Joshua 5:15
New International Version
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.

New Living Translation
The commander of the LORD’s army replied, “Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy.” And Joshua did as he was told.

English Standard Version
And the commander of the LORD’s army said to Joshua, “Take off your sandals from your feet, for the place where you are standing is holy.” And Joshua did so.

Berean Standard Bible
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 Bible
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.

New King James Version
Then the Commander of the LORD’s army said to Joshua, “Take your sandal off your foot, for the place where you stand is holy.” And Joshua did so.

New American Standard Bible
And the captain of the LORD’S army said to Joshua, “Remove your sandals from your feet, for the place where you are standing is holy.” And Joshua did so.

NASB 1995
The captain of the LORD’S host said to Joshua, “Remove your sandals from your feet, for the place where you are standing is holy.” And Joshua did so.

NASB 1977
And the captain of the LORD’s host said to Joshua, “Remove your sandals from your feet, for the place where you are standing is holy.” And Joshua did so.

Legacy Standard Bible
The commander of the host of Yahweh said to Joshua, “Remove your sandals from your feet, for the place where you are standing is holy.” And Joshua did so.

Amplified Bible
The captain of the LORD’S army said to Joshua, “Remove your sandals from your feet, because the place where you are standing is holy (set apart to the LORD).” And Joshua did so.

Christian Standard Bible
The commander of the LORD’s army said to Joshua, “Remove the sandals from your feet, for the place where you are standing is holy.” And Joshua did that.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
The commander of the LORD’s army said to Joshua, “Remove the sandals from your feet, for the place where you are standing is holy.” And Joshua did so.

American Standard Version
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.

Contemporary English Version
"Take off your sandals," the commander answered. "This is a holy place." So Joshua took off his sandals.

English Revised Version
And the captain of the LORD'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.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
The commander of the LORD's army said to Joshua, "Take off your sandals because this place where you are standing is holy." So Joshua did as he was told.

Good News Translation
And the commander of the LORD's army told him, "Take your sandals off; you are standing on holy ground." And Joshua did as he was told.

International Standard Version
The commander of the LORD's Army replied to Joshua, "Remove your sandals from your feet, because the place where you're standing is holy." So Joshua did so.

Majority Standard Bible
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.

NET Bible
The commander of the LORD's army answered Joshua, "Remove your sandals from your feet, because the place where you stand is holy." Joshua did so.

New Heart English Bible
The commander of the army of the LORD said to Joshua, "Take your shoes off of your feet; for the place on which you stand is holy." Joshua did so.

Webster's Bible Translation
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.

World English Bible
The prince of Yahweh’s army said to Joshua, “Take off your sandals, for the place on which you stand is holy.” Joshua did so.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And the Prince of YHWH’s host says to Joshua, “Cast off your shoe from off your foot, for the place on which you are standing is holy”; and Joshua does so.

Young's Literal Translation
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;

Smith's Literal Translation
And the captain of Jehovah's host will say to Joshua, Put off thy shoe from thy foot, for the place which thou standest upon it, it is holy: and Joshua will do so.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Loose, saith he, thy shoes from off thy feet: for the place whereon thou standest is holy. And Josue did as was commanded him.

Catholic Public Domain Version
He said: “Remove your shoes from your feet. For the place on which you stand is holy.” And Joshua did just as he had been commanded.

New American Bible
The commander of the army of the LORD replied to Joshua, “Remove your sandals from your feet, for the place on which you are standing is holy.” And Joshua did so.

New Revised Standard Version
The commander of the army of the LORD said to Joshua, “Remove the sandals from your feet, for the place where you stand is holy.” And Joshua did so.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And the commander of the LORD'S host said to Joshua, Take your shoes from off your feet; for the place whereon you stand is holy. And Joshua did so.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And The Commander of the armies of LORD JEHOVAH said to Yeshua: “Loosen your shoes from your feet, because the place in which you are standing is holy.” And Yeshua did so.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And the captain of the LORD'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.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And the captain of the Lord's host said to Joshua, Loose thy shoe off thy feet, for the place whereon thou now standest is holy.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Commander of the LORD's Army
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
Exodus 3:5
“Do not come any closer,” God said. “Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy ground.”

