Bible Study - A Divine Encounter

Joshua 5:13–15 KJV 1900

13 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? 14 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? 15 And the captain of the Lord’s host said unto Joshua, Loose thy shoe from off thy foot; for the place whereon thou standest is holy. And Joshua did so.

A Divine Encounter (Joshua 5:13-15)

Lesson Abstract

In Joshua 5:13-15, Joshua experiences a divine encounter that affirms God's presence and authority before the conquest of Jericho. This passage reveals three essential principles of faith: looking in faith, listening in faith, and loosening in faith. Joshua first looked in faith (Joshua 5:13), recognizing a divine figure standing before him, an image reminiscent of God's appearances to Abraham (Genesis 18:1-3) and Moses (Exodus 3:2-6). Then, he listened in faith (Joshua 5:14), humbling himself before the Captain of the Lord’s host, much like Samuel who said, “Speak, LORD; for thy servant heareth” (1 Samuel 3:9-10). Finally, Joshua was instructed to loosen in faith (Joshua 5:15), removing his shoes in reverence, just as Moses did before the burning bush (Exodus 3:5). This encounter prepares believers to trust God's leadership, submit to His authority, and reverence His holiness as they enter spiritual battles.

Introduction: A Divine Encounter

In life, there are moments that change the course of our journey—times when we stand at a crossroads, uncertain of what lies ahead. Joshua, the great leader of Israel, found himself in such a moment as he stood near Jericho. God had promised the land to His people, but Jericho, with its massive walls, seemed like an insurmountable obstacle. It was at this crucial hour that Joshua experienced a divine encounter—a moment that not only reassured him but realigned his perspective on who was truly in command.

Encounters with God throughout Scripture often come at pivotal moments. When Moses stood before the burning bush, God revealed His name and mission (Exodus 3:2-6). When Isaiah saw the Lord high and lifted up, his life was forever changed (Isaiah 6:1-8). Likewise, Joshua encountered a mysterious figure, the Captain of the Lord’s Host, a pre-incarnate appearance of Christ, demonstrating that this battle was not Israel’s, but the Lord’s. In this encounter, Joshua learned three essential lessons about faith: he had to look to recognize God's presence, listen to receive divine instruction, and loosen to submit in reverence.

As we study this passage, we will see how these principles apply to our own walk with God. Every believer will face battles—some physical, some spiritual—but victory is never dependent on human strength. Instead, it comes through a recognition of God's authority, an ear tuned to His voice, and a heart humbled in submission. Let us now consider how Joshua’s divine encounter teaches us to walk by faith.

I. Look in Faith (Joshua 5:13)

"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?" (Joshua 5:13, KJV)

Recognizing the Presence of God

Joshua had been preparing for battle, but instead of focusing solely on strategy, he lifted his eyes and saw something greater—a divine figure standing before him. This teaches us that before engaging in any spiritual battle, we must first look in faith to recognize the presence of God. The Bible repeatedly calls believers to lift their eyes to see what God is doing (Psalm 121:1-2; John 4:35). When our focus is solely on our problems, we risk missing God's divine presence.

A Call to Discernment

Joshua did not immediately understand who this figure was, but he did not dismiss it. Instead, he approached and asked a critical question: “Art thou for us, or for our adversaries?” This shows the importance of discernment. Not every spiritual encounter is from the Lord (2 Corinthians 11:14). Just as John instructed believers to “try the spirits whether they are of God” (1 John 4:1), we must be careful to discern the will of God in every situation.

The Courage to Confront the Unknown

Joshua’s willingness to confront the unknown demonstrates bold faith. Unlike those who shrink back in fear, Joshua stepped forward. Faith requires action (James 2:17). We must lift our eyes in faith, not in fear, trusting that God will reveal His purpose to those who seek Him.

Five Truths About Looking in Faith

Faith looks beyond the natural and sees the spiritual. 

2 Kings 6:17 “17 And Elisha prayed, and said, Lord, I pray thee, open his eyes, that he may see. And the Lord opened the eyes of the young man; and he saw: and, behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha.”

Looking in faith requires lifting our eyes to God. 

Psalm 121:1–2 “1 I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, From whence cometh my help. 2 My help cometh from the Lord, Which made heaven and earth.”

