Joshua 5:13 - Meaning and Application

We have already seen God speak often to Joshua, but only now do we read of a direct appearance of God’s glory to him. When Joshua’s difficulties grew, God increased his encouragement in equal measure. God often gives stronger help when the burden becomes heavier.

First, notice the time of this vision. It came right after Joshua had carried out the solemn acts of circumcision and the Passover. Then God made himself known to him. We may expect fresh signs of God’s favor when we are walking in obedience and are sincere in worship.

Second, notice the place. It was by Jericho, or in the fields near Jericho. Joshua was there by faith and hope, before he had begun the siege. He was likely alone, and perhaps meditating or praying. God often shows himself kindly to those who are busy in prayer and thoughtful duty. Or Joshua may have been surveying the city and planning the attack. If so, God met him there and gave him direction. God helps those who help themselves. The law helps those who watch, not those who sleep. Joshua was on duty as a commander when God came and showed himself as the true Commander in Chief.

Third, notice the appearance itself. Joshua was looking down, as people often do when they are full of thought and concern, when suddenly he saw a man standing before him. The sight made him lift his eyes and interrupted his reflections. He appeared as a man, but as one of great dignity, clearly worth noticing.

We have reason to think this man was the Son of God, the eternal Word, who often appeared in human form before he took human nature for good. Bishop Patrick thought so, and that agrees with the early church fathers. Joshua gave him divine honor, and he received it, which a created angel would not have done. He is also called Jehovah in Joshua 6:2.

He appeared as a soldier, with his sword drawn. To Abraham in his tent he appeared as a traveler, but to Joshua in the field he appeared as a man of war. Christ appears to his people in the way their faith expects and needs. His drawn sword served two purposes. First, it showed that Joshua’s war was lawful and from God, who gave him the right to fight. If the king draws the sword, that gives the subject authority to act. The sword is rightly drawn when Christ draws it and gives the banner to those who fear him, to be displayed for the truth (Psalm 60:4). Second, it encouraged Joshua to press on with courage. Christ’s drawn sword shows how ready he is to defend and save his people. Through him they will do great things. His sword turns every way.

Fourth, notice Joshua’s bold question. He did not send a servant, but went up himself and asked, “Are you for us, or for our enemies?” That question showed that he was ready to welcome the stranger if he was on Israel’s side, or to oppose him if he was not. It shows Joshua’s courage and steadiness. He was not shaken by the sudden appearance, nor frightened by the majesty of the one he saw. With the calmness of a great leader, he asked a direct question. God had told Joshua to be courageous, and here we see that courage in action. What God requires by his word, he works by his grace.

It also shows Joshua’s deep concern for Israel and their cause. He had fully committed himself to the people’s interest, so he wanted to know whether this man was a friend or a foe. He may have suspected an enemy, like a Goliath coming to defy the armies of the living God. We often think that what is against us is really for us. Yet this question also makes it plain that the conflict between Israel and Canaan, and between Christ and Beelzebub, leaves no room for neutrality. Whoever is not with us is against us.

Fifth, hear the answer he gave. “No,” he said, “I am not here as your enemy. I have come as captain of the army of the Lord.” He came not only for Joshua’s support, but over him as commander in chief. There were now, as in Genesis 32:2, two camps, one of Israelites ready for battle and one of angels ready to protect them. He, as captain of both, led Israel and commanded the angels to help them.

This is likely why Christ is called the captain of our salvation (Hebrews 2:10), and a leader and commander to the people (Isaiah 55:4). Those who have such a captain cannot fail to be victorious. He came to review the troops, stir their courage, and give the needed orders for taking Jericho.

Sixth, notice the great respect Joshua gave him once he understood who he was. He likely recognized, not only from what was said, but also from some visible sign, that this was a divine person, not merely a man. Joshua bowed low with his face to the ground and worshiped. Though he was commander of Israel’s forces, he did not feel threatened by this stranger who carried a higher commission as captain of the Lord’s host. He did not challenge him, but gladly submitted to him as his superior. Even the greatest people should be humble and reverent when they come before God.

Then Joshua asked for orders: “What does my lord say to his servant?” His second question was as brave as the first, but now it was full of reverence and devotion. It was no loss of dignity for Joshua to humble himself before God. Even kings must bow low before the throne of the Lord Jesus, who is King of kings (Psalm 2:10-11; Psalm 72:10-11; Revelation 19:16).

Notice two things in Joshua’s words. First, he owned the right relationship: Christ was his Lord, and he was Christ’s servant, under Christ’s command, like a soldier who must obey his captain (Matthew 8:9). The root of all true obedience is a sincere surrender of ourselves to Jesus Christ as our Lord (Psalm 16:2). Second, he asked for instruction in line with that relationship: “What does my lord say?” He wanted to know Christ’s will and was ready, with a willing heart, to do it. Joshua saw himself as an officer under authority, waiting for orders. That spirit fit him well for his work, because those who know how to obey are best prepared to command.

The further signs of reverence this divine commander required from Joshua were these: “Take your sandal off your foot” (Joshua 5:15). This was a sign of respect, like removing a hat today, and it showed that God’s presence was there. In a way, that presence made the place holy and gave it honor.

We often say of someone we deeply love that we would cherish even the ground they walk on. In that same spirit, Joshua had to show reverence for this divine person. He was not to stand there with dirty shoes on holy ground (Ecclesiastes 5:1). Visible signs of inward reverence and holy fear fit us well, and God calls for them whenever we come before him in solemn worship.

Bishop Patrick rightly notes that God gave Joshua the same command he had given Moses at the burning bush, when he was sending Moses to lead Israel out of Egypt (Exodus 3:5). God did this to strengthen Joshua’s faith in the promise he had already received, that as God had been with Moses, so he would be with Joshua (Joshua 1:5). If Moses had such a presence from God that the ground was made holy by it, Joshua had the same.

Finally, this also prepared Joshua to receive the commands he was about to get about the siege of Jericho. The captain of the Lord’s army had now come to lead Israel into possession of the land.