Acts 7:33
Then the Lord said to him, ‘Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy ground.

Revelation 1:17
When I saw Him, I fell at His feet like a dead man. But He placed His right hand on me and said, “Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last,

Genesis 28:16-17
When Jacob woke up, he said, “Surely the LORD is in this place, and I was unaware of it.” / And he was afraid and said, “How awesome is this place! This is none other than the house of God; this is the gate of heaven!”

Isaiah 6:1-5
In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord seated on a throne, high and exalted; and the train of His robe filled the temple. / Above Him stood seraphim, each having six wings: With two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they were flying. / And they were calling out to one another: “Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of Hosts; all the earth is full of His glory.” ...

Exodus 19:12
And you are to set up a boundary for the people around the mountain and tell them, ‘Be careful not to go up on the mountain or touch its base. Whoever touches the mountain shall surely be put to death.

Matthew 17:6
When the disciples heard this, they fell facedown in terror.

Luke 5:8
When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at Jesus’ knees. “Go away from me, Lord,” he said, “for I am a sinful man.”

2 Peter 1:18
And we ourselves heard this voice from heaven when we were with Him on the holy mountain.

Numbers 22:31
Then the LORD opened Balaam’s eyes, and he saw the angel of the LORD standing in the road with a drawn sword in his hand. And Balaam bowed low and fell facedown.

Ezekiel 1:28
The appearance of the brilliant light all around Him was like that of a rainbow in a cloud on a rainy day. This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the LORD. And when I saw it, I fell facedown and heard a voice speaking.

Daniel 10:7-9
Only I, Daniel, saw the vision; the men with me did not see it, but a great terror fell upon them, and they ran and hid themselves. / So I was left alone, gazing at this great vision. No strength remained in me; my face grew deathly pale, and I was powerless. / I heard the sound of his words, and as I listened, I fell into a deep sleep, with my face to the ground.

Acts 9:4
He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute Me?”

Revelation 22:8
And I, John, am the one who heard and saw these things. And when I had heard and seen them, I fell down to worship at the feet of the angel who had shown me these things.

1 Kings 19:12-13
After the earthquake there was a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire. And after the fire came a still, small voice. / When Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his cloak and went out and stood at the mouth of the cave. Suddenly a voice came to him and said, “What are you doing here, Elijah?”


Treasury of Scripture

And the captain of the LORD's host said to Joshua, Loose your shoe from off your foot; for the place where on you stand is holy. And Joshua did so.

Loose

Exodus 3:5
And he said, Draw not nigh hither: put off thy shoes from off thy feet, for the place whereon thou standest is holy ground.

Acts 7:32,33
Saying, I am the God of thy fathers, the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. Then Moses trembled, and durst not behold…

2 Peter 1:18
And this voice which came from heaven we heard, when we were with him in the holy mount.

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Joshua 5
1. The Canaanites are afraid
2. Joshua renews circumcision
10. The Passover is kept at Gilgal
12. manna ceases
13. An angel appears to Joshua














The Commander of the LORD’s army replied
This phrase introduces a divine figure, often interpreted as a theophany or Christophany, a pre-incarnate appearance of Christ. The title "Commander of the LORD’s army" suggests a heavenly authority, aligning with other biblical instances where God leads His people into battle (e.g., Exodus 14:14). This figure's presence emphasizes God's direct involvement in Israel's conquest of Canaan.

“Take off your sandals
This command mirrors God's instruction to Moses at the burning bush (Exodus 3:5), signifying a moment of divine encounter. Removing sandals was a sign of reverence and humility, acknowledging the sacredness of the ground due to God's presence. It reflects the cultural practice of showing respect in holy places.

for the place where you are standing is holy.”
The holiness of the ground is not inherent but is due to God's presence. This concept of holiness is central to understanding Israel's relationship with God, who sanctifies places and people. The land of Canaan, promised to Abraham's descendants, is being consecrated for God's purposes, foreshadowing the ultimate sanctification through Christ.

