CINXE.COM

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Joshua 5:13 Now when Joshua was near Jericho, he looked up and saw a man standing in front of him with a drawn sword in His hand. Joshua approached Him and asked, "Are You for us or for our enemies?"</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/joshua/5-13.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/9/06_Jos_05_13.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Joshua 5:13 - The Commander of the LORD's Army" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Now when Joshua was near Jericho, he looked up and saw a man standing in front of him with a drawn sword in His hand. Joshua approached Him and asked, Are You for us or for our enemies?" /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/joshua/5-13.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/joshua/5-13.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/joshua/">Joshua</a> > <a href="/joshua/5.htm">Chapter 5</a> > Verse 13</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad13.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/joshua/5-12.htm" title="Joshua 5:12">◄</a> Joshua 5:13 <a href="/joshua/5-14.htm" title="Joshua 5:14">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/joshua/5.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/joshua/5.htm">New International Version</a> Now when Joshua was near Jericho, he looked up and saw a man standing in front of him with a drawn sword in his hand. Joshua went up to him and asked, &#8220Are you for us or for our enemies?&#8221 <a href="/nlt/joshua/5.htm">New Living Translation</a> When Joshua was near the town of Jericho, he looked up and saw a man standing in front of him with sword in hand. Joshua went up to him and demanded, “Are you friend or foe?” <a href="/esv/joshua/5.htm">English Standard Version</a> When Joshua was by Jericho, he lifted up his eyes and looked, and behold, a man was standing before him with his drawn sword in his hand. And Joshua went to him and said to him, “Are you for us, or for our adversaries?” <a href="/bsb/joshua/5.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> Now when Joshua was near Jericho, he looked up and saw a man standing in front of him with a drawn sword in His hand. Joshua approached Him and asked, “Are You for us or for our enemies?” <a href="/kjv/joshua/5.htm">King James Bible</a> And it came to pass, when Joshua was by Jericho, that he lifted up his eyes and looked, and, behold, there stood a man over against him with his sword drawn in his hand: and Joshua went unto him, and said unto him, Art thou for us, or for our adversaries? <a href="/nkjv/joshua/5.htm">New King James Version</a> And it came to pass, when Joshua was by Jericho, that he lifted his eyes and looked, and behold, a Man stood 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?” <a href="/nasb_/joshua/5.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> Now it came about when Joshua was by Jericho, he raised 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 enemies?” <a href="/nasb/joshua/5.htm">NASB 1995</a> 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, &#8220Are you for us or for our adversaries?&#8221 <a href="/nasb77/joshua/5.htm">NASB 1977 </a> 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?” <a href="/lsb/joshua/5.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> Now it happened 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?” <a href="/amp/joshua/5.htm">Amplified Bible</a> Now when Joshua was by Jericho, he looked up, and behold, a man was standing opposite him with his drawn sword in his hand, and Joshua went to him and said to him, “Are you for us or for our adversaries?” <a href="/csb/joshua/5.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> When Joshua was near Jericho, he looked up and saw a man standing in front of him with a drawn sword in his hand. Joshua approached him and asked, “Are you for us or for our enemies? ” <a href="/hcsb/joshua/5.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> When Joshua was near Jericho, he looked up and saw a man standing in front of him with a drawn sword in His hand. Joshua approached Him and asked, &#8220Are You for us or for our enemies?"&#8221 <a href="/asv/joshua/5.htm">American Standard Version</a> And it came to pass, when Joshua was by Jericho, that he lifted up his eyes and looked, and, behold, there stood a man over against him with his sword drawn in his hand: and Joshua went unto him, and said unto him, Art thou for us, or for our adversaries? <a href="/cev/joshua/5.