“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 unto him, and said unto him, Art thou for us, or for our adversaries?”
Context:Before we delve into the verse itself, it’s essential to understand the context surrounding Joshua 5:13. The book of Joshua chronicles the events following the death of Moses and the Israelites’ entrance into the Promised Land. The Israelites had just crossed the Jordan River, and they were encamped near the city of Jericho, preparing to conquer it.
Joshua’s encounter:In this verse, Joshua finds himself near Jericho when he sees a man standing before him with a drawn sword. The presence of this man is unexpected, and Joshua approaches him, likely curious and cautious about the situation. Joshua’s question, “Art thou for us, or for our adversaries?” shows his desire to discern the man’s allegiance-whether he is a friend or a foe.
The identity of the man:As we continue reading in Joshua 5:14-15, we discover that the man Joshua encounters is not merely a human being. The text reveals that this individual is the “captain of the host of the LORD” or the commander of the Lord’s army. The commander’s response to Joshua’s question indicates that he is not on either side; rather, he represents the Lord Himself. The text suggests that this is a divine encounter, as Joshua falls on his face and worships, recognizing the significance of the moment.
Spiritual implications:This encounter holds spiritual significance for Joshua and the Israelites. Firstly, it serves as a reminder that the Lord is not only with the Israelites but also leading them into battle. The commander’s presence with a drawn sword represents the Lord’s authority and power to overcome their enemies. It reassures Joshua that the victory in the upcoming battles will not come by their strength alone, but through the divine intervention and guidance of the Lord.
Application for believers:While Joshua’s encounter was specific to his circumstances, there are several lessons we can draw from this verse:
- Recognizing God’s presence: Like Joshua, we must be attentive to God’s presence and discern His leading in our lives. The Lord is always with us, and we should seek His guidance in every situation we face.
- Trusting in God’s authority and power: Just as the drawn sword represented God’s power and authority, we can trust in the Lord’s strength to overcome our adversaries. In times of difficulty or uncertainty, we can find comfort in knowing that God fights for us.
- Worship and surrender: Joshua’s response of falling on his face and worshipping before the commander of the Lord’s army is an example for us. We should humbly surrender to God’s plans and purposes, acknowledging His lordship in our lives.
- Seeking alignment with God’s will: Joshua’s question, “Art thou for us, or for our adversaries?” implies a desire for alignment with God’s agenda. As believers, we should seek to align ourselves with God’s will rather than expecting Him to align with ours. It’s a reminder to ask ourselves whether our priorities and actions are in line with what God desires.
In conclusion, Joshua 5:13 presents an intriguing encounter between Joshua and the commander of the Lord’s army. This encounter serves as a reminder of God’s presence, authority, and power in our lives. It prompts us to trust in Him, worship Him, and seek alignment with His will.
