This verse depicts the moment that Joshua encounters a divine messenger outside Jericho, shifting Israel from self-reliance to trusting in God’s leadership.
Now it came about when Joshua was by Jericho, that he lifted up his eyes and looked, and behold, a man was standing opposite him with his sword drawn in his hand, and Joshua went to him and said to him, “Are you for us or for our adversaries?” (v. 13). This takes place after the Israelites have crossed the Jordan and prepared themselves to conquer Jericho, an ancient fortified city located in the lower Jordan Valley near the Dead Sea. Historically, Jericho is considered one of the oldest inhabited sites in the world, and it served as a key strategic point for the Israelites when they first entered Canaan under Joshua’s leadership around 1406 BC. Joshua himself was Moses’ successor, having been at Moses’s side since the wilderness wanderings and serving as the commander who led Israel to victory over the Amalekites (Exodus 17:8-16). Now, the time has arrived for the first major battle in the Promised Land (Joshua 5:13-15; 6:1-21).
The verse portrays Joshua near Jericho, presumably scouting or meditating upon how to conquer it, when he notices a man with a drawn sword. Joshua confronts him with the question: “Are you a friend or foe?” By stepping forward this way, Joshua demonstrates his unwavering commitment to obeying the LORD and defend Israel. As later revealed, this man is the captain of the LORD’s army (Joshua 5:14). Many scholars connect him with the “angel of the LORD” who was promised earlier in Exodus 23:20-23, the same divine figure who assured Israel protection and victory if they walked in obedience. Traditionally, Christians have seen this figure as either an angelic representative of God or a theophany—a pre-incarnate appearance of Christ—underscoring that ultimate victory comes only under divine authority.
Joshua’s encounter, therefore, becomes an important turning point, showing that the upcoming conquest will succeed if Israel relies wholeheartedly on the LORD. The drawn sword symbolizes divine might ready to defend and deliver on God’s covenant promises. As with Moses and the burning bush, Joshua is told shortly afterward to remove his sandals, for the place where he stands is holy ground (Joshua 5:15), emphasizing that God’s presence is crucial to every victory.
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Joshua 5:13 meaning
Now it came about when Joshua was by Jericho, that he lifted up his eyes and looked, and behold, a man was standing opposite him with his sword drawn in his hand, and Joshua went to him and said to him, “Are you for us or for our adversaries?” (v. 13). This takes place after the Israelites have crossed the Jordan and prepared themselves to conquer Jericho, an ancient fortified city located in the lower Jordan Valley near the Dead Sea. Historically, Jericho is considered one of the oldest inhabited sites in the world, and it served as a key strategic point for the Israelites when they first entered Canaan under Joshua’s leadership around 1406 BC. Joshua himself was Moses’ successor, having been at Moses’s side since the wilderness wanderings and serving as the commander who led Israel to victory over the Amalekites (Exodus 17:8-16). Now, the time has arrived for the first major battle in the Promised Land (Joshua 5:13-15; 6:1-21).
The verse portrays Joshua near Jericho, presumably scouting or meditating upon how to conquer it, when he notices a man with a drawn sword. Joshua confronts him with the question: “Are you a friend or foe?” By stepping forward this way, Joshua demonstrates his unwavering commitment to obeying the LORD and defend Israel. As later revealed, this man is the captain of the LORD’s army (Joshua 5:14). Many scholars connect him with the “angel of the LORD” who was promised earlier in Exodus 23:20-23, the same divine figure who assured Israel protection and victory if they walked in obedience. Traditionally, Christians have seen this figure as either an angelic representative of God or a theophany—a pre-incarnate appearance of Christ—underscoring that ultimate victory comes only under divine authority.
Joshua’s encounter, therefore, becomes an important turning point, showing that the upcoming conquest will succeed if Israel relies wholeheartedly on the LORD. The drawn sword symbolizes divine might ready to defend and deliver on God’s covenant promises. As with Moses and the burning bush, Joshua is told shortly afterward to remove his sandals, for the place where he stands is holy ground (Joshua 5:15), emphasizing that God’s presence is crucial to every victory.