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> One day, Joshua was near Jericho when he saw a man standing some distance in front of him. The man was holding a sword, so Joshua walked up to him and asked, "Are you on our side or on our enemies' side?" <a href="/erv/joshua/5.htm">English Revised Version</a> And it came to pass, when Joshua was by Jericho, that he lifted up his eyes and looked, and, behold, there stood a man over against him with his sword drawn in his hand: and Joshua went unto him, and said unto him, Art thou for us, or for our adversaries? <a href="/gwt/joshua/5.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> When Joshua was near Jericho, he looked up and saw a man standing in front of him with a sword in his hand. Joshua went up to him and asked, "Are you one of us or one of our enemies?" <a href="/gnt/joshua/5.htm">Good News Translation</a> While Joshua was near Jericho, he suddenly saw a man standing in front of him, holding a sword. Joshua went up to him and asked, "Are you one of our soldiers, or an enemy?" <a href="/isv/joshua/5.htm">International Standard Version</a> Now it happened that while Joshua was near Jericho, he looked up and much to his amazement, he saw a man standing in front of him, holding a drawn sword in his hand! Joshua approached him and asked him, "Are you one of us, or are you with our enemies?" <a href="/msb/joshua/5.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> Now when Joshua was near Jericho, he looked up and saw a man standing in front of him with a drawn sword in His hand. Joshua approached Him and asked, ?Are You for us or for our enemies?? <a href="/net/joshua/5.htm">NET Bible</a> When Joshua was near Jericho, he looked up and saw a man standing in front of him holding a drawn sword. Joshua approached him and asked him, "Are you on our side or allied with our enemies?" <a href="/nheb/joshua/5.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> It happened, when Joshua was by Jericho, that he lifted up his eyes and looked, and look, a man stood in front of him with his sword drawn in his hand. Joshua went to him, and said to him, "Are you for us, or for our adversaries?" <a href="/wbt/joshua/5.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> And it came to pass when Joshua was by Jericho, that he lifted up his eyes and looked, and behold, there stood a man over against him with his sword drawn in his hand: and Joshua went to him, and said to him, Art thou for us, or for our adversaries? <a href="/web/joshua/5.htm">World English Bible</a> When Joshua was by Jericho, he lifted up his eyes and looked, and behold, a man stood in front of him with his sword drawn in his hand. Joshua went to him and said to him, “Are you for us, or for our enemies?” <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/joshua/5.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> And it comes to pass in Joshua’s being by Jericho, that he lifts up his eyes, and looks, and behold, [there is] one standing in front of him, and his drawn sword [is] in his hand, and Joshua goes to him, and says to him, “Are you for us or for our adversaries?” <a href="/ylt/joshua/5.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> And it cometh to pass in Joshua's being by Jericho, that he lifteth up his eyes, and looketh, and lo, one standing over-against him, and his drawn sword in his hand, and Joshua goeth unto him, and saith to him, 'Art thou for us or for our adversaries?' <a href="/slt/joshua/5.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And it will be in Joshua's being by Jericho, and he will lift up his eyes and will see, and behold, a man standing before him and his sword drawn in his hand; and Joshua will go to him and say to him, Art thou for us or for our adversaries?<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/joshua/5.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> And when Josue was in the field of the city of Jericho, he lifted up his eyes, and saw a man standing over against him: holding a drawn sword, and he went to him, and said: Art thou one of ours, or of our adversaries? <a href="/cpdv/joshua/5.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> And when Joshua was in the field of the city of Jericho, he lifted up his eyes, and he saw a man standing opposite him, holding a drawn sword. And he went to him and said, “Are you one of ours, or one of our adversaries?” <a href="/nabre/joshua/5.htm">New American Bible</a> While Joshua was near Jericho, he raised his eyes and saw one who stood facing him, drawn sword in hand. Joshua went up to him and asked, “Are you one of us or one of our enemies?” <a href="/nrsvce/joshua/5.