Joshua 5:15
And the captain of the Lord’s host said unto Joshua, Loose thy shoe from off thy foot; for the place whereon thou standest is holy. And Joshua did so.
Joshua 5:15 (KJV)
Context
The book of Joshua tells how the Israelites entered the Promised Land after forty years in the wilderness. Moses led them out of Egypt, but Joshua led them into Canaan. In Joshua 5, the people had just crossed the Jordan River, the manna had stopped, and they had renewed their covenant with God through circumcision and Passover. Near Jericho, Joshua saw a man with a drawn sword. This man called himself the captain of the LORD’s host, the commander of God’s army. His sudden appearance assured Joshua that God would fight for Israel in the coming battles.
Meaning
The captain’s command to remove his shoe was a sign of deep respect. In ancient times, taking off sandals showed that a person was standing in a sacred place. The ground was not holy by itself; it became holy because God was present there. This same command was given to Moses at the burning bush (Exodus 3:5). The parallel shows that Joshua stood in a moment as sacred as that earlier encounter. The captain’s words tested Joshua’s obedience and reverence. Joshua did not argue or delay; he did exactly as he was told.
Biblical connections
The command to remove shoes links Joshua’s experience directly to Moses’ experience. At the burning bush, God told Moses to take off his sandals because he was standing on holy ground. Here, the captain of the LORD’s host gives the same instruction. This connection shows that Joshua was receiving a divine commission, just as Moses had. The holiness of the place came from God’s presence, not from the soil itself. The captain’s identity is not named in the text, but the context of worship and the parallel with Exodus suggest a divine being, often understood as a pre-incarnate appearance of Christ, though the text does not explicitly confirm this. This encounter also prepared Joshua for the task ahead, reminding him that the battle belongs to the LORD.
Application
Joshua’s response teaches us how to approach God. When we recognize God’s presence, we should respond with humility and submission. Removing his shoe was an outward act that showed Joshua’s inward heart. In our own lives, we can show reverence through prayer, worship, and obedience. We do not need to remove our shoes today, but we should still approach God with awe and respect. God’s presence makes any place holy, and we can meet Him anywhere with a humble heart.
Reverence and submission: Joshua’s example calls us to bow before God’s authority.
Holiness of God’s presence: We should remember that God is holy and approach Him with awe.
Obedience: Joshua obeyed immediately, and we are called to follow God’s commands promptly.
Recognizing God’s presence: Just as Joshua saw the captain, we can be aware of God with us each day.
Reflection
Joshua’s encounter prepared him for the great task ahead. He was about to lead Israel into battle, and he needed to know that God was with him. The captain’s appearance reminded Joshua that the battle belonged to the LORD. In the same way, when we face difficult tasks, we can remember that God is present and that He goes before us. The command to remove his shoe was a call to humility, and Joshua’s obedience opened the way for God to work through him. May we also stand on holy ground, ready to listen and obey.
