Joshua 5:15

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Joshua 5:15 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

The Commander of the LORD’s army replied, “Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy.” And Joshua did so.

King James Version KJV

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.

American Standard Version ASV

And the prince of Jehovah’s host said unto Joshua, Put off thy shoe from off thy foot; for the place whereon thou standest is holy. And Joshua did so.

Bible in Basic English BBE

And the captain of the Lord's army said to Joshua, Take off your shoes from your feet, for the place where you are is holy. And Joshua did so.

Free Bible Version FBV

The commander of the Lord's army told Joshua, “Take off your sandals, for the place where you're standing is holy ground.” Joshua did so.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

And the captaine of ye Lords host said vnto Ioshua, Loose thy shoe of thy foote: for ye place wheron thou standest, is holy: and Ioshua did so.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

And the Prince of Jehovah's host saith unto Joshua, 'Cast off thy shoe from off thy foot, for the place on which thou art standing is holy;' and Joshua doth so;

World English Bible WEB

The prince of the LORD’s army said to Joshua, “Take off your sandals, for the place on which you stand is holy.” Joshua did so.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

And the captain of the LORD'S host said to Joshua, Loose thy shoe from off thy foot, for the place on which thou standest is holy: and Joshua did so.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

Josue fell on his face to the ground. And worshipping, add: What saith my lord to his servant?

Translation for Translators T4T

The commander of Yahweh’s army replied, “Take off your sandals! I am Yahweh, and the ground on which you are standing is holy because I am here.” So Joshua took off his sandals.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Joshua 5:15

BAB

Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Joshua 5:15 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וַ/יֹּאמֶר֩ שַׂר צְבָ֨א יְהוָ֜ה אֶל יְהוֹשֻׁ֗עַ שַׁל נַֽעַלְ/ךָ֙ מֵ/עַ֣ל רַגְלֶ֔/ךָ כִּ֣י הַ/מָּק֗וֹם אֲשֶׁ֥ר אַתָּ֛ה עֹמֵ֥ד עָלָ֖י/ו קֹ֣דֶשׁ ה֑וּא וַ/יַּ֥עַשׂ יְהוֹשֻׁ֖עַ כֵּֽן

וַ/יֹּאמֶר֩ ʼâmar H559 to say Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

שַׂר sar H8269 ruler N-ms

צְבָ֨א tsâbâʼ H6635 army N-cs

יְהוָ֜ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 The Lord N-proper

אֶל ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep

יְהוֹשֻׁ֗עַ Yᵉhôwshûwaʻ H3091 Joshua N-proper

שַׁל nâshal H5394 to slip V-Qal-Impv-2ms

נַֽעַלְ/ךָ֙ naʻal H5275 sandal N-fs | Suff

מֵ/עַ֣ל ʻal H5921 upon Prep | Prep

רַגְלֶ֔/ךָ regel H7272 foot N-fs | Suff

כִּ֣י kîy H3588 for Conj

הַ/מָּק֗וֹם mâqôwm H4725 place Art | N-ms

אֲשֶׁ֥ר ʼăsher H834 which Rel

אַתָּ֛ה ʼattâh H859 you(m.s.) Pron

עֹמֵ֥ד ʻâmad H5975 to stand V-Qal

עָלָ֖י/ו ʻal H5921 upon Prep | Suff

קֹ֣דֶשׁ qôdesh H6944 Holy Place N-ms

ה֑וּא hûwʼ H1931 he/she/it Pron

וַ/יַּ֥עַשׂ ʻâsâh H6213 to make Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

יְהוֹשֻׁ֖עַ Yᵉhôwshûwaʻ H3091 Joshua N-proper

כֵּֽן kên H3651 right Part

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Joshua 5:15

וַ/יֹּאמֶר֩ ʼâmar H559 "to say" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.

Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)

Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.

שַׂר sar H8269 "ruler" N-ms

A leader or person in charge, like a prince or captain, as seen in the Bible with King David and other rulers.