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> Once when Joshua was by Jericho, he looked up and saw a man standing before him with a drawn sword in his hand. Joshua went to him and said to him, “Are you one of us, or one of our adversaries?”<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/joshua/5.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> And it came to pass, when Joshua was in the plain of Jericho, he lifted up his eyes and looked, and, behold, there stood a man opposite him with his sword drawn in his hand; and Joshua went to him, and said to him, Are you of us or of our enemies? <a href="/hpbt/joshua/5.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> And when Yeshua was in the plain of Yerikho, he lifted his eyes and he saw one man standing next to him, and his sword was drawn and held in his hand, and Yeshua went to him and he said to him: “Are you from us or from our enemies?”<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/joshua/5.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> And it came to pass, when Joshua was by Jericho, that he lifted up his eyes and looked, and, behold, there stood a man over against him with his sword drawn in his hand; and Joshua went unto him, and said unto him: 'Art thou for us, or for our adversaries?' <a href="/sep/joshua/5.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> And it came to pass when Joshua was in Jericho, that he looked up with his eyes and saw a man standing before him, and there was a drawn sword in his hand; and Joshua drew near and said to him, Art thou for us or on the side of our enemies? <a href="/parallel/joshua/5-13.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/p91zXIGB0Rk?start=991" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/joshua/5.htm">The Commander of the LORD's Army</a> 13<a href="/hebrew/3091.htm" title="3091: yə·hō·wō·šu·a‘ (N-proper-ms) -- Or Yhowshua; from Yhovah and yasha'; Jehovah-saved; Jehoshua, the Jewish leader.">Now when Joshua</a> <a href="/hebrew/1961.htm" title="1961: way·hî (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To fall out, come to pass, become, be. A primitive root; to exist, i.e. Be or become, come to pass.">was</a> <a href="/hebrew/1961.htm" title="1961: bih·yō·wṯ (Prep-b:: V-Qal-Inf) -- To fall out, come to pass, become, be. A primitive root; to exist, i.e. Be or become, come to pass."></a> <a href="/hebrew/3405.htm" title="3405: bî·rî·ḥōw (Prep-b:: N-proper-fs) -- Or Yrechow; or variation Yriychoh; perhaps from yareach; its month; or else from ruwach; fragrant; Jericho or Jerecho, a place in Palestine.">near Jericho,</a> <a href="/hebrew/5375.htm" title="5375: way·yiś·śā (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- Or nacah ('abad); a primitive root; to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absol. And rel.">he looked up</a> <a href="/hebrew/5869.htm" title="5869: ‘ê·nāw (N-cdc:: 3ms) -- An eye. Probably a primitive word; an eye; by analogy, a fountain."></a> <a href="/hebrew/7200.htm" title="7200: way·yar (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To see. A primitive root; to see, literally or figuratively.">and saw</a> <a href="/hebrew/2009.htm" title="2009: wə·hin·nêh- (Conj-w:: Interjection) -- Lo! behold! Prolongation for hen; lo!"></a> <a href="/hebrew/376.htm" title="376: ’îš (N-ms) -- Man. Contracted for 'enowsh; a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term.">a man</a> <a href="/hebrew/5975.htm" title="5975: ‘ō·mêḏ (V-Qal-Prtcpl-ms) -- To take one's stand, stand. A primitive root; to stand, in various relations.">standing</a> <a href="/hebrew/5048.htm" title="5048: lə·neḡ·dōw (Prep-l:: 3ms) -- From nagad; a front, i.e. Part opposite; specifically a counterpart, or mate; usually over against or before.">in front of him</a> <a href="/hebrew/8025.htm" title="8025: šə·lū·p̄āh (V-Qal-QalPassPrtcpl-fs) -- To draw out or off. A primitive root; to pull out, up or off.">with a drawn</a> <a href="/hebrew/2719.htm" title="2719: wə·ḥar·bōw (Conj-w:: N-fsc:: 3ms) -- A sword. From charab; drought; also a cutting instrument, as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement.">sword</a> <a href="/hebrew/3027.htm" title="3027: bə·yā·ḏōw (Prep-b:: N-fsc:: 3ms) -- Hand (indicating power, means, direction, etc.)">in His hand.