Joshua 5:13

EXPOSITION

When Joshua was by Jericho. The preposition בְּ , the principal meaning of which is "in" signifies here "in the immediate neighbourhood of," as in 1 Samuel 29:1 (where, however, the LXX . read "in Endor" ) , Ezekiel 10:15 . Perhaps Joshua had ascended some hill in the close vicinity of the city to reconnoitre it alone, and here he received the directions which resulted in the miraculous capture of the city (see also Genesis 13:18 , where בְּאֵלנֵי cannot mean in the oaks," nor בְּחֶבְדוֹן "in Hebron"). The LXX . translates the first by, παρὰ τὴν δρῦν . The Vulgate has "juxta" (cf. Genesis 14:13 ). Origen is much hampered in his exposition here by the translation "in." He asks how Jericho can possibly be holy ground when it is still in the possession of the enemy; and answers ingeniously that wherever the captain of the Lord's host is must needs be holy ground). He lift up his eyes. Usually, though not always (cf. Genesis 13:10 ), used of an unexpected or marvellous sight (see Genesis 18:2 ; Genesis 22:13 ; Numbers 24:2 ; 1 Samuel 6:13 ; 1 Chronicles 21:16 ). A man. This Divine or angelic vision came, as was often the case, in human shape (cf. Genesis 18:1 , Genesis 18:2 ; Genesis 19:1 , Genesis 19:2 , Genesis 19:10 ; Genesis 32:24 ; 13:3 , 13:6 , 13:11 ; Daniel 10:16 , Daniel 10:18 ; Daniel 12:6 , Daniel 12:7 . See note on next verse). With his sword drawn in his hand. As in Numbers 22:31 ; 1 Chronicles 21:16 (cf. Genesis 3:24 ). And Joshua went unto him and said. It appears from this, says Calvin, that Joshua was alone, and was prepared to fight with the apparition, if it appeared that he had fallen in with an enemy. For at first, unexpected as the appearance was, he recognised nothing supernatural in it.