Definition: 1) prince, ruler, leader, chief, chieftain, official, captain 1a) chieftain, leader 1b) vassal, noble, official (under king) 1c) captain, general, commander (military) 1d) chief, head, overseer (of other official classes) 1e) heads, princes (of religious office) 1f) elders (of representative leaders of people) 1g) merchant-princes (of rank and dignity) 1h) patron-angel 1i) Ruler of rulers (of God) 1j) warden

Usage: Occurs in 368 OT verses. KJV: captain (that had rule), chief (captain), general, governor, keeper, lord,(-task-)master, prince(-ipal), ruler, steward. See also: Genesis 12:15; 1 Kings 22:32; 2 Chronicles 32:21.

צְבָ֨א tsâbâʼ H6635 "army" N-cs

This Hebrew word means a large group of people or things, often referring to an army or a campaign, and is also used to describe the Lord's hosts. It appears in the Bible as a name for God, emphasizing His power and authority. In the KJV, it's translated as 'host' or 'army'.

Definition: : army 1) that which goes forth, army, war, warfare, host 1a) army, host 1a1) host (of organised army) 1a2) host (of angels) 1a3) of sun, moon, and stars 1a4) of whole creation 1b) war, warfare, service, go out to war 1c) service

Usage: Occurs in 463 OT verses. KJV: appointed time, ([phrase]) army, ([phrase]) battle, company, host, service, soldiers, waiting upon, war(-fare). See also: Genesis 2:1; 1 Samuel 17:55; Psalms 24:10.

יְהוָ֜ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 "The Lord" N-proper

Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.

Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)

Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.

אֶל ʼêl H413 "to(wards)" Prep

This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.

Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)

Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.

יְהוֹשֻׁ֗עַ Yᵉhôwshûwaʻ H3091 "Joshua" N-proper

Joshua was a leader in the Bible, first mentioned in Ezra 2:2, who helped the Israelites return from exile. His name means Jehovah is salvation, and he is also known as Jeshua in some parts of the Bible. He was a key figure in the conquest of Canaan.

Definition: A man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of Exile and Return, first mentioned at Ezr.2.2; son of: Jehozadak (H3087); father of: Joiakim (H3113); also called Jeshua at Ezr.2.2; 3.2,8; 4.3; 5.2; 1x12.1,7,10,26; § Joshua or Jehoshua = "Jehovah is salvation" 1) son of Nun of the tribe of Ephraim and successor to Moses as the leader of the children of Israel; led the conquest of Canaan 2) a resident of Beth-shemesh on whose land the Ark of the Covenant came to a stop after the Philistines returned it 3) son of Jehozadak and high priest after the restoration 4) governor of Jerusalem under king Josiah who gave his name to a gate of the city of Jerusalem

Usage: Occurs in 199 OT verses. KJV: Jehoshua, Jehoshuah, Joshua. Compare H1954 (הוֹשֵׁעַ), H3442 (יֵשׁוּעַ). See also: Exodus 17:9; Joshua 9:15; Zechariah 6:11.

שַׁל nâshal H5394 "to slip" V-Qal-Impv-2ms

This verb means to quickly remove or take something away, like slipping off a piece of clothing. It is used in Exodus and Deuteronomy to describe God's actions. The word has various translations in the KJV.

Definition: 1) to slip off, drop off, clear away, draw off 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to slip or drop off 1a2) to draw off 1a3) to clear away 1b) (Piel) to clear out completely, clear entirely

Usage: Occurs in 7 OT verses. KJV: cast (out), drive, loose, put off (out), slip. See also: Exodus 3:5; Deuteronomy 19:5; 2 Kings 16:6.

נַֽעַלְ/ךָ֙ naʻal H5275 "sandal" N-fs | Suff

A sandal or shoe in biblical times, as mentioned in Exodus 12:11 and Deuteronomy 25:9. It was a symbol of ownership or marriage, and removing a sandal could signify refusal or separation, as seen in Ruth 4:7-8.