</a> <a href="/hebrew/3091.htm" title="3091: yə·hō·wō·šu·a‘ (N-proper-ms) -- Or Yhowshua; from Yhovah and yasha'; Jehovah-saved; Jehoshua, the Jewish leader.">Joshua</a> <a href="/hebrew/1980.htm" title="1980: way·yê·leḵ (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To go, come, walk. Akin to yalak; a primitive root; to walk.">approached</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’ê·lāw (Prep:: 3ms) -- To, into, towards. ">Him</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: way·yō·mer (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">and asked,</a> <a href="/hebrew/lōw (Prep:: 3ms) -- "></a> <a href="/hebrew/859.htm" title="859: ’at·tāh (Pro-2ms) -- You (masc. sing.). ">“Are You</a> <a href="/hebrew/hă·lā·nū (Prep:: 1cp) -- ">for us</a> <a href="/hebrew/518.htm" title="518: ’im- (Conj) -- If. A primitive particle; used very widely as demonstrative, lo!">or</a> <a href="/hebrew/6862.htm" title="6862: lə·ṣā·rê·nū (Prep-l:: N-mpc:: 1cp) -- Narrow, a tight place, a pebble, an opponent. Or tsar; from tsarar; narrow; a tight place; also a pebble; an opponent.">for our enemies?”</a> 14“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?”…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/exodus/3-2.htm">Exodus 3:2</a> There the angel of the LORD appeared to him in a blazing fire from within a bush. Moses saw the bush ablaze with fire, but it was not consumed. <a href="/genesis/18-2.htm">Genesis 18:2</a> And Abraham looked up and saw three men standing nearby. When he saw them, he ran from the entrance of his tent to meet them and bowed low to the ground. <a href="/numbers/22-31.htm">Numbers 22:31</a> Then the LORD opened Balaam’s eyes, and he saw the angel of the LORD standing in the road with a drawn sword in his hand. And Balaam bowed low and fell facedown. <a href="/2_kings/6-17.htm">2 Kings 6:17</a> Then Elisha prayed, “O LORD, please open his eyes that he may see.” And the LORD opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw that the hills were full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha. <a href="/daniel/10-5.htm">Daniel 10:5-6</a> I lifted up my eyes, and behold, there was a certain man dressed in linen, with a belt of fine gold from Uphaz around his waist. / His body was like beryl, his face like the brilliance of lightning, his eyes like flaming torches, his arms and legs like the gleam of polished bronze, and his voice like the sound of a multitude. <a href="/zechariah/1-8.htm">Zechariah 1:8</a> I looked out into the night and saw a man riding on a red horse. He was standing among the myrtle trees in the hollow, and behind him were red, sorrel, and white horses. <a href="/zechariah/3-1.htm">Zechariah 3:1-2</a> Then the angel showed me Joshua the high priest standing before the angel of the LORD, with Satan standing at his right hand to accuse him. / And the LORD said to Satan: “The LORD rebukes you, Satan! Indeed, the LORD, who has chosen Jerusalem, rebukes you! Is not this man a firebrand snatched from the fire?” <a href="/zechariah/6-1.htm">Zechariah 6:1-5</a> And again I lifted up my eyes and saw four chariots coming out from between two mountains—mountains of bronze. / The first chariot had red horses, the second black horses, / the third white horses, and the fourth dappled horses—all of them strong. ... <a href="/judges/6-11.htm">Judges 6:11-12</a> Then the angel of the LORD came and sat down under the oak in Ophrah that belonged to Joash the Abiezrite, where his son Gideon was threshing wheat in a winepress to hide it from the Midianites. / And the angel of the LORD appeared to Gideon and said, “The LORD is with you, O mighty man of valor.” <a href="/1_chronicles/21-16.htm">1 Chronicles 21:16</a> When David lifted up his eyes and saw the angel of the LORD standing between heaven and earth, with a drawn sword in his hand stretched out over Jerusalem, David and the elders, clothed in sackcloth, fell facedown. <a href="/2_chronicles/32-21.htm">2 Chronicles 32:21</a> and the LORD sent an angel who annihilated every mighty man of valor and every leader and commander in the camp of the king of Assyria. So he withdrew to his own land in disgrace. And when he entered the temple of his god, some of his own sons struck him down with the sword. <a href="/isaiah/6-1.htm">Isaiah 6:1-2</a> In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord seated on a throne, high and exalted; and the train of His robe filled the temple. / Above Him stood seraphim, each having six wings: With two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they were flying. <a href="/ezekiel/1-26.htm">Ezekiel 1:26-28</a> Above the expanse over their heads was the likeness of a throne with the appearance of sapphire, and on the throne high above was a figure like that of a man. / From what seemed to be His waist up, I saw a gleam like amber, with what looked like fire within it all around. And from what seemed to be His waist down, I saw what looked like fire; and brilliant light