What does Joshua 5:13 teach about recognizing God's presence in unexpected forms? Setting the scene Jericho looms ahead, Israel has just celebrated Passover in the land, and Joshua is surveying the situation when a startling encounter halts him. Key verse “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?’” (Joshua 5:13). Observations from the text • Scripture presents the figure simply as “a man,” underscoring how ordinary the appearance seems at first glance. • Only the drawn sword signals something unusual, prompting Joshua’s courageous approach. • In the verses that follow, the figure identifies Himself as “Commander of the LORD’s army” (v. 14), accepts Joshua’s worship, and commands holy ground—marks of deity. • The passage reveals a theophany: a physical manifestation of the pre-incarnate Christ. Recognizing unexpected manifestations • God may present Himself in forms that do not fit our preconceived categories—here, a warrior holding a sword rather than a cloud or pillar of fire. • Joshua’s first reaction is inquiry, not rejection; he seeks clarification rather than assuming. • The command to remove sandals (v. 15) parallels Moses at the burning bush, signaling that God decides how and where holiness is revealed. • Divine initiatives often intersect everyday responsibilities (Joshua was “near Jericho,” actively engaged in leadership). God’s presence breaks in while we are “on duty,” not only during formal worship. Why we might miss Him today • Expecting God only in traditionally “sacred” settings or personalities. • Relying on emotional cues instead of Scriptural discernment. • Moving too fast to pause and “look up” as Joshua did. Practical takeaways • Stay alert to the possibility that the Lord may confront, guide, or comfort through people or circumstances that seem ordinary—or even threatening. • Test every unexpected encounter by the Word: the Commander’s instructions aligned perfectly with God’s revealed plan for Israel. • Respond with immediate obedience; Joshua falls facedown and receives orders for Jericho’s conquest. • Cultivate reverence everywhere; any ground can become holy if the Lord chooses to manifest His presence there. Supporting Scriptures • Exodus 3:2 – “There the Angel of the LORD appeared to him in a flame of fire from within a bush.” • Genesis 18:2 – “Abraham looked up and saw three men standing nearby.” • Judges 6:12 – “The Angel of the LORD appeared to Gideon and said, ‘The LORD is with you, mighty warrior.’” • Luke 24:15-16 – “Jesus Himself came up and walked along with them. But their eyes were kept from recognizing Him.” • Hebrews 13:2 – “Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it.” Joshua 5:13 reminds believers to keep their spiritual eyes open: the Lord still draws near—sometimes in the most unexpected forms—and He calls for faith that recognizes, reveres, and obeys Him on the spot. |
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