Definition: sandal, shoe

Usage: Occurs in 22 OT verses. KJV: dryshod, (pair of) shoe((-latchet), -s). See also: Genesis 14:23; 1 Kings 2:5; Psalms 60:10.

מֵ/עַ֣ל ʻal H5921 "upon" Prep | Prep

This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.

Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)

Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.

רַגְלֶ֔/ךָ regel H7272 "foot" N-fs | Suff

This word also means a foot, like when God says he will tread on the wicked in Malachi 4:3. It's used to describe human and animal feet, as well as the base of objects like tables or idols.

Definition: 1) foot 1a) foot, leg 1b) of God (anthropomorphic) 1c) of seraphim, cherubim, idols, animals, table 1d) according to the pace of (with prep) 1e) three times (feet, paces) Aramaic equivalent: re.gal (רְגַל "foot" H7271)

Usage: Occurs in 232 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] be able to endure, [idiom] according as, [idiom] after, [idiom] coming, [idiom] follow, (broken-)foot(-ed, -stool), [idiom] great toe, [idiom] haunt, [idiom] journey, leg, [phrase] piss, [phrase] possession, time. See also: Genesis 8:9; 2 Samuel 22:39; Psalms 8:7.

כִּ֣י kîy H3588 "for" Conj

A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.

Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore

Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.

הַ/מָּק֗וֹם mâqôwm H4725 "place" Art | N-ms

Maqom means a place or location, like a city or a region. It can also refer to a condition of the body or mind. This term is used to describe a wide range of locations and situations.

Definition: 1) standing place, place 1a) standing place, station, post, office 1b) place, place of human abode 1c) city, land, region 1d) place, locality, spot 1e) space, room, distance 1f) region, quarter, direction 1g) give place to, instead of

Usage: Occurs in 379 OT verses. KJV: country, [idiom] home, [idiom] open, place, room, space, [idiom] whither(-soever). See also: Genesis 1:9; Deuteronomy 12:3; 1 Kings 20:24.

אֲשֶׁ֥ר ʼăsher H834 "which" Rel

This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.

Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when

Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.

אַתָּ֛ה ʼattâh H859 "you(m.s.)" Pron

You is the translation of a Hebrew word used to address someone directly, like when God says you to someone in the Bible. It can be singular or plural, and is often translated as thee, thou, or ye.

Definition: you (second pers. sing. masc.)

Usage: Occurs in 997 OT verses. KJV: thee, thou, ye, you. See also: Genesis 3:11; Exodus 23:9; Deuteronomy 14:1.

עֹמֵ֥ד ʻâmad H5975 "to stand" V-Qal

Means 'to stand' in a strong sense, like in Exodus 17:12 where Moses stood with his arms up to help Israel win a battle.

Definition: : stand/stop/establish 1) to stand, remain, endure, take one's stand 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to stand, take one's stand, be in a standing attitude, stand forth, take a stand, present oneself, attend upon, be or become servant of 1a2) to stand still, stop (moving or doing), cease 1a3) to tarry, delay, remain, continue, abide, endure, persist, be steadfast 1a4) to make a stand, hold one's ground 1a5) to stand upright, remain standing, stand up, rise, be erect, be upright 1a6) to arise, appear, come on the scene, stand forth, appear, rise up or against 1a7) to stand with, take one's stand, be appointed, grow flat, grow insipid 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to station, set 1b2) to cause to stand firm, maintain 1b3) to cause to stand up, cause to set up, erect 1b4) to present (one) before (king) 1b5) to appoint, ordain, establish 1c) (Hophal) to be presented, be caused to stand, be stood before

Usage: Occurs in 497 OT verses. KJV: abide (behind), appoint, arise, cease, confirm, continue, dwell, be employed, endure, establish, leave, make, ordain, be (over), place, (be) present (self), raise up, remain, repair, [phrase] serve, set (forth, over, -tle, up), (make to, make to be at a, with-) stand (by, fast, firm, still, up), (be at a) stay (up), tarry. See also: Genesis 18:8; Joshua 21:44; 1 Chronicles 6:17.