Faith calls us to confront the unknown. 

Hebrews 11:8 “8 By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went.”

Spiritual discernment is necessary in divine encounters. 

1 John 4:1 “1 Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.”

God reveals His presence to those who seek Him. 

Jeremiah 29:13 “13 And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.”

II. Listen in Faith (Joshua 5:14)

"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, KJV)

Hearing God's Voice in Humility

Joshua’s response to the revelation of the divine figure was immediate worship. He did not question the commander's identity further but humbled himself and asked, "What saith my lord unto his servant?" Listening in faith requires a posture of humility (James 1:19).

Submission to Divine Authority

The Captain of the Lord’s Host was not there to take sides—He was there to take over. This was not Joshua's battle to fight alone. Many times, we want God to be on our side, but true faith requires aligning ourselves with God’s will (Proverbs 3:5-6).

Obedience to the Divine Word

Joshua positioned himself to receive instruction. Faith is not just about hearing—it is about obeying (James 1:22). When God speaks, we must respond with action, just as Noah obeyed God’s command to build the ark (Genesis 6:22).

Five Truths About Listening in Faith

Faith listens before it acts. 

James 1:19 “19 Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:”

True worship begins with hearing God. 

John 4:24 “24 God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.”

God’s authority is greater than human plans. 

Proverbs 19:21 “21 There are many devices in a man’s heart; Nevertheless the counsel of the Lord, that shall stand.”

Faith aligns with God’s will, not personal desires. 

Proverbs 3:5–6 “5 Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; And lean not unto thine own understanding. 6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, And he shall direct thy paths.”

Obedience follows true listening. 

James 1:22 “22 But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.”

III. Loosen in Faith (Joshua 5:15)

"And the captain of the LORD’S host said unto Joshua, Loose thy shoe from off thy foot; for the place whereon thou standest is holy. And Joshua did so." (Joshua 5:15, KJV)

Reverencing God's Holiness

The command to remove shoes symbolized humility and reverence (Exodus 3:5). Joshua learned that before victory comes submission.

Letting Go of Personal Control

Faith requires surrender. Removing shoes represents releasing control and standing on holy ground. We must lay aside self-reliance (Philippians 3:8).

Preparation for God's Commission

God was preparing Joshua not just for battle but for obedience. Faith requires letting go of our own plans to embrace God’s perfect will (Matthew 16:24).

Five Truths About Loosening in Faith

God’s presence demands reverence. 

Hebrews 12:28 “28 Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear:”

Surrender is necessary for divine guidance. 

Romans 12:1 “1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.”

Holiness requires consecration. 

2 Corinthians 7:1 “1 Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.”

Faith means letting go of personal control. 

Matthew 16:24 “24 Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.”

Victory is preceded by submission. 

James 4:7 “7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”

Discussion Questions

What does Joshua’s reaction to the Captain of the Lord’s Host teach us about recognizing God’s presence in our lives? How can we develop spiritual discernment to see God at work? (Joshua 5:13; 2 Kings 6:17; Psalm 121:1-2)

The Captain of the Lord’s Host told Joshua that He was not taking sides but taking over. How should this truth impact the way we approach challenges and spiritual battles in our lives? (Joshua 5:14; Proverbs 3:5-6; James 1:22)

Why did Joshua immediately fall in worship and ask for instruction? What are some practical ways we can develop a heart that listens in faith and submits to God’s authority? (Joshua 5:14; John 4:24; Proverbs 19:21)

What is the significance of Joshua removing his shoes, and how does this symbolize surrender and reverence before God? How can we apply this principle in our daily walk with Christ? (Joshua 5:15; Exodus 3:5; James 4:7)

How do the three aspects of faith in this passage—Looking in Faith, Listening in Faith, and Loosening in Faith—apply to your personal spiritual journey? Which area do you feel God is calling you to grow in, and how can you respond? (Joshua 5:13-15; Hebrews 12:28; Romans 12:1; Matthew 16:24)

This lesson teaches that divine encounters shape our faith. Looking, listening, and loosening in faith lead to victory. May we be like Joshua—bold in sight, humble in hearing, and surrendered in obedience.