Joshua 5:13-15
Introduction
The book of Joshua is a powerful account of God’s faithfulness in leading His people into the Promised Land. Joshua 5 is a pivotal chapter that marks Israel’s transition from wandering in the wilderness to stepping into their inheritance. In this chapter, Joshua encounters a divine figure who identifies Himself as the Commander of the Lord’s Army (Joshua 5:13-15). This mysterious figure is none other than Jesus Christ pre-incarnate, appearing to lead His people into battle.
As we explore this passage, we will see how Jesus is the One who goes before us in every battle, the One who calls us to surrender, and the One who brings ultimate victory.
1. Joshua’s Divine Encounter: Who is the Commander of the Lord’s Army?
After crossing the Jordan River, Joshua and the Israelites prepared for their first battle—conquering Jericho. As Joshua looked over the city, he encountered a mysterious warrior:
“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, ‘Are you for us or for our enemies?’
‘Neither,’ he replied, ‘but as commander of the army of the Lord I have now come.’ Then Joshua fell facedown to the ground in reverence and asked him, ‘What message does my Lord have for his servant?’
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.” (Joshua 5:13-15)
This was no ordinary warrior. Joshua, a seasoned leader and military commander, immediately recognized the authority of this figure. The fact that Joshua worshiped Him and was not rebuked (unlike angels in other biblical accounts) confirms that this was a divine being.
Who was this Commander?
This was Jesus Christ in a pre-incarnate appearance, also known as a theophany. His presence, His drawn sword, and the command to remove sandals (similar to God’s words to Moses in the burning bush) reveal that this was the Lord Himself.
Jesus, as the Commander of the Lord’s Army, came to lead Israel into battle—not just against physical enemies, but in a spiritual battle that pointed to a greater victory: the defeat of sin, death, and Satan through His work on the cross.
2. Jesus Leads Us in Every Battle
The significance of this encounter is profound. Joshua was about to lead Israel into their first major battle in the Promised Land, but before he could proceed, he needed to recognize who was truly in command.
A. Not on Our Side, but Over Us
Joshua asked, “Are you for us or for our enemies?” The Commander’s response was striking: “Neither.”
Jesus does not take sides; He is the side. He does not come to fit into our plans—He calls us to surrender to His. This is a reminder that our battles are not ultimately about our agendas, victories, or causes, but about submitting to the Lord’s greater purpose.
Application:
- When facing challenges, we must ask: Am I on the Lord’s side? rather than Is God on my side?
- True victory comes from surrendering to Jesus as our Commander, not trying to make Him fit into our own strategies.
B. Jesus Goes Before Us
The Lord did not send Joshua into battle alone. Jesus, as the Commander, was leading the charge. This truth echoes throughout Scripture:
- Exodus 14:14 – “The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.”
- Deuteronomy 31:8 – “The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”
- Colossians 2:15 – “Having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.”
Jesus is the one who fights our battles. Just as He led Israel to victory over Jericho, He leads His church to victory over sin, fear, and the forces of darkness.
3. The Call to Worship and Surrender
When Joshua realized he was in the presence of the Lord, he fell to the ground in worship. He asked, “What message does my Lord have for his servant?” This moment teaches us an important truth: Before battle comes worship.
The Commander’s only instruction was: “Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy.” This was a call to recognize God’s authority and surrender to His will.
A. Worship Before Warfare
- We often want God to give us battle strategies before we worship Him.
- True victory comes when we first bow in submission to Jesus, acknowledging that the battle belongs to Him.
- Worship shifts our focus from our enemies to God’s greatness.
B. Surrendering to the True Commander
Joshua, though a leader, had to submit to a higher authority. This was not his battle to win—it was the Lord’s.
Application:
- In our spiritual battles, we must surrender our own strength and let Jesus fight for us.
- We cannot claim victory over sin, anxiety, or struggles until we first kneel before the true King.
4. Jesus: Our Ultimate Commander and Victor
The events of Joshua 5 foreshadow Jesus Christ’s greater victory.
- At Jericho, the Israelites saw walls fall by faith (Joshua 6:20) → At Calvary, Jesus tore down the wall of sin separating us from God (Ephesians 2:14-16).
- Joshua led Israel to victory in the Promised Land → Jesus leads His people to victory in the eternal Kingdom.
- The Commander held a sword → Jesus, in Revelation 19:11-16, returns as the victorious King, wielding the sword of judgment and righteousness.
Jesus is not only the Commander of the Lord’s Army but also the Lamb who was slain and the Lion who reigns forever.
Conclusion: Are You Following the Commander?
Joshua 5 reminds us that Jesus is in control. We are not called to fight alone—He fights for us. But before we can experience His victory, we must first surrender to His leadership.
- Are you facing a battle today? Remember, the Commander of the Lord’s Army is with you.
- Are you seeking victory? Worship and surrender first, for the battle belongs to the Lord.
- Are you on God’s side? Rather than asking God to bless your plans, submit to His greater purpose.
As believers, we follow not just a warrior, but the King of Kings. Jesus goes before us, fights for us, and leads us into His eternal victory.
Let us bow in worship and follow our Commander into His glorious triumph.
“Thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Corinthians 15:57)
