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. The Commander of the LORD’s armyThis phrase introduces a divine figure, often understood to be a theophany, or a pre-incarnate appearance of Christ. The Hebrew term for "commander" is "sar," which can mean prince, leader, or chief. This title signifies authority and divine presence, indicating that Joshua is in the presence of a heavenly being who commands the armies of God. This encounter parallels Moses' experience with the burning bush, suggesting continuity in God's leadership and presence with His people. replied
The Hebrew word used here is "amar," which is a common term for speaking or saying. The use of this word emphasizes the direct communication from the divine to Joshua, underscoring the importance and solemnity of the message being delivered. It is a moment of divine instruction and revelation. Take off your sandals
This command echoes the instruction given to Moses in Exodus 3:5. The act of removing sandals is a sign of reverence and humility in the presence of the divine. In ancient Near Eastern culture, it was customary to remove shoes in sacred spaces, acknowledging the holiness of the ground and the presence of God. This act signifies Joshua's submission and recognition of the sacredness of the moment. for the place where you are standing is holy
The Hebrew word for "holy" is "qodesh," which denotes something set apart, sacred, or consecrated. The ground is not inherently holy but becomes so because of God's presence. This declaration transforms an ordinary location into a sacred space, reminding Joshua and the Israelites that God's presence sanctifies and sets apart their journey and mission. And Joshua did so
This simple phrase highlights Joshua's obedience and faith. His immediate compliance with the divine command reflects his reverence and readiness to follow God's instructions. Joshua's actions serve as a model of faithful leadership, demonstrating the importance of responding to God's presence with humility and obedience. Persons / Places / Events 1. JoshuaThe leader of the Israelites after Moses, tasked with leading the people into the Promised Land. He is a central figure in this passage, demonstrating obedience and reverence. 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 to provide guidance and assurance. 3. Holy GroundThe place where Joshua stands, made holy by the presence of the Commander. This echoes the experience of Moses at the burning bush. 4. GilgalThe location where the Israelites camped after crossing the Jordan River, near Jericho. It is a place of renewal and preparation for the conquest of Canaan. 5. The IsraelitesThe people of God, who are on the brink of entering and conquering the Promised Land under Joshua's leadership. Teaching Points Reverence for God's PresenceJust as Joshua removed his sandals, we must approach God with humility and reverence, recognizing His holiness in our lives. Obedience to Divine InstructionJoshua's immediate compliance with the Commander's instruction serves as a model for our own obedience to God's commands, even when they are not fully understood. Recognizing Divine EncountersWe should be attentive to moments when God reveals Himself in our lives, understanding that these encounters often come with a call to action or change. Preparation for Spiritual BattlesThe encounter prepares Joshua for the battles ahead, reminding us that spiritual readiness is crucial for facing challenges in our own lives. Holiness in Everyday LifeThe concept of holy ground extends beyond physical locations, encouraging us to seek holiness in our daily environments and interactions. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Joshua's response to the Commander's instruction reflect his character and leadership qualities? 2. In what ways can we cultivate a sense of reverence and holiness in our daily lives, similar to Joshua's experience? 3. How does the concept of "holy ground" apply to our personal and communal worship experiences today? 4. What are some practical steps we can take to ensure we are spiritually prepared for the challenges we face, as Joshua was prepared for the conquest of Jericho? 5. How can we discern and respond to divine encounters or guidance in our lives, drawing from Joshua's example? Connections to Other Scriptures Exodus 3:5The command to remove sandals is reminiscent of Moses' encounter with God at the burning bush, emphasizing the holiness of God's presence. Hebrews 1:14The role of angels as ministering spirits can be connected to the appearance of the Commander, who serves as a divine messenger and guide. Revelation 19:11-16The imagery of a divine warrior leading heavenly armies parallels the Commander of the LORD’s army, highlighting Christ's ultimate authority and victory. People Amorites, Canaanites, Israelites, JoshuaPlaces Canaan, Egypt, Gibeath-haaraloth, Gilgal, Jericho, Jordan RiverTopics Army, Captain, Cast, Commander, Foot, Holy, Host, Joshua, Loose, Lord's, Prince, Remove, Replied, Sandal, Sandals, Shoe, Shoes, Stand, Standest, Standing, WhereonDictionary of Bible Themes Joshua 5:15 5179 sandal
8270 holiness, set apart
8632 adoration 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 5:15 NIVJoshua 5:15 NLTJoshua 5:15 ESVJoshua 5:15 NASBJoshua 5:15 KJV
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