What is the meaning of Joshua 5:15? The Commander of the LORD’s army —“The Commander of the LORD’s army replied…” (Joshua 5:15) • Scripture presents a real, personal being who stands above every earthly force. Other passages show a divine messenger appearing in similar authority—Genesis 18:1–2; Exodus 3:2–6; Judges 13:17–22. • Because He receives worship without rebuke (Joshua 5:14) and speaks as God, many understand Him to be the pre-incarnate Christ. Revelation 19:11–16 later pictures Jesus leading heaven’s armies, reinforcing that connection. • By revealing Himself here, the Lord reminds Joshua that victory at Jericho will come from divine leadership, not military strategy (cf. Psalm 20:7). Take off your sandals —“Take off your sandals…” (Joshua 5:15) • Removing footwear was an act of humility and surrender. Moses heard the same command at the burning bush (Exodus 3:5). • It signified, “You are on My ground now; acknowledge My ownership.” Ecclesiastes 5:1 urges worshipers to watch their steps when they approach God. • For believers today, the outward act translates into an inward posture of repentance and yieldedness (Romans 12:1). For the place where you are standing is holy —“…for the place where you are standing is holy.” (Joshua 5:15) • Holiness is not about geography but God’s presence. When He draws near, ordinary ground becomes sacred. Psalm 99:5 calls all people to “worship at His footstool; holy is He.” • This moment reaffirms that the land Israel is entering belongs to the Lord (Leviticus 25:23). Their conquest must be conducted under His moral standards (Deuteronomy 18:9–14). • New-covenant believers experience the same reality: “Be holy in all you do” (1 Peter 1:15–16), for God now indwells His people (1 Corinthians 3:16). And Joshua did so —“And Joshua did so.” (Joshua 5:15) • Joshua’s immediate obedience contrasts with earlier Israelite hesitations (Numbers 14:1–4). • His response models leadership that submits first to God before expecting others to follow (Joshua 24:15). • The New Testament echoes this attitude: “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments” (John 14:15); “be doers of the word” (James 1:22). • Joshua’s compliance clears the way for Jericho’s walls to fall (Joshua 6), proving that victories flow from obedient faith, not human prowess. summary Joshua 5:15 reveals the Lord Himself standing before Joshua as Commander. The call to remove sandals underscores reverent surrender, and the declaration of holiness marks the ground—and the coming campaign—as belonging wholly to God. Joshua’s swift obedience shows the only fitting response to divine authority. For us, the passage teaches that when God takes charge, He demands humble, holy submission; in that posture, His people find real victory. |
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