Joshua 5 14

Joshua 5:14 kjv

And he said, Nay; but as captain of the host of the LORD am I now come. And Joshua fell on his face to the earth, and did worship, and said unto him, What saith my Lord unto his servant?

Joshua 5:14 nkjv

So He said, "No, but as Commander of the army of the LORD I have now come." And Joshua fell on his face to the earth and worshiped, and said to Him, "What does my Lord say to His servant?"

Joshua 5:14 niv

"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?"

Joshua 5:14 esv

And he said, "No; but I am the commander of the army of the LORD. Now I have come." And Joshua fell on his face to the earth and worshiped and said to him, "What does my lord say to his servant?"

Joshua 5:14 nlt

"Neither one," he replied. "I am the commander of the LORD's army." At this, Joshua fell with his face to the ground in reverence. "I am at your command," Joshua said. "What do you want your servant to do?"

Joshua 5 verses

Joshua 5 14 Meaning

This verse describes a profound encounter between Joshua and a mysterious figure who identifies himself not as a partisan for either Israel or its enemies, but as the "captain of the host of the LORD." Joshua immediately recognizes the divine authority of this figure, falling on his face in worship and humbly asking for instructions as a servant to his lord. It signifies that the conquest of Canaan is God's battle, not solely a human endeavor, and Joshua serves as a sub-commander under God's supreme command.

Joshua 5 14 Context

Joshua chapter 5 is a transitional chapter, marking Israel's re-establishment of their covenant relationship with God upon entering the promised land. Before this encounter, the male Israelites had been circumcised at Gilgal (vv. 2-9), confirming their identity as God's covenant people. They then celebrated the Passover (v. 10) for the first time in Canaan, emphasizing their deliverance by God. The manna ceased (vv. 11-12), signaling their reliance on the produce of the land and, by extension, God's provision. This climactic encounter in verse 13 and 14 immediately precedes the momentous conquest of Jericho, setting the spiritual and theological framework for all subsequent victories. It underscores that the impending war is not Israel's own undertaking but the Lord's divine campaign, with Joshua serving under the ultimate divine commander.

Joshua 5 14 Word analysis

• Nay (לֹא - lo): This direct negative reply signifies the Commander's independent status. He is not aligned with Israel as a human ally, nor is he against them. His loyalty and purpose are purely divine, serving only the Lord's ultimate will. This sets Him apart from earthly commanders who take sides.
• but as captain of the host of the LORD (כִּי שַׂר-צְבָא-יְהוָה אָנִי בָא - ki sar-tzava-Yahweh ani ba):
  • captain (שַׂר - sar): This Hebrew term means chief, prince, leader, or general. It denotes a position of supreme authority, often associated with powerful figures or divine/angelic beings in the Old Testament. It implies not just military rank but governance and oversight.
  • host (צְבָא - tzava): Refers to an army, a military host, or literally "those who go forth to battle." When combined with "of the LORD" (יְהוָה - Yahweh), it exclusively points to God's divine or heavenly armies—the angelic forces, or God's spiritual warriors. This is not an earthly army.
  • of the LORD (יְהוָה - Yahweh): The sacred, covenant name of God. This unmistakably identifies the host and its captain as directly belonging to and representing the one true God. This is the crucial aspect of the Commander's identity.
  • am I now come (אָנִי בָא - ani ba): A statement of present, active presence. He is not about to come but has come or is here. His arrival is decisive and immediate.
• And Joshua fell on his face to the earth (וַיִּפֹּל יְהוֹשֻׁעַ אֶל-פָּנָיו אַרְצָה - vayyipol Yehoshua 'el-panayv 'artza): A traditional posture of profound humility, reverence, submission, and often worship in the ancient Near East, especially before God or a divine messenger. It conveys deep awe and surrender.
• and did worship (וַיִּשְׁתָּחוּ - vayyishtahu): From the verb הִשְׁתַּחֲוָה (hishtachava), meaning "to bow down, to prostrate oneself in homage or adoration." This act is significant as true worship is due to God alone (Ex 20:3-5). The Commander accepted this worship, indicating His divine nature or direct representation of God.
• and said unto him, What saith my lord unto his servant? (וַיֹּאמֶר אֵלָיו מָה אֲדֹנִי מְדַבֵּר אֶל-עַבְדּוֹ - vayyomer 'elav mah 'adoni medabber 'el-'avdo):
  • What saith: A humble plea for direction and revelation. Joshua is seeking direct orders.
  • my lord (אֲדֹנִי - 'adoni): A title of respect, "my master" or "my lord." In this context, given the prior actions and identity of the Commander, it strongly implies divine authority.
  • unto his servant (אֶל-עַבְדּוֹ - 'el-'avdo): Joshua identifies himself as a subservient, obedient bond-servant. This declaration highlights his submission and readiness to follow whatever command is given, demonstrating a leadership dependent entirely on God.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "Nay; but as captain of the host of the LORD am I now come": This phrase reframes the entire purpose of the war. It clarifies that the battle of Jericho, and indeed the entire conquest, is not Israel's human enterprise but a holy war directed by the Commander of God's celestial forces. He isn't there to provide human military strategy but divine directive. His presence transforms a military campaign into a divine revelation of God's sovereign power and commitment to His promises.
• "And Joshua fell on his face to the earth, and did worship": This composite action signifies Joshua's immediate and unequivocal recognition of the divine identity or extreme divine authority of the figure. It confirms that the Commander is not merely an exalted angel but possesses an attribute demanding worship, which only God is worthy of. Joshua's profound humility and act of worship set the tone for all subsequent obedience.
• "What saith my lord unto his servant?": This question marks a critical shift in Joshua's understanding of his leadership. It moves him from a position of tactical planning (implied by the initial question, "Are you for us or for our adversaries?") to one of complete spiritual submission. He recognizes his ultimate Commander and seeks only His instructions, modeling absolute obedience for all those who lead God's people.

Joshua 5 14 Bonus section

• Christophany vs. Angelophany: The acceptance of worship by the "Captain of the Host of the LORD" (unlike angels, cf. Rev 22:8-9) strongly suggests a pre-incarnate appearance of Jesus Christ rather than just an angel. This makes the Commander an embodiment of divine authority and a powerful revelation of God's personal involvement.
• Reorientation of Leadership: This encounter completely redefines Joshua's role. He is no longer Israel's supreme general but a servant leader operating under divine command. This dynamic ensures that human pride is subdued and God's sovereignty is paramount in the fulfilling of His promises.
• Foundation for Obedience: Joshua's humble response directly sets the stage for the specific and unusual commands given for Jericho's conquest (Joshua 6). Because Joshua received direction from the divine commander, Israel was ready to follow seemingly unconventional strategies, understanding them as divine will.

Joshua 5 14 Commentary

Joshua 5:14 serves as a pivotal theological statement for the conquest of Canaan. It strips away any human triumphalism from Israel's imminent victories, unequivocally declaring that the war belongs to the Lord, not Joshua. The "Captain of the Host of the LORD," understood by many as a Christophany (a pre-incarnate appearance of Jesus Christ) or a powerful theophanic figure, assumes command. Joshua, instead of giving orders, takes orders. His posture of prostrate worship and his question, "What saith my lord unto his servant?" exemplify the core requirement for success in God's work: absolute humility, profound reverence for God's authority, and unreserved obedience to divine directives. This encounter validates God's continued presence with His people, akin to Moses at the burning bush (which is echoed in the following verse where Joshua is told to remove his sandals). It transforms the military campaign into a sacred undertaking, guaranteeing God's active involvement and ensuring that all glory accrues to Him.