עָלָ֖י/ו ʻal H5921 "upon" Prep | Suff

This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.

קֹ֣דֶשׁ qôdesh H6944 "Holy Place" N-ms

The Holy Place refers to a sacred or set-apart area, like the temple in Jerusalem. It is a place of sanctity and holiness, where God is worshipped. The Bible describes it as a place of reverence and awe.

Definition: This name means apartness, holiness, sacredness Also named: hagion (ἅγιον "Holy Place" G0039)

Usage: Occurs in 380 OT verses. KJV: consecrated (thing), dedicated (thing), hallowed (thing), holiness, ([idiom] most) holy ([idiom] day, portion, thing), saint, sanctuary. See also: Exodus 3:5; Leviticus 23:4; 1 Chronicles 26:26.

ה֑וּא hûwʼ H1931 "he/she/it" Pron

This word is a pronoun meaning 'he', 'she', or 'it', used to refer to a person or thing. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a subject or make it clear who is being talked about.

Definition: pron 3p s 1) he, she, it 1a) himself (with emphasis) 1b) resuming subj with emphasis 1c) (with minimum emphasis following predicate) 1d) (anticipating subj) 1e) (emphasising predicate) 1f) that, it (neuter) demons pron 2) that (with article)

Usage: Occurs in 1693 OT verses. KJV: he, as for her, him(-self), it, the same, she (herself), such, that (...it), these, they, this, those, which (is), who. See also: Genesis 2:11; Genesis 32:19; Exodus 21:3.

וַ/יַּ֥עַשׂ ʻâsâh H6213 "to make" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

This verb means to make or do something, and is used over 2,600 times in the Bible. It is first used in Genesis 1:7 to describe God's creation of the world and is also used in Exodus 31:5 to describe the work of skilled craftsmen.

Definition: : make(OBJECT) 1) to do, fashion, accomplish, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to do, work, make, produce 1a1a) to do 1a1b) to work 1a1c) to deal (with) 1a1d) to act, act with effect, effect 1a2) to make 1a2a) to make 1a2b) to produce 1a2c) to prepare 1a2d) to make (an offering) 1a2e) to attend to, put in order 1a2f) to observe, celebrate 1a2g) to acquire (property) 1a2h) to appoint, ordain, institute 1a2i) to bring about 1a2j) to use 1a2k) to spend, pass 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be done 1b2) to be made 1b3) to be produced 1b4) to be offered 1b5) to be observed 1b6) to be used 1c) (Pual) to be made

Usage: Occurs in 2286 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, advance, appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth, bruise, be busy, [idiom] certainly, have the charge of, commit, deal (with), deck, [phrase] displease, do, (ready) dress(-ed), (put in) execute(-ion), exercise, fashion, [phrase] feast, (fight-) ing man, [phrase] finish, fit, fly, follow, fulfill, furnish, gather, get, go about, govern, grant, great, [phrase] hinder, hold (a feast), [idiom] indeed, [phrase] be industrious, [phrase] journey, keep, labour, maintain, make, be meet, observe, be occupied, offer, [phrase] officer, pare, bring (come) to pass, perform, pracise, prepare, procure, provide, put, requite, [idiom] sacrifice, serve, set, shew, [idiom] sin, spend, [idiom] surely, take, [idiom] thoroughly, trim, [idiom] very, [phrase] vex, be (warr-) ior, work(-man), yield, use. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 34:19; Exodus 18:24.

