing ultimate authority over God's heavenly armies. While some interpret the figure as a high-ranking angel, the immediate acceptance of worship and the declaration of holy ground strongly point to a divine being, indeed, the Son of God Himself.

**Why did Joshua worship him?**

Answer: Joshua worshipped the Captain because he recognized the divine nature and supreme authority of the figure standing before him. Joshua's initial question in [Joshua 5:13](/joshua/5-13 "Joshua 5:13 - Joshua's Initial Question") was pragmatic, seeking to know if the armed man was an ally or an enemy in the upcoming military campaign. However, the Captain's response, identifying himself as the commander of God's heavenly armies and demanding reverence, immediately revealed his divine status. Joshua, a seasoned leader deeply familiar with God's presence and power from his time with Moses, understood that this was no ordinary man or angel, but a manifestation of God Himself. His act of falling on his face and worshipping was an appropriate and immediate response to encountering divine majesty and authority, signifying his complete submission, reverence, and recognition of the true Commander of Israel.

**What is the significance of this encounter for the conquest of Jericho?**

Answer: This encounter is supremely significant for the conquest of Jericho because it fundamentally shifts the entire paradigm of the battle from a human military operation to a divinely led campaign. Prior to this, Joshua was the military commander, planning strategy and leading the people. After this encounter, he realizes that God Himself is the ultimate Commander of Israel's forces. This revelation prepares Joshua to receive and obey the unconventional, seemingly illogical instructions for taking Jericho (see [Joshua 6:2-5](/joshua/6-2-5 "Joshua 6:2-5 - God's Plan for Jericho")), which would have made no sense from a human military perspective. The encounter assures Joshua that God is actively present, leading His people, and that victory will come not through Israel's might or military tactics, but through divine power and unwavering obedience to God's specific, often miraculous, commands. It instills profound confidence and redefines the nature of Israel's mission as a holy war under God's direct, sovereign command.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The appearance of the "Captain of the host of the LORD" in Joshua 5:14 is powerfully understood as a Christophany, a pre-incarnate manifestation of Jesus Christ, who is the true and eternal Commander of God's people. Just as this divine figure came to assume leadership over Israel's earthly conquest, so too does Christ lead His church in its spiritual battles against sin, death, and the powers of darkness (see [Ephesians 6:12](/ephesians/6-12 "Ephesians 6:12 - Our Spiritual Warfare Against Spiritual Forces")). He is the one "appointed heir of all things, through whom also he created the world" (see [Hebrews 1:2](/hebrews/1-2 "Hebrews 1:2 - Christ as Heir and Creator")), and the one who leads "many sons to glory" as the "author of their salvation" (see [Hebrews 2:10](/hebrews/2-10 "Hebrews 2:10 - Christ, the Author of Salvation")). The drawn sword in the Captain's hand foreshadows Christ's ultimate authority and righteous judgment, as depicted in Revelation where He returns as the triumphant warrior, "King of Kings and Lord of Lords" (see [Revelation 19:11-16](/revelation/19-11-16 "Revelation 19:11-16 - Christ the Warrior King")). Joshua's immediate worship and humble submission to this divine Captain prefigure the worship and obedience due to Jesus Christ, who alone is worthy of all adoration and whose commands lead to ultimate victory, abundant life, and eternal salvation (see [John 14:15](/john/14-15 "John 14:15 - Obedience to Christ's Commands")). He is the true Captain of our salvation, leading us through every spiritual Jericho.

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 17:3

And Abram fell on his face: and God talked with him, saying,

Isaiah 55:4

Behold, I have given him [for] a witness to the people, a leader and commander to the people.

Exodus 23:20

¶ Behold, I send an Angel before thee, to keep thee in the way, and to bring thee into the place which I have prepared.

Exodus 23:22

But if thou shalt indeed obey his voice, and do all that I speak; then I will be an enemy unto thine enemies, and an adversary unto thine adversaries.

Acts 10:25

And as Peter was coming in, Cornelius met him, and fell down at his feet, and worshipped [him].

Acts 10:26

But Peter took him up, saying, Stand up; I myself also am a man.

Revelation 19:10

And I fell at his feet to worship him. And he said unto me, See [thou do it] not: I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus: worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.