surrounded Him. / The appearance of the brilliant light all around Him was like that of a rainbow in a cloud on a rainy day. This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the LORD. And when I saw it, I fell facedown and heard a voice speaking. <a href="/matthew/28-2.htm">Matthew 28:2-3</a> Suddenly there was a great earthquake, for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven, rolled away the stone, and sat on it. / His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. <a href="/luke/2-9.htm">Luke 2:9</a> Just then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>And it came to pass, when Joshua was by Jericho, that he lifted up his eyes and looked, and, behold, there stood a man over against 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?he lifted<a href="/genesis/33-1.htm">Genesis 33:1,5</a> And Jacob lifted up his eyes, and looked, and, behold, Esau came, and with him four hundred men. And he divided the children unto Leah, and unto Rachel, and unto the two handmaids… <a href="/daniel/8-3.htm">Daniel 8:3</a> Then I lifted up mine eyes, and saw, and, behold, there stood before the river a ram which had two horns: and the two horns were high; but one was higher than the other, and the higher came up last.<a href="/daniel/10-5.htm">Daniel 10:5</a> Then I lifted up mine eyes, and looked, and behold a certain man clothed in linen, whose loins were girded with fine gold of Uphaz:a man<a href="/joshua/6-2.htm">Joshua 6:2</a> And the LORD said unto Joshua, See, I have given into thine hand Jericho, and the king thereof, and the mighty men of valour.<a href="/genesis/18-2.htm">Genesis 18:2</a> And he lift up his eyes and looked, and, lo, three men stood by him: and when he saw them, he ran to meet them from the tent door, and bowed himself toward the ground,<a href="/genesis/32-24.htm">Genesis 32:24-30</a> And Jacob was left alone; and there wrestled a man with him until the breaking of the day… his sword<a href="/numbers/22-23.htm">Numbers 22:23</a> And the ass saw the angel of the LORD standing in the way, and his sword drawn in his hand: and the ass turned aside out of the way, and went into the field: and Balaam smote the ass, to turn her into the way.<a href="/1_chronicles/21-16.htm">1 Chronicles 21:16,17,27,30</a> And David lifted up his eyes, and saw the angel of the LORD stand between the earth and the heaven, having a drawn sword in his hand stretched out over Jerusalem. Then David and the elders of Israel, who were clothed in sackcloth, fell upon their faces… Art thou for us<a href="/1_chronicles/12-17.htm">1 Chronicles 12:17,18</a> And David went out to meet them, and answered and said unto them, If ye be come peaceably unto me to help me, mine heart shall be knit unto you: but if ye be come to betray me to mine enemies, seeing there is no wrong in mine hands, the God of our fathers look thereon, and rebuke it… <div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/deuteronomy/33-11.htm">Adversaries</a> <a href="/joshua/4-18.htm">Drawn</a> <a href="/joshua/4-14.htm">Eyes</a> <a href="/joshua/4-24.htm">Hand</a> <a href="/joshua/5-10.htm">Jericho</a> <a href="/joshua/5-9.htm">Joshua</a> <a href="/joshua/4-18.htm">Lifted</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/34-6.htm">Opposite</a> <a href="/joshua/4-9.htm">Standing</a> <a href="/joshua/4-14.htm">Stood</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/33-29.htm">Sword</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/judges/2-3.htm">Adversaries</a> <a href="/joshua/8-6.htm">Drawn</a> <a href="/joshua/8-32.htm">Eyes</a> <a href="/joshua/6-2.htm">Hand</a> <a href="/joshua/6-1.htm">Jericho</a> <a href="/joshua/5-14.htm">Joshua</a> <a href="/judges/2-4.htm">Lifted</a> <a href="/joshua/18-17.htm">Opposite</a> <a href="/joshua/5-15.htm">Standing</a> <a href="/joshua/8-33.htm">Stood</a> <a href="/joshua/6-21.htm">Sword</a><div class="vheading2">Joshua 5</div>1. <a href="/joshua/5-1.htm">The Canaanites are afraid</a> 2. <a href="/joshua/5-2.htm">Joshua renews circumcision</a> 10. <a href="/joshua/5-10.htm">The Passover is kept at Gilgal</a> 12. <a href="/joshua/5-12.htm">manna ceases</a> 13. <a href="/joshua/5-13.htm">An angel appears to Joshua</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/joshua/5.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/joshua/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/joshua/5.