יְהוֹשֻׁ֖עַ Yᵉhôwshûwaʻ H3091 "Joshua" N-proper

Usage: Occurs in 199 OT verses. KJV: Jehoshua, Jehoshuah, Joshua. Compare H1954 (הוֹשֵׁעַ), H3442 (יֵשׁוּעַ). See also: Exodus 17:9; Joshua 9:15; Zechariah 6:11.

כֵּֽן kên H3651 "right" Part

In the Bible, this Hebrew word means 'so' or 'thus', often used to show agreement or confirmation, like in the book of Genesis. It can also mean 'rightly' or 'justly', as in doing something the correct way. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament.

Definition: adv adj 1) right, just, honest, true, veritable 1a) right, just, honest 1b) correct 1c) true, veritable

Usage: Occurs in 737 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] after that (this, -ward, -wards), as... as, [phrase] (for-) asmuch as yet, [phrase] be (for which) cause, [phrase] following, howbeit, in (the) like (manner, -wise), [idiom] the more, right, (even) so, state, straightway, such (thing), surely, [phrase] there (where) -fore, this, thus, true, well, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:7; Exodus 37:19; Judges 7:17.

Study Notes — Joshua 5:15

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Joshua 5:15 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Joshua 5:15
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Joshua 5:15
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Joshua 5:15
Trapp's Commentary on Joshua 5:15
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Joshua 5:15
Cambridge Bible on Joshua 5:15
Sermons on Joshua 5:15

Context — The Commander of the LORD’s Army

13Now when Joshua was near Jericho, he looked up and saw a man standing in front of him with a drawn sword in His hand. Joshua approached Him and asked, “Are You for us or for our enemies?” 14“Neither,” He replied. “I have now come as Commander of the LORD’s army.” Then Joshua fell facedown in reverence and asked Him, “What does my Lord have to say to His servant?”

15The Commander of the LORD’s army replied, “Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy.” And Joshua did so.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Exodus 3:5	“Do not come any closer,” God said. “Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy ground.”
2	Acts 7:32–33	‘I am the God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.’ Moses trembled with fear and did not dare to look. Then the Lord said to him, ‘Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy ground.
3	2 Peter 1:18	And we ourselves heard this voice from heaven when we were with Him on the holy mountain.

Joshua 5:15 Summary

In Joshua 5:15, the Commander of the LORD's army tells Joshua to take off his sandals because the ground he is standing on is holy. This means that God's presence is very real and special in that place, and Joshua needs to show respect. We can learn from this by remembering that God is always with us, and we should try to live in a way that honors Him, like it says in Psalm 16:8, where David says he sets the Lord always before him. By doing so, we can experience God's presence in a powerful way, just like Joshua did.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is the Commander of the LORD's army in Joshua 5:15?

The Commander of the LORD's army is likely a pre-incarnate appearance of Jesus Christ, as He is the one who leads the armies of heaven, as seen in Revelation 19:11-16 and also in the context of Joshua 5:13-15, where He is revered by Joshua as a divine being.

Why did the Commander tell Joshua to take off his sandals?

The Commander told Joshua to take off his sandals because the place where he was standing was holy, much like Moses was instructed to do in Exodus 3:5 when he encountered God in the burning bush, signifying reverence and respect for the divine presence.

What does it mean for a place to be holy?

A holy place is a location where God's presence is particularly manifest, and it requires a certain level of reverence and respect, as seen in Joshua 5:15 and also in Leviticus 10:3, where God says He will be sanctified among the children of Israel.

How can we apply the concept of holy ground to our lives today?

We can apply the concept of holy ground by recognizing that wherever we are, we are in God's presence, and we should strive to live in reverence and respect for Him, as seen in Psalm 139:7-10, where David acknowledges God's omnipresence.

Reflection Questions

What are some ways I can show reverence and respect for God's presence in my daily life?
How can I cultivate a sense of awe and wonder when encountering God's presence, like Joshua did in this verse?
What are some 'holy ground' moments in my life where I have felt God's presence in a powerful way?
How can I remember to 'take off my sandals' and approach God with humility and reverence in my prayer life?

