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?" Now when Joshua was near JerichoThe phrase sets the geographical and historical context. Jericho was a fortified city, significant in the ancient Near East, and its conquest was crucial for the Israelites entering the Promised Land. The Hebrew root for "Jericho" is "Yeriho," which may be related to the word for "moon," suggesting a city of great antiquity and possibly linked to lunar worship. This setting underscores the impending divine intervention in a place of pagan influence. he looked up and saw a man
The act of "looking up" signifies a moment of divine revelation or encounter. In Hebrew, "saw" (ra'ah) often implies perceiving with understanding. Joshua's perception here is not merely physical but spiritual, recognizing the significance of the figure before him. This moment echoes other biblical theophanies where God reveals Himself or His messengers to His chosen leaders. standing in front of him
The posture of the man "standing" indicates readiness and authority. In biblical narratives, standing often signifies a position of power or readiness to act. This figure's stance before Joshua suggests a confrontation or a pivotal moment of decision, emphasizing the seriousness of the encounter. with a drawn sword in his hand
The "drawn sword" is a symbol of divine judgment and warfare. In the ancient world, a drawn sword was a clear sign of readiness for battle. The Hebrew word for "sword" (chereb) is often associated with God's judgment and deliverance. This imagery foreshadows the divine intervention that will lead to the fall of Jericho, highlighting God's role as the true leader of Israel's army. Joshua approached him and asked
Joshua's approach demonstrates his courage and leadership. The Hebrew root for "approached" (qarab) can also mean to draw near in worship or inquiry, suggesting Joshua's recognition of the man's authority. His question reflects a desire for discernment, seeking to understand the divine will in the situation. Are you for us or for our enemies?
This question reveals Joshua's concern for allegiance and divine support. The binary choice presented—"for us or for our enemies"—underscores the human tendency to categorize divine actions within our limited understanding. However, the subsequent verses reveal that God's purposes transcend human divisions, calling for obedience and faithfulness beyond mere alliances. This moment challenges believers to align with God's will rather than seeking to fit God into our agendas. Persons / Places / Events 1. JoshuaThe leader of the Israelites after Moses, tasked with leading the people into the Promised Land. He is a central figure in this passage, demonstrating leadership and courage. 2. JerichoA significant city in the Promised Land, known for its formidable walls. It represents the first major challenge for the Israelites as they begin their conquest. 3. The Man with the Drawn SwordThis mysterious figure is later revealed to be the commander of the LORD's army. His presence signifies divine intervention and guidance. Teaching Points Divine Presence in LeadershipJoshua's encounter reminds us that God is actively involved in guiding and supporting His leaders. We should seek His presence in our leadership roles. Discernment in Spiritual EncountersJoshua's question to the man highlights the need for discernment in spiritual matters. We must test the spirits and seek God's guidance in our decisions. God's Sovereignty in BattlesThe presence of the commander of the LORD's army reassures us that God is sovereign over our battles, both physical and spiritual. We can trust Him for victory. Courage in the Face of ChallengesJoshua's approach to the man with the drawn sword demonstrates courage. We are called to face our challenges with faith and boldness, knowing God is with us. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Joshua's encounter with the man with the drawn sword challenge our understanding of divine intervention in our lives today? 2. In what ways can we discern whether a spiritual encounter or message is from God, as Joshua did in this passage? 3. How does the presence of the commander of the LORD's army in Joshua 5:13 encourage us to trust in God's sovereignty over our personal battles? 4. What lessons can we learn from Joshua's leadership and courage in this passage that can be applied to our roles in our families, workplaces, or communities? 5. How does the imagery of a divine warrior in Joshua 5:13 connect to the broader biblical account of God's ultimate victory over evil? Connections to Other Scriptures Exodus 3:2-6The appearance of the man with the drawn sword parallels Moses' encounter with God at the burning bush, indicating a divine presence and mission. Revelation 19:11-16The imagery of a warrior with a sword is echoed in the description of Christ as a divine warrior, emphasizing the theme of divine authority and victory. Hebrews 1:14The mention of angels as ministering spirits connects to the idea of divine beings assisting God's people, as seen in the commander of the LORD's army. People Amorites, Canaanites, Israelites, JoshuaPlaces Canaan, Egypt, Gibeath-haaraloth, Gilgal, Jericho, Jordan RiverTopics Adversaries, Behold, Drawn, Enemies, Front, Jericho, Joshua, Joshua's, Lifted, Lifteth, Lifting, Opposite, Over-against, Pass, Standing, Stood, Sword, UncoveredDictionary of Bible Themes Joshua 5:13 5156 hand
5184 standing Joshua 5:13-15 1210 God, human descriptions
1443 revelation, OT
1454 theophany
5208 armies
5261 commander
8624 worship, reasons Library The Captain of the Lord's Host
And he said, Nay, but as captain of the host of the Lord am I now come. JOSHUA v. 14. The army of Israel was just beginning a hard conflict under an untried leader. Behind them the Jordan barred their retreat, in front of them Jericho forbade their advance. Most of them had never seen a fortified city, and had no experience nor engines for a siege. So we may well suppose that many doubts and fears shook the courage of the host, as it drew around the doomed city. Their chief had his own heavy burden. …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy ScriptureWhether the Rite of Circumcision was Fitting?