And Joshua did so.
Joshua's obedience highlights his role as a faithful leader, akin to Moses. His compliance underscores the importance of submission to divine authority, a recurring theme in Scripture. This act of obedience sets the stage for the subsequent victories in the Promised Land, demonstrating that success comes through adherence to God's commands.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Joshua
The leader of the Israelites after Moses, tasked with leading the people into the Promised Land. He is a central figure in this passage, demonstrating obedience and reverence.

2. Commander of the LORD’s Army
A divine figure, often interpreted as a theophany or a pre-incarnate appearance of Christ, who appears to Joshua to provide guidance and assurance.

3. Holy Ground
The place where Joshua stands, made holy by the presence of the Commander. This echoes the experience of Moses at the burning bush.

4. Gilgal
The location where the Israelites camped after crossing the Jordan River, near Jericho. It is a place of renewal and preparation for the conquest of Canaan.

5. The Israelites
The people of God, who are on the brink of entering and conquering the Promised Land under Joshua's leadership.
Teaching Points
Reverence for God's Presence
Just as Joshua removed his sandals, we must approach God with humility and reverence, recognizing His holiness in our lives.

Obedience to Divine Instruction
Joshua's immediate compliance with the Commander's instruction serves as a model for our own obedience to God's commands, even when they are not fully understood.

Recognizing Divine Encounters
We should be attentive to moments when God reveals Himself in our lives, understanding that these encounters often come with a call to action or change.

Preparation for Spiritual Battles
The encounter prepares Joshua for the battles ahead, reminding us that spiritual readiness is crucial for facing challenges in our own lives.

Holiness in Everyday Life
The concept of holy ground extends beyond physical locations, encouraging us to seek holiness in our daily environments and interactions.Verse 15. - Loose thy shoe from off thy feet. Cf. Exodus 3:6. We have here a clear proof (see also Joshua 6:2) that He who now spoke to Joshua was a Divine Person. The loosing the shoe from the feet is regarded by Origen and other patristic commentators as emblematic of the removal of worldly engagements and pollutions from the soul. Now Jericho was straitly shut up.



Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
The commander
שַׂר־ (śar-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 8269: Chieftain, chief, ruler, official, captain, prince

of the LORD’s
יְהוָ֜ה (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

army
צְבָ֨א (ṣə·ḇā)
Noun - common singular construct
Strong's 6635: A mass of persons, reg, organized for, war, a campaign

replied,
וַיֹּאמֶר֩ (way·yō·mer)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 559: To utter, say

“Take off
שַׁל־ (šal-)
Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular
Strong's 5394: To slip or drop off, draw off, clear away

your sandals,
נַֽעַלְךָ֙ (na·‘al·ḵā)
Noun - feminine singular construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 5275: A sandal tongue, a sandal, slipper

for
כִּ֣י (kî)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

the place
הַמָּק֗וֹם (ham·mā·qō·wm)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4725: A standing, a spot, a condition

where
אֲשֶׁ֥ר (’ă·šer)
Pronoun - relative
Strong's 834: Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that

you
אַתָּ֛ה (’at·tāh)
Pronoun - second person masculine singular
Strong's 859: Thou and thee, ye and you

are standing
עֹמֵ֥ד (‘ō·mêḏ)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 5975: To stand, in various relations

is holy.”
קֹ֣דֶשׁ (qō·ḏeš)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 6944: A sacred place, thing, sanctity

And Joshua
יְהוֹשֻׁ֖עַ (yə·hō·wō·šu·a‘)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3091: Joshua -- 'the LORD is salvation', Moses' successor, also the name of a number of Israelites

did
וַיַּ֥עַשׂ (way·ya·‘aś)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 6213: To do, make

so.
כֵּֽן׃ (kên)
Adverb
Strong's 3651: So -- thus


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OT History: Joshua 5:15 The prince of Yahweh's army said (Josh. Jos)
Joshua 5:14
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