Joshua 5:15

KJV

And the captain of the LORD'S host said unto Joshua, Loose thy shoe from off thy foot; for the place whereon thou standest [is] holy. And Joshua did so.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the captain {H8269} of the LORD'S {H3068} host {H6635} said {H559} unto Joshua {H3091}, Loose {H5394} thy shoe {H5275} from off thy foot {H7272}; for the place {H4725} whereon thou standest {H5975} is holy {H6944}. And Joshua {H3091} did {H6213} so.

Complete Jewish Bible

The commander of ADONAI's army answered Y'hoshua, "Take your sandals off your feet, because the place where you are standing is holy." And Y'hoshua did so.

Berean Standard Bible

The Commander of the LORD’s army replied, “Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy.” And Joshua did so.

American Standard Version

And the prince of Jehovah’s host said unto Joshua, Put off thy shoe from off thy foot; for the place whereon thou standest is holy. And Joshua did so.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Joshua 5:15 records a profound and pivotal divine encounter between Joshua and a mysterious figure identified as the "Captain of the LORD'S host," immediately preceding Israel's first major military engagement in the Promised Land, the conquest of Jericho. This momentous interaction serves as a spiritual commissioning for Joshua, echoing Moses' encounter at the burning bush, where the ground is declared holy due to the direct, manifest presence of God. The command for Joshua to remove his shoes signifies an essential posture of reverence, humility, and absolute submission to divine authority, powerfully establishing that God Himself is the true commander of Israel's forces and the ultimate source of their impending victory. Joshua's immediate and unquestioning obedience underscores his readiness to follow God's supreme leadership into the challenges ahead.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed at a critical juncture in the book of Joshua, serving as a climactic spiritual preparation before the military conquest begins. It immediately follows a series of significant events that underscore Israel's renewed covenant relationship with God: the miraculous [crossing of the Jordan River](/joshua/3 "Joshua 3 - Crossing the Jordan River"), which mirrored the Red Sea crossing; the [circumcision of the new generation at Gilgal](/joshua/5-2-9 "Joshua 5:2-9 - Circumcision at Gilgal"), signifying the renewal of the Abrahamic covenant; and the [observance of Passover](/joshua/5-10-12 "Joshua 5:10-12 - Passover at Gilgal") in the Promised Land, commemorating their deliverance. These acts collectively establish Israel's spiritual readiness. The appearance of the "Captain of the LORD's host" then serves as a direct divine commissioning and reassurance to Joshua, occurring just before the narrative shifts to the detailed account of the [fall of Jericho](/joshua/6 "Joshua 6 - The Fall of Jericho"), the formidable first city in Canaan. This encounter emphasizes that the upcoming battles are not merely human endeavors but God's battles, fought under His supreme command and authority.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The command to "loose thy shoe from off thy foot" carries profound historical and cultural weight in the ancient Near East. Removing sandals was a universally recognized gesture of respect, humility, and reverence when entering a sacred space, a temple, or standing before a person of great authority, royalty, or a deity. This practice symbolized the removal of defilement or the recognition of one's unworthiness in the presence of the divine, as well as a posture of submission. The most famous parallel, explicitly referenced in the text, is [Exodus 3:5](/exodus/3-5 "Exodus 3:5 - Moses at the Burning Bush"), where Moses receives the identical command at the burning bush, indicating that Joshua is now standing on ground made holy by the direct, manifest presence of God Himself. The setting at Gilgal, near Jericho, was also culturally significant as the initial encampment and spiritual center for Israel upon entering Canaan, a fitting location for such a profound covenant renewal and divine encounter.
* **Key Themes:** The central and overarching theme of [Joshua 5:15](/joshua/5-15 "Joshua 5:15 - Joshua's Encounter with the Captain of the LORD's Host") is the absolute **holiness and sovereignty of God**. The declaration that the ground is "holy" underscores that God's presence transforms ordinary space into sacred ground, demanding immediate and profound reverence and awe. This highlights God's transcendence and His unique nature. Another prominent theme is **divine leadership and military strategy**. The "Captain of the LORD's host" reveals that the conquest of Canaan is not merely a human military campaign but a divinely orchestrated war, with God Himself as the supreme commander. This encounter reassures Joshua that victory will come not through Israel's strength or cunning, but through God's power and strategic direction, echoing the commissioning promise in [Joshua 1:9](/joshua/1-9 "Joshua 1:9 - God's Command to Joshua") to be strong and courageous because God is with him. Finally, **human submission and obedience** are powerfully highlighted through Joshua's immediate and unquestioning compliance, demonstrating the necessary posture of faith, humility, and trust required for God's chosen leaders and His people to successfully fulfill His purposes.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **captain (Hebrew, _sar'_):** From H8269, meaning "a head person (of any rank or class); captain (that had rule), chief (captain), general, governor, keeper, lord,(-task-)master, prince(-ipal), ruler, steward." In this context, it denotes a high-ranking military commander, a "prince" or "chief" of the LORD's army. The title suggests not merely a human leader but one invested with supreme authority, often interpreted as a divine or pre-incarnate figure.
* **shoe (Hebrew, _naʻal'_):** From H5275, meaning "properly, a sandal tongue; by extension a sandal or slipper (sometimes as a symbol of occupancy, a refusal to marry, or of something valueless); dryshod, (pair of) shoe((-latchet), -s)." The "shoe" here refers specifically to the sandal worn on the foot, which, when removed, signifies a ritual act of humility, reverence, and acknowledgment of sacred space or superior presence.
* **holy (Hebrew, _qôdesh'_):** From H6944, meaning "a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity; consecrated (thing), dedicated (thing), hallowed (thing), holiness, ([idiom] most) holy ([idiom] day, portion, thing), saint, sanctuary." In this verse, the ground is declared "holy" not by its intrinsic nature, but because of the immediate, manifest presence of God, who is inherently set apart and sacred. It implies a separation from the common or profane, demanding a particular reverence and awe.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the captain of the LORD'S host said unto Joshua":** This opening clause introduces the divine speaker, whose title immediately establishes his supreme authority and military leadership over a heavenly, not earthly, army. The encounter is direct and personal, signaling a crucial moment of divine revelation and commissioning specifically for Joshua as the leader of Israel.
* **"Loose thy shoe from off thy foot; for the place whereon thou standest [is] holy":** This is the core divine command, a direct echo of the instruction given to Moses at the burning bush. The act of removing shoes is a symbolic gesture of profound reverence, humility, and submission, acknowledging the sacredness of the space. The ground is declared "holy" not due to any inherent quality, but solely because of the immediate, tangible, and awe-inspiring presence of God Himself, who is fundamentally holy and demands a consecrated response.
* **"And Joshua did so":** Joshua's immediate and unquestioning obedience to the divine command highlights his humility, faith, and complete submission to divine authority. This swift compliance demonstrates his readiness to follow God's direct instructions without hesitation, a vital quality for the leader of God's people as they embark on the monumental task of conquering Canaan and fulfilling God's covenant promises.