Objection 1: It seems that the rite of circumcision was unfitting. For circumcision, as stated above ([4474]AA[1],2), was a profession of faith. But faith is in the apprehensive power, whose operations appear mostly in the head. Therefore the sign of circumcision should have been conferred on the head rather than on the virile member. Objection 2: Further, in the sacraments we make use of such things as are in more frequent use; for instance, water, which is used for washing, and bread, which we …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica Whether Circumcision Bestowed Sanctifying Grace?
Objection 1: It seems that circumcision did not bestow sanctifying grace. For the Apostle says (Gal. 2:21): "If justice be by the Law, then Christ died in vain," i.e. without cause. But circumcision was an obligation imposed by the Law, according to Gal. 5:3: "I testify . . . to every man circumcising himself, that ne is a debtor to do the whole law." Therefore, if justice be by circumcision, "Christ died in vain," i.e. without cause. But this cannot be allowed. Therefore circumcision did not confer …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica Stones Crying Out
'For the priests which bare the ark stood in the midst of Jordan, until every thing was finished that the Lord commanded Joshua to speak unto the people, according to all that Moses commanded Joshua: and the people hasted and passed over. 11. And it came to pass, when all the people were clean passed over, that the ark of the Lord passed over, and the priests, in the presence of the people. 12. And the children of Reuben, and the children of Gad, and half the tribe of Manasseh, passed over armed …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture The Torments of Giant Bad Feelings
THE TORMENTS OF GIANT BAD FEELINGS I am just a bundle of feelings. I never imagined one could have such a variety of them as I am now experiencing. Most of them are bad ones and I am greatly disturbed by them. Really, I doubt whether I am sanctified, on account of the feelings I have. Do sanctified people always feel joyful? I have heard that they do, and if it is true that they do, then I am not sanctified. Big doubts take up company with me every morning, and so long as I feel as I do I do not …
Robert Lee Berry—Adventures in the Land of Canaan Gilgal, in Deuteronomy 11:30 what the Place Was.
That which is said by Moses, that "Gerizim and Ebal were over-against Gilgal," Deuteronomy 11:30, is so obscure, that it is rendered into contrary significations by interpreters. Some take it in that sense, as if it were near to Gilgal: some far off from Gilgal: the Targumists read, "before Gilgal": while, as I think, they do not touch the difficulty; which lies not so much in the signification of the word Mul, as in the ambiguity of the word Gilgal. These do all seem to understand that Gilgal which …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica Of Preparation.
That a Christian ought necessarily to prepare himself before he presume to be a partaker of the holy communion, may evidently appear by five reasons:-- First, Because it is God's commandment; for if he commanded, under the pain of death, that none uncircumcised should eat the paschal lamb (Exod. xii. 48), nor any circumcised under four days preparation, how much greater preparation does he require of him that comes to receive the sacrament of his body and blood? which, as it succeeds, so doth it …
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety Peaceable Principles and True: Or, a Brief Answer to Mr. D'Anver's and Mr. Paul's Books against My Confession of Faith, and Differences in Judgment About Baptism no Bar to Communion.
WHEREIN THEIR SCRIPTURELESS NOTIONS ARE OVERTHROWN, AND MY PEACEABLE PRINCIPLES STILL MAINTAINED. 'Do ye indeed speak righteousness, O congregation? do ye judge uprightly, O ye sons of men?'--Psalm 58:1 SIR, I have received and considered your short reply to my differences in judgment about water baptism no bar to communion; and observe, that you touch not the argument at all: but rather labour what you can, and beyond what you ought, to throw odiums upon your brother for reproving you for your error, …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3 Fragrant Spices from the Mountains of Myrrh. "Thou Art all Fair, My Love; There is no Spot in Thee. " --Song of Solomon iv. 7.
FRAGRANT SPICES FROM THE MOUNTAINS OF MYRRH. HOW marvellous are these words! "Thou art all fair, My love; there is no spot in thee." The glorious Bridegroom is charmed with His spouse, and sings soft canticles of admiration. When the bride extols her Lord there is no wonder, for He deserves it well, and in Him there is room for praise without possibility of flattery. But does He who is wiser than Solomon condescend to praise this sunburnt Shulamite? Tis even so, for these are His own words, and were …
Charles Hadden Spurgeon—Till He Come Joshua
The book of Joshua is the natural complement of the Pentateuch. Moses is dead, but the people are on the verge of the promised land, and the story of early Israel would be incomplete, did it not record the conquest of that land and her establishment upon it. The divine purpose moves restlessly on, until it is accomplished; so "after the death of Moses, Jehovah spake to Joshua," i. 1. The book falls naturally into three divisions: (a) the conquest of Canaan (i.-xii.), (b) the settlement of the …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Joshua 5:13 NIVJoshua 5:13 NLTJoshua 5:13 ESVJoshua 5:13 NASBJoshua 5:13 KJV
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