Joshua 5:14

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?

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}?

"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?"

“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?”

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

Joshua 5:14 presents a pivotal moment for Joshua, the leader of Israel, as he encounters a mysterious divine figure just before the conquest of Jericho. This verse reveals the identity and purpose of this heavenly visitor, profoundly impacting Joshua's understanding of God's presence in the coming battles.

Context

This encounter occurs immediately after the Israelites have crossed the Jordan River, been circumcised, and celebrated Passover in the land of Canaan (Joshua 5:10-12). Joshua, likely scouting or contemplating the immense task of conquering Jericho, is met by a man with a drawn sword (Joshua 5:13). Joshua's immediate question, "Art thou for us, or for our adversaries?", demonstrates his concern for Israel's military success. The answer he receives in verse 14 shifts the focus from human strategy to divine leadership.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Authority and Sovereignty: The figure identifies himself not as an ally in a human conflict, but as the "Captain of the host of the LORD." This title signifies supreme military authority over God's heavenly armies. It emphasizes that the battle for Canaan is ultimately God's, and He is leading the charge, not merely assisting Israel.
  • The Nature of the "Captain": Many theologians interpret this figure as a Christophany – a pre-incarnate appearance of Jesus Christ. Joshua's immediate act of worship, which the figure accepts, strongly supports this view, as angels typically refuse worship (Revelation 19:10). This encounter assures Joshua that God Himself is present and in command.
  • Submission and Obedience: Joshua's response—falling on his face and worshipping—demonstrates profound reverence and humility. His question, "What saith my lord unto his servant?", signals his readiness to receive and obey divine instruction. This act of submission is critical for leadership in God's plan.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "host" is tsaba (צָבָא), which can refer to an army, a multitude, or even the celestial bodies (the "host of heaven"). Here, "Captain of the host of the LORD" implies command over divine, spiritual forces—God's angelic army. The use of "my lord" (אֲדֹנִי - adonai) by Joshua, while not exclusively reserved for God, combined with his worship, points to the recognition of a divine being.

Practical Application

Joshua 5:14 offers timeless lessons for believers today:

  • God is in Command: Just as Joshua learned that he was not the ultimate commander, we are reminded that God is sovereign over our lives and circumstances. Our battles, whether spiritual or practical, are ultimately His.
  • Humility Precedes Victory: Joshua's immediate submission and willingness to follow divine instruction highlight the importance of humility in leadership and in faith. True success comes from aligning our will with God's.
  • Seeking God's Direction: Like Joshua, who asked, "What saith my lord unto his servant?", we are called to seek God's will and guidance in all our endeavors, especially when facing daunting challenges. This encounter prepares Joshua for the unique strategy God will reveal for the fall of Jericho.
The encounter sets the stage for God's explicit instructions in the very next verse, emphasizing the holiness of God's presence and the need for reverence.

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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 17:3 (7 votes)

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

  • Isaiah 55:4 (7 votes)

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

  • Exodus 23:20 (5 votes)

    ¶ 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 (5 votes)

    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 (5 votes)

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

  • Acts 10:26 (5 votes)

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

  • Revelation 19:10 (5 votes)

    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.