The angel who appeared to Joshua near Jericho is widely interpreted as Michael the Archangel, identified in the biblical account as the "commander of the army of the Lord."
The Encounter in the Book of Joshua
According to the Book of Joshua, chapter 5, verses 13-15, as Joshua was near Jericho, he encountered a mysterious figure. This individual, described as "a man... with a drawn sword in his hand," stood before Joshua. Joshua, taken aback, directly questioned the figure's allegiance: "Are you for us or for our adversaries?"
The figure responded by identifying himself not as an ordinary human, but as the "commander of the army of the Lord." Following this declaration, he commanded Joshua to remove his sandals, stating, "Take off your sandals from your feet, for the place where you are standing is holy." Joshua immediately obeyed.
Key Aspects of the Vision
The details of this significant encounter are crucial for understanding its spiritual weight:
- Location: The vision occurred while Joshua was encamped near the city of Jericho, on the verge of the first major military conquest in the Promised Land.
- Appearance: The figure presented as a man, armed with a drawn sword, symbolizing readiness for battle and authority.
- Identity: His self-identification as the "commander of the army of the Lord" signifies a divine leader overseeing heavenly forces, aligning with the concept of a powerful angelic being.
- Divine Command: The instruction to remove sandals is a classic sign of standing on holy ground in the presence of God or a divine messenger, similar to Moses' encounter at the burning bush.
Interpretation as Michael the Archangel
While the biblical text in Joshua 5 does not explicitly name the "commander of the army of the Lord," traditional interpretations and theological scholarship widely identify this figure as Michael the Archangel.
Why Michael?
This interpretation stems from Michael's consistent portrayal in other parts of scripture as a powerful, warrior archangel directly involved in the protection and deliverance of God's people, particularly Israel. For instance:
- In the Book of Daniel, Michael is referred to as "one of the chief princes" and "your prince" (Daniel 10:13, 10:21), actively fighting against spiritual adversaries on behalf of Israel.
- The Book of Jude refers to Michael as "the archangel Michael" contending with the devil (Jude 1:9).
- In the Book of Revelation, Michael leads God's angels in battle against the dragon and his angels (Revelation 12:7).
Given these roles, it is strongly reasoned that the "commander of the army of the Lord" who appeared to Joshua was indeed Michael, preparing Joshua for the spiritual and physical battles ahead and assuring him of divine backing.
Significance of the Vision for Joshua
This pivotal encounter served as a profound confirmation for Joshua as the new leader of Israel. It was not merely a strategic briefing but a spiritual encounter that:
- Affirmed God's Presence: Reassured Joshua that God Himself, through His celestial commander, was leading the charge against the inhabitants of Canaan.
- Established Authority: Demonstrated that the campaign belonged to the Lord, and Joshua was merely His instrument.
- Instilled Confidence: Provided Joshua with the divine assurance needed to face the formidable task of conquering the land.
Overview of the Encounter
For a quick reference, here's a summary of the key figures in this momentous encounter:
| Figure | Role / Identity in the Encounter |
|---|---|
| Joshua | The newly appointed leader of the Israelites, preparing for conquest. |
| The Angel | The "commander of the army of the Lord," widely interpreted as Michael the Archangel, providing divine guidance and authority. |