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>Now when Joshua was near Jericho Joshua, the leader of the Israelites after Moses, is near Jericho, a significant Canaanite city. This location is crucial as Jericho is the first major conquest in the Promised Land. The Israelites have crossed the Jordan River and are preparing for battle. Jericho's walls are famously formidable, and its defeat will demonstrate God's power and faithfulness to His promises.he looked up and saw a man standing in front of him Joshua's encounter is unexpected and significant. The "man" is later revealed to be a divine figure, often interpreted as a theophany or a pre-incarnate appearance of Christ. This moment emphasizes the divine guidance and presence with Israel as they undertake the conquest of Canaan.with a drawn sword in His hand The drawn sword signifies readiness for battle and authority. This imagery is reminiscent of the angel of the Lord who appeared to Balaam (<a href="/numbers/22-31.htm">Numbers 22:31</a>) and indicates divine intervention. It underscores the spiritual dimension of the battles Israel will face, suggesting that the true battle is the Lord's.Joshua approached Him and asked, Joshua's approach shows his leadership and courage. He does not shy away from the mysterious figure but seeks to understand His purpose. This action reflects Joshua's role as a mediator between God and the people, similar to Moses.“Are You for us or for our enemies?” Joshua's question reveals the human tendency to categorize divine actions as either for or against us. It also highlights the tension and uncertainty before the battle. The question sets the stage for the revelation that follows, emphasizing that God's purposes transcend human conflicts and alignments. This moment foreshadows the New Testament teaching that God is sovereign over all nations and peoples.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/j/joshua.htm">Joshua</a> The leader of the Israelites after Moses, tasked with leading the people into the Promised Land. He is a central figure in this passage, demonstrating leadership and courage. 2. <a href="/topical/j/jericho.htm">Jericho</a> A significant city in the Promised Land, known for its formidable walls. It represents the first major challenge for the Israelites as they begin their conquest. 3. <a href="/topical/t/the_man_with_the_drawn_sword.htm">The Man with the Drawn Sword</a> This mysterious figure is later revealed to be the commander of the LORD's army. His presence signifies divine intervention and guidance.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/d/divine_presence_in_leadership.htm">Divine Presence in Leadership</a> Joshua's encounter reminds us that God is actively involved in guiding and supporting His leaders. We should seek His presence in our leadership roles. <a href="/topical/d/discernment_in_spiritual_encounters.htm">Discernment in Spiritual Encounters</a> Joshua's question to the man highlights the need for discernment in spiritual matters. We must test the spirits and seek God's guidance in our decisions. <a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty_in_battles.htm">God's Sovereignty in Battles</a> The presence of the commander of the LORD's army reassures us that God is sovereign over our battles, both physical and spiritual. We can trust Him for victory. <a href="/topical/c/courage_in_the_face_of_challenges.htm">Courage in the Face of Challenges</a> Joshua's approach to the man with the drawn sword demonstrates courage. We are called to face our challenges with faith and boldness, knowing God is with us.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_joshua_5.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Joshua 5</a> <a href="/q/joshua_5_13-15__divine_commander_proof.htm">Joshua 5:13–15: What evidence supports a divine “commander” appearing to Joshua, and how does this align with other biblical accounts of angelic encounters? </a> <a href="/q/did_jacob_keep_speckled_sheep_only.htm">What is the Bible's stance on pacifism?</a> <a href="/q/augustus_caesar's_biblical_role.htm">What is Ai's significance in the Bible?</a> <a href="/q/why_didn't_manoah's_wife_seek_clarity.htm">In Judges 13:6–7, why didn’t Manoah’s wife seek more proof or clarity from the angel if his words were so extraordinary? </a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/joshua/5.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>THE CONQUEST OF CANAAN.(13) At this point commences the second great division of the book. The Passage of Jordan was the great event of the first portion; and for that Joshua received special directions from Jehovah. A vision now appears to him, to inaugurate his second great enterprise, which was to put the inhabitants of Canaan to the sword. The character of this vision should be carefully noted, as it is of the utmost importance to the interpretation of the book.