How does Joshua 5:13 connect to other biblical encounters with divine messengers? Setting the Scene “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 adversaries?’ ” (Joshua 5:13) Divine Identity: Commander of the LORD’s Army • In verse 14 the Figure declares, “I have now come as Commander of the LORD’s army.” • Joshua’s immediate worship (v. 14b) is accepted, indicating a divine—not merely angelic—presence, consistent with other appearances of the Angel of the LORD (often a pre-incarnate manifestation of Christ). Shared Motifs with Other Encounters • Drawn sword – Numbers 22:31: “the Angel of the LORD standing in the road with a drawn sword.” • Immediate prostration/worship – Genesis 18:2: Abraham “bowed low to the ground.” – Judges 13:20: Manoah and his wife “fell facedown.” • Call to remove shoes/recognition of holy ground (Joshua 5:15) parallels Exodus 3:5. • Commissioning before a major mission – Moses at the burning bush (Exodus 3). – Gideon called to deliver Israel (Judges 6:11-16). – Isaiah’s vision before his prophetic service (Isaiah 6:1-9). Key Connections • Same Person, different settings – “Angel of the LORD” speaks as God (Exodus 3:2-6; Judges 6:14). – Commander in Joshua 5 accepts worship and speaks with divine authority. • Purpose: assurance and direction – Joshua receives confirmation that the coming conquest is God-led. – Gideon, Manoah, and Isaiah likewise gain courage from divine presence. • Holiness underscored – Removal of sandals (Joshua 5:15; Exodus 3:5). – Vision of God’s glory (Isaiah 6; Ezekiel 1). Take-Away Themes • God often reveals Himself at pivotal moments to reaffirm His covenant, direct His people, and demand reverent submission. • Encounters with the Angel of the LORD point to a cohesive biblical pattern: the same divine Messenger prepares, commissions, and protects God’s servants from Genesis through the Prophets. |
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