Old Testament
Joshua 5:14
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
"No," he replied, "I have come as the commander of the LORD's army." Joshua fell facedown to the ground in worship and asked, "What does my lord say to his servant?"
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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?
What Joshua 5:14 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Joshua encounters a divine figure who identifies himself as the commander of the Lord's army. This moment is significant as it highlights the authority and power of God in leading His people. Joshua's immediate response is one of humility and reverence; he falls facedown in worship, recognizing the greatness of the commander. His question, "What does my lord say to his servant?" shows his readiness to listen and obey. This interaction emphasizes the importance of submission to God's will and the need for guidance in leadership. Joshua, as a leader of Israel, understands that he must align himself with God's plans to succeed in the upcoming battles. This moment sets the tone for the challenges ahead, reminding us that true leadership involves humility and a willingness to seek divine direction.
How to apply Joshua 5:14 to your life
In our lives, we should approach God with humility, seeking His guidance in our decisions. Like Joshua, we must be ready to listen and obey His commands, recognizing that true strength comes from aligning our will with His. This attitude fosters spiritual growth and effective leadership.
Curated for this public verse page. Joshua Summary
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Illustrated scene from Joshua's story: The Commander of the LORD's Army (Joshua 5:13–15)
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Joshua
Photo: Zeev Stein / PikiWiki Israel, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY 2.5. Source. Location: Tel Beer Sheva National Park, Israel. Resized for the web.
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Beersheba
Where Abraham and Isaac dug wells and worshiped the LORD, at the southern edge of the land.
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Keep studying Joshua 5:14
Related Bible verses
Key themes
At a Glance — the Book of Joshua
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Joshua and later compilers
- Written
- Around 1400-1370 BC
- Genre
- Historical narrative
- Original Audience
- The Israelites entering Canaan
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Joshua 5:14 mean?
Joshua 5:14 describes Joshua's encounter with a divine figure who identifies as the commander of the Lord's army. This moment signifies God's authority and the importance of Joshua's humility and readiness to follow divine guidance.
What is the significance of the commander of the Lord's army in Joshua 5:14?
The commander of the Lord's army represents God's leadership and power in guiding His people. This figure's presence emphasizes the need for Joshua to submit to God's will as he prepares for the challenges ahead.
What does Joshua's response in Joshua 5:14 teach us?
Joshua's response of falling facedown in worship illustrates the importance of humility and reverence before God. His question, 'What does my lord say to his servant?' shows his willingness to listen and obey divine instructions.
How does Joshua 5:14 relate to leadership?
Joshua 5:14 highlights that effective leadership involves humility and seeking guidance from God. Joshua's encounter reminds leaders to align their decisions with divine direction for success.
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