(13) There stood a man over against him with his sword drawn in his hand.--This should be compared with the vision which Moses saw at Horeb (Exodus 3), when the angel of Jehovah appeared to him in a flame of fire out of the midst of a bush. The equality of the two visions is proved by the use of the same command on both occasions, "Loose thy shoe from off thy foot; for the place whereon thou standest is holy ground" (<a href="/exodus/3-5.htm" title="And he said, Draw not near here: put off your shoes from off your feet, for the place where on you stand is holy ground.">Exodus 3:5</a>; <a href="/joshua/5-15.htm" title="And the captain of the LORD's host said to Joshua, Loose your shoe from off your foot; for the place where on you stand is holy. And Joshua did so.">Joshua 5:15</a>). But the actual appearances must be contrasted. "The bush burning with fire, but not consumed," presents to us the figure of suffering Israel in the furnace; and "in all their affliction He was afflicted, and the angel of His presence saved them." The man with the drawn sword is the sign of victory. Jehovah no longer suffers with and in His people, but He stands forth to lead them with the drawn sword. In regard of this and earlier theophanies, see Excursus on Genesis 16.Art thou for us, or for our adversaries? (14) And he said, Nay; but as captain of the host of the Lord am I now come--i.e., Jehovah will take part in this conflict, not as an ally or an adversary, but as commander-in-chief. It is not Israel's quarrel, in which they are to ask the Divine assistance. It is the Lord's own quarrel, and Israel and Joshua are but a division in His host. The wars of Israel in Canaan are always presented by the Old Testament as "the wars of the Lord." It would be well to remember this aspect of the story. The conquest of Canaan is too often treated as an enterprise of the Israelites, carried out with great cruelties, for which they claimed the Divine sanction. The Old Testament presents the matter in an entirely different light. The war is a Divine enterprise, in which human instruments are employed, but so as to be entirely subordinate to the Divine will. Jehovah is not for Israel, nor for Israel's foes. He fights for His own right hand, and Israel is but a fragment of His army. "The sun stood still." "the stars in their courses fought against" His foes. "The treasures of the hail" were opened, which He had "reserved against the time of trouble, against the day of battle and war."<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/joshua/5.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 13. - When Joshua was by Jericho. The preposition בְּ, the principal meaning of which is "in" signifies here "in the immediate neighbourhood of," as in <a href="/1_samuel/29-1.htm">1 Samuel 29:1</a> (where, however, the LXX. read "in Endor"), <a href="/ezekiel/10-15.htm">Ezekiel 10:15</a>. Perhaps Joshua had ascended some hill in the close vicinity of the city to reconnoitre it alone, and here he received the directions which resulted in the miraculous capture of the city (see also <a href="/genesis/13-18.htm">Genesis 13:18</a>, where בְּאֵלנֵי cannot mean in the oaks," nor בְּחֶבְדון "in Hebron"). The LXX. translates the first by, παρὰ τὴν δρῦν. The Vulgate has "juxta" (cf. <a href="/genesis/14-13.htm">Genesis 14:13</a>). Origen is much hampered in his exposition here by the translation "in." He asks how Jericho can possibly be holy ground when it is still in the possession of the enemy; and answers ingeniously that wherever the captain of the Lord's host is must needs be holy ground). He lift up his eyes. Usually, though not always (cf. <a href="/genesis/13-10.htm">Genesis 13:10</a>), used of an unexpected or marvellous sight (see <a href="/genesis/18-2.htm">Genesis 18:2</a>; <a href="/genesis/22-13.htm">Genesis 22:13</a>; <a href="/numbers/24-2.htm">Numbers 24:2</a>; <a href="/1_samuel/6-13.htm">1 Samuel 6:13</a>; <a href="/1_chronicles/21-16.htm">1 Chronicles 21:16</a>). A man. This Divine or angelic vision came, as was often the case, in human shape (cf. <a href="/genesis/18-1.htm">Genesis 18:1, 2</a>; <a href="/genesis/19-1.htm">Genesis 19:1, 2, 10</a>; <a href="/genesis/32-24.htm">Genesis 32:24</a>; <a href="/judges/13-3.htm">Judges 13:3, 6, 11</a>; <a href="/daniel/10-16.htm">Daniel 10:16, 18</a>; <a href="/daniel/12-6.htm">Daniel 12:6, 7</a>. See note on next verse). With his sword drawn in his hand. As in <a href="/numbers/22-31.htm">Numbers 22:31</a>; <a href="/1_chronicles/21-16.htm">1 Chronicles 21:16</a> (cf. <a href="/genesis/3-24.htm">Genesis 3:24</a>). And Joshua went unto him and said. It appears from this, says Calvin, that Joshua was alone, and was prepared to fight with the apparition, if it appeared that he had fallen in with an enemy. For at first, unexpected as the appearance was, he recognised nothing supernatural in it. <a href="/commentaries/joshua/5-13.