#### Literary Devices
Joshua 5:15 employs several significant literary devices to convey its profound theological message. The most prominent is **Parallelism**, specifically an intertextual parallel with the account of Moses at the burning bush in [Exodus 3:5](/exodus/3-5 "Exodus 3:5 - Moses at the Burning Bush"). The identical command to "loose thy shoe from off thy foot; for the place whereon thou standest is holy" immediately links Joshua's experience to Moses' foundational encounter with God, thereby validating Joshua's leadership and establishing the divine authority behind the impending conquest as a continuation of God's redemptive work. **Symbolism** is also central to the verse, with the act of removing shoes symbolizing humility, reverence, and the recognition of sacred space and divine presence. The "holy ground" itself is symbolic of God's immanent presence and the sacred nature of His covenant dealings with Israel. Furthermore, the appearance of the "Captain of the LORD'S host" is widely interpreted as a **Theophany** or, more specifically, a **Christophany**, a visible manifestation of God or the pre-incarnate Christ. This literary and theological device underscores the direct divine involvement and supreme leadership in Israel's military campaigns, elevating the narrative beyond mere human conflict to a divinely orchestrated holy war.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Joshua 5:15 profoundly articulates the theological truth that God's presence sanctifies and demands absolute reverence. The encounter establishes God's absolute sovereignty over His people and their endeavors, particularly in the context of the conquest of the Promised Land, which is revealed to be a divine initiative. It teaches that true victory and success come not from human strength, military prowess, or strategic brilliance alone, but from humble submission to divine leadership and an awe-filled recognition of God's inherent holiness. This moment serves as a spiritual anchor for Joshua and the nation, reminding them that they are participants in God's grand redemptive plan, requiring a posture of deep awe, unwavering faith, and immediate obedience. The encounter also underscores the continuity of God's covenant relationship, as Joshua is commissioned in a manner reminiscent of Moses.

