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In Joshua 5, the kings of the Amorites and Canaanites were filled with fear when they heard how the LORD dried up the Jordan River to allow the Israelites to cross. At this time, the LORD instructed Joshua to circumcise the new generation of Israelite males, as those born during the wilderness journey had not been circumcised. The previous generation of men of war had perished in the wilderness because of their disobedience, and now their children were being prepared to inherit the Promised Land. After the circumcision, the people rested and healed at Gilgal, where the LORD declared that He had “rolled away the reproach of Egypt” from them.
While camped at Gilgal, the Israelites celebrated the Passover on the plains of Jericho, marking their first Passover in the Promised Land. They ate unleavened bread and roasted grain from the produce of the land, and on that same day, the manna that had sustained them in the wilderness ceased, symbolizing a new season of provision in the land flowing with milk and honey.
Later, Joshua encountered a man standing before him with a drawn sword. When Joshua asked if he was for Israel or their enemies, the man revealed himself as the commander of the Lord’s army. Joshua fell to the ground in worship and was instructed to remove his sandals, as the place where he stood was holy. This encounter reaffirmed the Lord’s presence and leadership as Israel prepared for the battles ahead, starting with Jericho.
The Lord required Joshua to complete a series of events prior to conquering Jericho. Joshua completed these duties (circumcision and First Passover) and was now waiting on the Lord. For whatever reason (we are not told why), he was stationed by Jericho. Was he overlooking the land? Was he waiting on a revelation? Was he in prayer? We don’t know. But we do know he was waiting for the next step. The divine manifestation was about to take place.
Joshua was about to come face-to-face with the commander of the Lord’s army. There is some speculation by commentators that this person was Jesus. Compared to the manifestations of I AM in Old Testament history, it’s possible that it was, however, more on this later. Another interesting detail about this encounter is that in Joshua 6:2, the name given of the One speaking to Joshua is simply, Jehovah.
“The LORD said to Joshua, “Look, I have handed Jericho, its king, and its fighting men over to you.”
Joshua 6:2 HCSB
But let’s dig deeper into this interaction between Joshua and the Commander of the Lord’s Army here in Joshua 5. It strikes me as a strange interaction. Joshua asks a question and that question goes unanswered, yet, the scene ends with worship and obedience by Joshua. Did you catch that?
Joshua is alarmed. There is a man standing in front of him and his presence is a mystery. We are told Joshua simply looks up and there he is. Surprise! But that’s not all. He’s standing there with a sword in hand… and the sword is drawn. Double surprise! Random man with sword drawn! Naturally, Joshua must have felt a bit startled. He wants to know if this random man has a purpose or agenda.
In other words, “Since you are standing in front of me with your sword drawn, would you mind telling me if you are for me or against me?!” It seems like a logical question, however, Joshua doesn’t get a logical answer. He gets shot down. “Neither,” the man replies. Neither? Really? That seems like an important question, right?
This should bring pause.
This Commander states he has been sent by God and Joshua knows that the Lord is trustworthy. The current situation does not call for questions, but for worship and obedience. In fact, I don’t feel God is in the business of answering all our questions. Just think back to the life of Job and all the unanswered questions in his life!
Imagine if Joshua would have said no. Imagine if he would have refused to cooperate until his questions were answered. What kind of trust would that demonstrate? What kind of faith (or lack thereof) would that reveal? I am convicted by this. I often want God to answer my questions. Instead of humbling serving and trusting Him, I would rather He let me in on all the details first. Joshua’s example is one that should speak to all of us.
“The stranger did not respond to Joshua’s question, but instead identified Himself. He was the Commander of the army of the LORD. This elicited a response of humble worship from Joshua. Rather than any further questions about this Man’s loyalties, Joshua asked how he could serve this One greater than him: What does my Lord say to His servant?”
Nelson’s New Illustrated Commentary
“Joshua’s reaction to this solemn announcement is one of deep respect. He fell on his face … and worshipped. [Soggin, op. cit., p. 78, correctly observes that “the angel is not a being distinct from Yahweh, but in a sense is one of his hypostases, to the extent that the worship paid to him is directed to Yahweh himself.”] Although Joshua’s use of the words my lord indicates a recognition of superiority, it falls short of ascription of deity. Nevertheless, the total impact of the scene, also in the light of Jos 5:15, is such that a superhuman presence is indicated. The visitor says to Joshua, “I have now come.””
New International Commentary – Old Testament