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>Now when Joshua יְהוֹשֻׁעַ֮ (yə·hō·wō·šu·a‘) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3091.htm">Strong's 3091: </a> Joshua -- 'the LORD is salvation', Moses' successor, also the name of a number of Israelites was וַיְהִ֗י (way·hî) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1961.htm">Strong's 1961: </a> To fall out, come to pass, become, be near Jericho, בִּירִיחוֹ֒ (bî·rî·ḥōw) Preposition-b | Noun - proper - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3405.htm">Strong's 3405: </a> Jericho -- a city in the Jordan Valley captured by Joshua he looked up וַיִּשָּׂ֤א (way·yiś·śā) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5375.htm">Strong's 5375: </a> To lift, carry, take and saw וַיַּ֔רְא (way·yar) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7200.htm">Strong's 7200: </a> To see a man אִישׁ֙ (’îš) Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_376.htm">Strong's 376: </a> A man as an individual, a male person standing עֹמֵ֣ד (‘ō·mêḏ) Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5975.htm">Strong's 5975: </a> To stand, in various relations in front of לְנֶגְדּ֔וֹ (lə·neḡ·dōw) Preposition-l | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5048.htm">Strong's 5048: </a> A front, part opposite, a counterpart, mate, over against, before him with a drawn שְׁלוּפָ֖ה (šə·lū·p̄āh) Verb - Qal - QalPassParticiple - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8025.htm">Strong's 8025: </a> To pull out, up, off sword וְחַרְבּ֥וֹ (wə·ḥar·bōw) Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2719.htm">Strong's 2719: </a> Drought, a cutting instrument, as a, knife, sword in His hand. בְּיָד֑וֹ (bə·yā·ḏōw) Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3027.htm">Strong's 3027: </a> A hand Joshua יְהוֹשֻׁ֤עַ (yə·hō·wō·šu·a‘) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3091.htm">Strong's 3091: </a> Joshua -- 'the LORD is salvation', Moses' successor, also the name of a number of Israelites approached וַיֵּ֨לֶךְ (way·yê·leḵ) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1980.htm">Strong's 1980: </a> To go, come, walk Him אֵלָיו֙ (’ê·lāw) Preposition | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_413.htm">Strong's 413: </a> Near, with, among, to and asked, וַיֹּ֣אמֶר (way·yō·mer) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> To utter, say “Are You אַתָּ֖ה (’at·tāh) Pronoun - second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_859.htm">Strong's 859: </a> Thou and thee, ye and you for us or אִם־ (’im-) Conjunction <a href="/hebrew/strongs_518.htm">Strong's 518: </a> Lo!, whether?, if, although, Oh that!, when, not for our enemies?” לְצָרֵֽינוּ׃ (lə·ṣā·rê·nū) Preposition-l | Noun - masculine plural construct | first person common plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6862.htm">Strong's 6862: </a> Narrow, a tight place, a pebble, an opponent <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/joshua/5-13.htm">Joshua 5:13 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/joshua/5-13.htm">Joshua 5:13 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/joshua/5-13.htm">Joshua 5:13 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/joshua/5-13.htm">Joshua 5:13 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/joshua/5-13.htm">Joshua 5:13 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/joshua/5-13.htm">Joshua 5:13 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/joshua/5-13.htm">Joshua 5:13 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/joshua/5-13.htm">Joshua 5:13 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/joshua/5-13.htm">Joshua 5:13 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/joshua/5-13.htm">Joshua 5:13 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/joshua/5-13.htm">OT History: Joshua 5:13 It happened when Joshua was by Jericho (Josh. Jos)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/joshua/5-12.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Joshua 5:12"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Joshua 5:12" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/joshua/5-14.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Joshua 5:14"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Joshua 5:14" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>