* [Exodus 3:5](/exodus/3-5 "Moses at the Burning Bush")
* [Isaiah 6:1-3](/isaiah/6-1-3 "Isaiah's Vision of God's Holiness")
* [Hebrews 12:28-29](/hebrews/12-28-29 "Reverence in Worship")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Joshua 5:15 offers timeless and profound lessons for believers today, calling us to cultivate a deep and abiding sense of reverence and humility in the presence of God. Just as Joshua was commanded to remove his shoes, we are invited to "take off" our self-sufficiency, pride, preconceived notions, and any distractions when we approach the Lord in worship, prayer, service, or even in our daily lives. Recognizing that all ground where God is truly present is holy ground should fundamentally transform our perspective on everyday existence, reminding us that God's holiness can permeate every aspect of our lives, demanding our awe and respect. This encounter also provides immense reassurance: when we face daunting challenges—our personal or communal "Jerichos"—we are not alone. The "Captain of the LORD'S host" is our ultimate leader, and true victory is found not in relying solely on our own strength, wisdom, or strategic brilliance, but in humbly submitting to His divine authority and trusting in His perfect strategy. Our spiritual preparation, marked by humility, obedience, and an awareness of God's holy presence, is paramount before engaging in any significant endeavor for the Kingdom of God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you need to "loose your shoes" and acknowledge God's supreme authority, inherent holiness, and sovereign leadership?**
* **How does recognizing God's presence as making a place "holy" change your perspective on corporate worship, personal devotion, or even difficult, mundane, or challenging situations?**
* **What "Jericho" are you currently facing, and how can Joshua's encounter with the "Captain of the LORD'S host" encourage you to seek divine leadership and strategy over purely human plans?**
* **How can you cultivate a deeper, more consistent sense of reverence, humility, and awe in your personal walk with God and in your interactions with His Word?**

### FAQ
**Who was the "Captain of the LORD'S host" mentioned in Joshua 5:15?**

Answer: The "Captain of the LORD'S host" is widely interpreted by biblical scholars as a Christophany, which is a pre-incarnate appearance of Jesus Christ. This figure is not identified as an angel, but rather as a divine being who accepts worship (unlike angels, who consistently refuse it, as seen in [Revelation 22:8-9](/revelation/22-8-9 "Revelation 22:8-9 - John's Worship of the Angel")). The title itself, "Captain of the LORD'S host," suggests a supreme military commander of God's heavenly army, indicating divine authority over all creation and especially over the affairs of His people. His appearance to Joshua underscores that God Himself, through His pre-incarnate Son, is the true leader and strategist of Israel's conquest of Canaan, offering direct divine reassurance and commissioning. This encounter powerfully reinforces the theme that the battles Israel was about to undertake were God's battles, fought under His ultimate command and for His glory.

**Why was Joshua commanded to remove his shoes, and what is the significance of "holy ground"?**

Answer: The command for Joshua to remove his shoes (or sandals) was a common and deeply significant cultural and religious practice in the ancient Near East. It symbolized reverence, humility, and submission when entering a sacred space, a temple, or standing before a person of great authority or a deity. It also suggested removing any defilement or recognizing one's unworthiness in the immediate presence of the divine. The declaration that "the place whereon thou standest is holy" signifies that the ground itself is not inherently sacred, but it becomes consecrated and set apart by the immediate, manifest presence of God. This is a direct and intentional parallel to [Moses' encounter with God at the burning bush in Exodus 3:5](/exodus/3-5 "Exodus 3:5 - Moses at the Burning Bush"), emphasizing that Joshua is experiencing a moment of profound divine revelation and commissioning, similar in weight and significance to that of his predecessor, validating his leadership and the divine nature of the mission ahead.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The appearance of the "Captain of the LORD'S host" in [Joshua 5:15](/joshua/5-15 "Joshua 5:15 - Joshua's Encounter with the Captain of the LORD's Host") is a powerful Christophany, a pre-incarnate manifestation of Jesus Christ, who is the true and ultimate commander of God's people throughout salvation history. Just as this divine Captain led Israel into the physical Promised Land, Jesus Christ is the one who leads His church, the new Israel, into their spiritual battles against sin, death, and the powers of darkness, and ultimately into their eternal inheritance. He is not merely a general but the very [head of the church](/ephesians/1-22-23 "Ephesians 1:22-23 - Christ as Head of the Church"), the one who [leads captivity captive](/ephesians/4-8 "Ephesians 4:8 - Christ's Ascension and Gifts") through His triumph on the cross and resurrection. The holiness of the ground in Joshua's encounter foreshadows the ultimate holiness that Christ Himself provides; through His perfect life, atoning sacrifice, and resurrection, He makes us holy and righteous, enabling us to [draw near to God with confidence](/hebrews/10-19-22 "Hebrews 10:19-22 - Confidence to Enter the Holy Place") into the heavenly sanctuary. As the true "Captain of our salvation" ([Hebrews 2:10](/hebrews/2-10 "Hebrews 2:10 - Jesus, the Captain of Salvation")), Jesus not only commands but also empowers His followers, ensuring victory over sin and death and leading them into the [rest that remains for the people of God](/hebrebs/4-9-10 "Hebrews 4:9-10 - The Sabbath Rest"), a spiritual reality that far surpasses the physical land of Canaan.

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

Exodus 3:5

And he said, Draw not nigh hither: put off thy shoes from off thy feet, for the place whereon thou standest [is] holy ground.

Acts 7:32

[Saying], I [am] the God of thy fathers, the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. Then Moses trembled, and durst not behold.

Acts 7:33

Then said the Lord to him, Put off thy shoes from thy feet: for the place where thou standest is holy ground.

2 Peter 1:18

And this voice which came from heaven we heard, when we were with him in the holy mount.