"Neither," He replied. "I have now come as Commander of the LORD's army." Then Joshua fell facedown in reverence and asked Him, "What does my Lord have to say to His servant?" Neither, He repliedThe response "Neither" is significant in its neutrality. The Hebrew word used here is "לֹא" (lo), which simply means "no" or "neither." This indicates that the divine figure is not aligning with human factions but stands apart, representing God's sovereign purposes. This neutrality emphasizes that God's plans transcend human conflicts and allegiances, reminding us that His ways are higher than ours ( Isaiah 55:8-9). But as Commander of the army of the LORD I have now come
The title "Commander of the army of the LORD" is profound. The Hebrew word for "Commander" is "שַׂר" (sar), meaning prince, leader, or chief. This title suggests a high-ranking celestial being, possibly a theophany or Christophany, indicating the pre-incarnate Christ. The "army of the LORD" refers to the heavenly hosts, underscoring God's omnipotence and the spiritual reality beyond the physical realm. This appearance reassures Joshua of divine support and guidance as Israel embarks on the conquest of Canaan. Then Joshua fell facedown in reverence
Joshua's reaction of falling "facedown in reverence" is a gesture of worship and submission. The Hebrew word for "fell" is "נָפַל" (naphal), which conveys a sudden and complete prostration. This act signifies Joshua's recognition of the divine presence and authority before him. It reflects the appropriate response to God's holiness and majesty, as seen throughout Scripture when individuals encounter the divine (e.g., Isaiah 6:5, Revelation 1:17). and asked Him, 'What does my Lord have to say to His servant?'
Joshua's question, "What does my Lord have to say to His servant?" demonstrates humility and readiness to obey. The term "my Lord" (אֲדֹנִי, Adoni) is a respectful address, acknowledging the authority of the divine figure. By referring to himself as "His servant," Joshua positions himself as a willing and obedient follower, eager to receive divine instruction. This attitude is essential for leaders and believers, emphasizing the importance of seeking God's guidance and submitting to His will in all endeavors. Persons / Places / Events 1. JoshuaThe leader of the Israelites after Moses, tasked with leading the people into the Promised Land. 2. Commander of the LORD’s ArmyA divine figure, often interpreted as a theophany or a pre-incarnate appearance of Christ, who appears to Joshua. 3. The LORD’s ArmyRepresents the heavenly host, indicating divine support and intervention in Israel's conquest of Canaan. 4. GilgalThe location where the Israelites camped after crossing the Jordan River, near Jericho. 5. TheophanyAn appearance of God to a human, which in this context, emphasizes God's direct involvement in Israel's journey. Teaching Points Divine LeadershipRecognize that true leadership comes from God. Joshua's encounter reminds us that God is the ultimate leader and commander in our lives. Reverence and SubmissionJoshua's response of falling facedown teaches us the importance of reverence and submission to God's authority in our lives. God's Presence in BattlesJust as the commander of the LORD’s army was present with Joshua, God is present in our spiritual battles, providing strength and guidance. Seeking God's GuidanceJoshua's question, "What does my Lord have to say to His servant?" encourages us to seek God's guidance in all our endeavors. Understanding God's NeutralityThe commander's response, "Neither," highlights that God does not take sides in human conflicts but calls us to align with His purposes. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Joshua's encounter with the commander of the LORD’s army challenge our understanding of leadership and authority in our lives? 2. In what ways can we demonstrate reverence and submission to God in our daily routines, similar to Joshua's response? 3. Reflect on a time when you felt God's presence in a personal "battle." How did this experience shape your faith? 4. How can we actively seek God's guidance in decision-making, and what practices can help us discern His voice? 5. Considering the commander's response of "Neither," how can we ensure that our actions and decisions align with God's purposes rather than our own agendas? Connections to Other Scriptures Exodus 3The encounter between Moses and the burning bush, where God reveals Himself and gives Moses a mission, parallels Joshua's encounter with the divine commander. Revelation 19The depiction of Christ as the leader of the heavenly armies, reinforcing the interpretation of the commander as a pre-incarnate Christ. Hebrews 1Discusses the role of angels and Christ's superiority, providing context for understanding the divine nature of the commander. 2 Kings 6Elisha's servant sees the heavenly army, illustrating God's unseen support for His people. People Amorites, Canaanites, Israelites, JoshuaPlaces Canaan, Egypt, Gibeath-haaraloth, Gilgal, Jericho, Jordan RiverTopics Armies, Army, Bid, Bowed, Captain, Commander, Face, Facedown, Falleth, Falling, Fell, Ground, Host, Indeed, Joshua, Message, Nay, Obeisance, Prince, Rather, Reverence, Servant, Speaking, Worship, Worshiped, WorshippedDictionary of Bible Themes Joshua 5:14 1230 God, the Lord
5174 prostration
5767 attitudes, in prayer
5865 gestures
7160 servants of the Lord Joshua 5:13-15 1210 God, human descriptions
5208 armies 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 5:14 NIVJoshua 5:14 NLTJoshua 5:14 ESVJoshua 5:14 NASBJoshua 5:14 KJV
Joshua 5:14 Commentaries
Bible Hub |
