Topical Bible: Vision of Joshua of the Captain of the Lord's Army

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Topical Encyclopedia

The Vision of Joshua of the Captain of the Lord's Army is a significant event recorded in the Old Testament, specifically in the Book of Joshua. This vision occurs as the Israelites, under the leadership of Joshua, prepare to conquer the city of Jericho, a pivotal moment in their conquest of the Promised Land.

Biblical Account

The account is found in Joshua 5:13-15. As Joshua approaches Jericho, he encounters a mysterious figure:

"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 went up to him and asked, 'Are you for us or for our enemies?' 'Neither,' he replied, 'but as commander of the army of the LORD I have now come.' Then Joshua fell facedown to the ground in reverence and asked him, 'What message does my Lord have for his servant?' The commander of the LORD’s army replied, 'Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy.' And Joshua did so." (Joshua 5:13-15)

Interpretation and Significance

This vision is often interpreted as a theophany, a visible manifestation of God to humankind. The "commander of the army of the LORD" is understood by many scholars and theologians to be a pre-incarnate appearance of Christ, also known as a Christophany. This interpretation is supported by the command to remove sandals, reminiscent of Moses' encounter with God at the burning bush (Exodus 3:5).

The vision underscores several key theological themes:

1. Divine Leadership and Authority: The appearance of the commander signifies that the battle belongs to the Lord. Joshua, though the earthly leader, is reminded that ultimate authority and victory come from God. This reinforces the idea that Israel's success in the conquest of Canaan is not due to their own strength but to divine intervention.

2. Holiness and Reverence: The command to remove sandals indicates the holiness of the encounter. It serves as a reminder of the sacredness of God's presence and the need for reverence and submission before Him.

3. Neutrality in Human Conflicts: The response "Neither" to Joshua's question about allegiance highlights that God's purposes transcend human conflicts and agendas. The Lord's army is not bound by earthly alliances but is committed to fulfilling divine purposes.

4. Preparation for Battle: The vision occurs just before the battle of Jericho, serving as divine assurance and preparation for Joshua and the Israelites. It reassures them of God's presence and support as they undertake the daunting task of conquering fortified cities in the Promised Land.

Theological Implications

The Vision of Joshua of the Captain of the Lord's Army is a profound reminder of God's sovereignty and the spiritual nature of the battles faced by His people. It calls believers to recognize the presence and authority of God in their lives, to approach Him with reverence, and to align themselves with His divine purposes. This vision also foreshadows the ultimate victory of Christ, the true Captain of the Lord's Army, who leads His people in spiritual warfare against the forces of darkness.

Nave's Topical Index

Joshua 5:13-15
And it came to pass, when Joshua was by Jericho, that he lifted up his eyes and looked, and, behold, there stood a man over against him with his sword drawn in his hand: and Joshua went to him, and said to him, Are you for us, or for our adversaries?
Nave's Topical Index

Library

The Captain of the Lord's Host
... It does mean that, or the words and the vision would cease to have ... a vanishing meteor
in the midnight, before the face of Joshua, and which ... 'The Captain of the ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/the captain of the lords.htm

The Encamping Angel
... The vision of the divine presence ever takes the form which ... he saw the Encamping
Angel; even as to Joshua the leader He appeared as the Captain of the ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture j/the encamping angel.htm

A Summary of Israel's Faithlessness and God's Patience
... of the war, and issued his orders as 'Captain of the ... Verses 6-9 substantially repeat
Joshua 24:28-31, and ... is to renew continually our first-hand vision of 'the ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/a summary of israels faithlessness.htm

Soldier Priests
... picture of His glory is incomplete without the vision of 'the ... He Himself is the Warrior
King, the Captain of the Lord's host, the true Joshua, whose last ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture j/soldier priests.htm

The Second vision "On Earth"
... refer to the earth; the seventh consists of the third Vision "in heaven ... On August
17, 1819, Dr. Seiss tells us that "Captain Ross saw ... Psalm 148:2. Joshua 5:14. ...
/.../bullinger/commentary on revelation/the second vision on earth.htm

The First Kings.
... was the deliverer and lawgiver of Israel, and Joshua the great ... whom God had chosen
to be "captain over his ... deceived him, blinding his moral vision, thought all ...
/.../headley/half hours in bible lands volume 2/the first kings.htm

Introduction to Oration ii.
... made a captain, and a good captain to become a ... similar office"for instance, Moses,
Aaron, Joshua, Elijah, Elisha ... the third heaven, and had a vision of Paradise ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/introduction to oration ii.htm

Christ Triumphant
... men, all of them sharing the triumphs of their captain. ... Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob,
Moses and Joshua, and Samuel ... See how John's vision is become a reality, for ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/christ triumphant.htm

A Discourse
... the king of Assyria so threatened to lay his army on the ... must not look for rest until
their Lord shall come ... before she enjoyed her rest in Canaan (Joshua 14:10 ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a discourse.htm

God Justified, Though Man Believes Not
... Only Joshua and Caleb entered the promised land; but the ... I thought I saw a vision
once, when I was by ... When the captain at sea whistles, then all the sailors ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 38 1892/god justified though man believes.htm