Gill's Exposition on Joshua 5:15

And the Captain of the Lord's host said unto Joshua,.... As a trial and proof of his obedience to him: loose thy shoe from off thy foot; which is to be understood literally, as when the like was

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 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.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Joshua 5:15

Loose thy shoe from off thy foot, in token of reverence and subjection: see on . The place is holy, consecrated by my presence; which when it was withdrawn, it was no more holy than any other place, the reason of its holiness being removed.

Trapp's Commentary on Joshua 5:15

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.Ver. 15. Loose thy shoes.] Deny thyself wholly, and put thy confidence in my power and prowess. Frustra nititur qui Christo non innititur. Among the Turks no man may come into the church, besides the Grand Seignior, with his shoes on, but must leave them at the door, or give them to their servants to keep. Grand Sign. Serag., 195.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Joshua 5:15

Verse 15. Loose thy shoe from off thy foot, c.] These were the same words which the angel, on Mount Sinai, spoke to Moses (see Exodus 3:5-8); and from this it seems likely that it was the same person that appeared in both places: in the first, to encourage Moses to deliver the oppressed Israelites, and bring them to the promised land; in the second, to encourage Joshua in his arduous labour in expelling the ancient inhabitants, and establishing the people in the inheritance promised to their fathers. THERE is scarcely a more unfortunate division of chapters in the whole Bible than that here. Through this very circumstance many persons have been puzzled to know what was intended by this extraordinary appearance, because they supposed that the whole business ends with the chapter, whereas, it is continued in the succeeding one, the first verse of which is a mere parenthesis, simply relating the state of Jericho at the time that Joshua was favoured by this encouraging vision. We may draw two useful reflections from the subjects of this chapter: - 1. As the manna had now failed, the people always greatly addicted to incredulity, might have been led to imagine that God had now given them up, and would be no longer in their armies, had he not given them this strong assurance, that the Angel of his presence should be with them as the guide and protector of the whole camp; for Joshua undoubtedly informed them of the encouragement he had received from the captain of the Lord's host. 2. By this vision he showed them that their help came from himself, and that it was not by human might or power, but by the Lord of hosts, they were to have the victory over all their adversaries; and he gave them the most convincing proof of this in the miraculous destruction of Jericho. By this means he continued to keep them dependent on his arm alone, without which dependence the spirit of religion could not have been preserved among them.

Cambridge Bible on Joshua 5:15

15. Loose thy shoe] “Vnlace thi schoo fro thi feet,” Wyclif. Comp. Exodus 3:5. It was a mark of reverence to cast off the sandals in approaching a place or person of eminent sanctity.

Sermons on Joshua 5:15

	Sermon	Description
	(Angel of the Lord) 03 - Joshua by Ed Miller	In this sermon, the preacher discusses a passage from the book of Joshua where Joshua encounters a man with a drawn sword. Joshua asks if the man is on their side or the enemy's si
	The Epistle to the Philippians by John Nelson Darby	John Nelson Darby explores the Epistle to the Philippians, emphasizing the Christian experience of being in Christ and the sustaining grace of God amidst trials. He draws parallels
	Be Still by Leonard Ravenhill	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of being still and knowing that God is in control. He encourages the audience to develop a deep and loving relationship with
	A Holy Nation by T. Austin-Sparks	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of separation from the world in the life of Abraham. God called Abraham to leave his country, his family, and his father's hou
	Dedicated to God Not Man by Major Ian Thomas	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding the essential principles of the Christian life. He begins by discussing Moses and how he was learned in the w
	Apostolic Commission by Art Katz	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of not panicking or feeling overwhelmed when trying to understand the message of God. He encourages the audience to take what
	Just Before the Battle by Warren Wiersbe	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Joshua and his encounter with the Lord Jesus Christ. Joshua made four important discoveries that night. Firstly, he realized tha