This verse reminds us that encountering God changes our perspective and demands a heart of submission.
Joshua 5:15 depicts a moment of profound reverence and divine authority. The verse narrates that “The captain of the LORD’S host said to Joshua, ‘Remove your sandals from your feet, for the place where you are standing is holy.’ And Joshua did so” (v.15). This scene occurs as Joshua, the successor to Moses (who died around 1406 BC), stands on the brink of leading Israel into the conquest of Canaan. The encounter takes place near Jericho, an ancient city located in the Jordan Valley, not far from the Dead Sea. In this encounter, Joshua experiences a direct command from a divine messenger, underscoring that the mission Israel is about to undertake is grounded in God’s holiness rather than in mere human endeavor.
When “the captain of the LORD’S host” (v.15) appears, it signifies a heavenly commander who represents God’s power and presence. By ordering Joshua to “Remove your sandals” (v.15), He signals to Joshua that he is on sacred ground, an idea reminiscent of Moses’s meeting with God at the burning bush (Exodus 3:5). The removal of sandals in the ancient Near East was a gesture of respect and acknowledgment of divine holiness. Joshua’s obedience—“And Joshua did so” (v.15)—reveals his readiness to lead Israel under the guidance and sanctity of God. It is also a reminder that all success in their upcoming battles, such as the famous fall of Jericho (Joshua 6), will be due to God’s sovereign power rather than human might.
This verse foreshadows the multiple moments in which God demonstrates His authority and faithfulness to Israel’s covenant. In the New Testament, the principle of standing on “holy ground” is echoed by those who humble themselves before Jesus Christ (James 4:10). Joshua’s posture of humble submission in Joshua 5:15 serves as a model of how believers can respond to God’s presence, recognizing that in His power and holiness, the everyday places we stand become sacred territory when we yield ourselves to Him.
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Joshua 5:15 meaning
Joshua 5:15 depicts a moment of profound reverence and divine authority. The verse narrates that “The captain of the LORD’S host said to Joshua, ‘Remove your sandals from your feet, for the place where you are standing is holy.’ And Joshua did so” (v.15). This scene occurs as Joshua, the successor to Moses (who died around 1406 BC), stands on the brink of leading Israel into the conquest of Canaan. The encounter takes place near Jericho, an ancient city located in the Jordan Valley, not far from the Dead Sea. In this encounter, Joshua experiences a direct command from a divine messenger, underscoring that the mission Israel is about to undertake is grounded in God’s holiness rather than in mere human endeavor.
When “the captain of the LORD’S host” (v.15) appears, it signifies a heavenly commander who represents God’s power and presence. By ordering Joshua to “Remove your sandals” (v.15), He signals to Joshua that he is on sacred ground, an idea reminiscent of Moses’s meeting with God at the burning bush (Exodus 3:5). The removal of sandals in the ancient Near East was a gesture of respect and acknowledgment of divine holiness. Joshua’s obedience—“And Joshua did so” (v.15)—reveals his readiness to lead Israel under the guidance and sanctity of God. It is also a reminder that all success in their upcoming battles, such as the famous fall of Jericho (Joshua 6), will be due to God’s sovereign power rather than human might.
This verse foreshadows the multiple moments in which God demonstrates His authority and faithfulness to Israel’s covenant. In the New Testament, the principle of standing on “holy ground” is echoed by those who humble themselves before Jesus Christ (James 4:10). Joshua’s posture of humble submission in Joshua 5:15 serves as a model of how believers can respond to God’s presence, recognizing that in His power and holiness, the everyday places we stand become sacred territory when we yield ourselves to Him.