What is the meaning of Joshua 5:13? Now when Joshua was near Jericho “Now when Joshua was near Jericho” • The people have just crossed the Jordan (Joshua 4:19–24); Jericho is the first stronghold in the land promised to Abraham (Genesis 12:7). • Israel’s recent circumcision and celebration of Passover (Joshua 5:2–12) have re-established covenant loyalty, preparing them for battle in God’s strength, not their own (Deuteronomy 7:1–2). • Jericho’s walls symbolize entrenched opposition, yet God’s Word guarantees victory (Exodus 23:27–28). He looked up and saw a man standing in front of him “He looked up and saw a man standing in front of him” • Joshua’s lifted eyes recall Psalm 121:1; spiritual attentiveness precedes divine revelation (2 Kings 6:17). • The unexpected figure signals that the upcoming struggle is ultimately spiritual (Ephesians 6:12), not merely military. With a drawn sword in His hand “A man … with a drawn sword in His hand” • The drawn sword pictures divine readiness to judge and deliver (Numbers 22:31; 1 Chronicles 21:16). • In v. 14 this “Man” identifies Himself as “Commander of the LORD’s army,” a pre-incarnate appearance of Christ who alone commands heaven’s hosts (Revelation 19:11-15). • God Himself stands between His people and their obstacles (Psalm 24:8–10). Joshua approached Him “Joshua approached Him” • Joshua’s courage shows faith that God is near (Deuteronomy 31:6; Hebrews 4:16). • Approaching the holy requires humility; soon Joshua will remove his sandals as Moses did before the burning bush (Exodus 3:4-5). • Effective leadership seeks personal encounter with the Lord before leading others (Psalm 27:4). Are You for us or for our enemies? “Are You for us or for our enemies?” • Joshua assumes two options, but the Commander’s reply in v. 14 (“Neither … but as Commander of the LORD’s army I have now come”) teaches that the real question is whether Israel is on God’s side (Isaiah 55:8-9). • Victory is promised when God leads (Romans 8:31), yet He remains sovereign and independent of human agendas. • The encounter reorients Joshua—and us—to submit to divine strategy (Proverbs 3:5-6) rather than press God into ours. Summary Joshua 5:13 shows Israel’s leader meeting the true Leader of the coming battle. Near Jericho, Joshua looks up and discovers that the decisive warrior is not himself but the Commander of the LORD’s army. The drawn sword signals divine authority; Joshua’s approach models reverent boldness; his question exposes a common human desire to harness God for personal aims. The passage calls believers to align with God’s purposes, trust His word, and recognize that every battle is won when He goes before us. |
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