JanMary Posted August 16, 2008 Report Share Posted August 16, 2008 Q1. (Joshua 5:13-15) Why did the Commander say he was on neither side? He was for God's purpose. Israel's army must be seeking God's cause, not trying to enlist God in Israel's purpose. What is the significance of this? The Commander was revealing to Joshua that He is God, in a similar way to how He revealed Himself to Moses in the burning bush (take off your shoes..for the place where you stand is holy.) What did Joshua feel like during this encounter? It seems to indicate a lack of fear or recognition of God's presence, in that he walked up to him and asked whose side He was on...I get the idea that Joshua was feeling in command at that point. How did he feel after this encounter? Reverential fear and awe, humility, submission....He fell on his face and worshiped and said to Him now that he recognized the Lord : "What says my Lord to His servant?" Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
seeking HIM Posted August 25, 2008 Report Share Posted August 25, 2008 Q1. (Joshua 5:13-15) Why did the Commander say he was on neither side? What is the significance of this? What did Joshua feel like during this encounter? How did he feel after this encounter? GOD is in control, as commander He was there to oversee Joshua to see if he would follow through with GOD's commands. GOD had aready won this war Joshua just had to go through the motions. The significance is that GOD can do anything any time He wants to. I as His child and servant must get in line with His plans and not expect GOD to come down to mine. Joshua must have been in awe and complete humility. GOD Himself was in front of him. After this encounter Joshua felt encouraged and relieved, being reminded of his place and GOD's plan andn protection, knowing all things are in GOD's complete control. maybe even extremly confident in GOD not himself or his army. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kurian Posted October 12, 2008 Report Share Posted October 12, 2008 Q1. (Joshua 5:13-15) Why did the Commander say he was on neither side? What is the significance of this? What did Joshua feel like during this encounter? How did he feel after this encounter? Before this event, we see children of Israel crossing the Jordan river. Then their focul point was "Word of God" among them in the Arc of covenant. We see Jordan river parts when the feet of Levite preists who carry the Arc of Covenant touches the water of Jordan River. Here we see the Same Word of God in a different manner. As Commander and Warrior. The answer of the question seems like bouncing the question back to asker himself. He realizes the important question is where we are. Are we with God or not that makes difference Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jestar7 Posted January 11, 2009 Report Share Posted January 11, 2009 The Commander said that He was on neither side because Joshua should be on His side. As Commander of the Armies of the Lord, He leads, not follows. Joshua felt humbled by this experience and worshipped Him. After this encounter he felt victorious, on top of the world! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Windcatcher Posted January 17, 2009 Report Share Posted January 17, 2009 Why did the Commander say he was on neither side? Because it is we who need to choose which side we are for. As Commander of the Lord's Army we side with Him, He doesn't side with us. What is the significance of this? It is not about me, them or us. It's all about Him. Am I with Him? What did Joshua feel like during this encounter? A quess - A mere man in the prence of God - fear, respect, and a sense of surrender to this Almighty God. How did he feel after this encounter? A mere man in the prence of God - fear, respect, and a sense of surrender to this Almighty God, but also a great confidence in knowing that he was indeed on the side of the mighty Warrior and Commander - Yahweh Sabaoth. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FireSpeaks Posted January 25, 2009 Report Share Posted January 25, 2009 Q1. (Joshua 5:13-15) Why did the Commander say he was on neither side? What is the significance of this? What did Joshua feel like during this encounter? How did he feel after this encounter? Its very important to know that God does not pick sides, he does not favor one football team over another or one prize fighter over another, even though we may say it was by God's will that I won this event. God does not care about your event at be you saint of sinner. This is very important in understanding the response of the Commander and more importantly it should be taken as instruction for us. Its not who side God's in on during a competition, rather who in the competition are on the side of God. When Joshua said 'What message does my Lord have for his servant" he began to submit himself to the will of God. I can only imagine that during this period Joshua is was a bit unsure of himself.but after the encounter with the Commander of the Lord of Host, Joshua hears big enough says Be strong and courageous" for I the lord say is with thy Where every step of the way Joshua 1:9 (KJV) Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tina Posted February 25, 2009 Report Share Posted February 25, 2009 Q1. (Joshua 5:13-15) Why did the Commander say he was on neither side? What is the significance of this? What did Joshua feel like during this encounter? How did he feel after this encounter? The commander said that he was on neither side because he wanted Joshua to know and believe and ask, "I am on God's side," not, "Is God on my side?" This indicates a trust and faith in God and an assurance that God is with us in all our battles. Joshua was encouraged and was fully aware that God was on his side and that God would not forsake him. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sha'RD Posted March 18, 2009 Report Share Posted March 18, 2009 Q1. (Joshua 5:13-15) Why did the Commander say he was on neither side? What is the significance of this? What did Joshua feel like during this encounter? How did he feel after this encounter? The Lord was the Commander, and when God is the Commander and Chief all, He doesn't side with anyone, they side with Him, if they know what's right, and He certainly was not there to represent Himself as an enemy to Joshua... We know that if God be for us than who can be against us... It is important to note that our desire is to be on the side of God and not against Him... He certainly cannot be reduced to man's standards and be counted as part of our armies... He is God in all His glory... I'm sure Joshua was in awe, and humbled at the presence of the Lord... and He was certainly reassured for battle after this encounter... confident in the Lord that He would succeed in battle, just as we should be when we realize that we are on the side of the Lord and that that battle truly is not ours but the Lord's, for He shall fight our battles for us....Hallelujah! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sunshine18 Posted March 23, 2009 Report Share Posted March 23, 2009 Why did the Commander say he was on neither side? What is the significance of this? What did Joshua feel like during this encounter? How did he feel after this encounter? I think that God told Joshua that He wasn't on either side because He wanted him to understand that He doesn't report to us but instead he is to subject himself to God. I think it's significance is that it brought Joshua to refocus and shift his way of thinking about his relationship to God Almighty. I think that based on Joshua's response, he was quite humbled by God's revelation. Furthermore, Joshua's faith and strength were renewed after this encounter. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dolla Posted May 17, 2009 Report Share Posted May 17, 2009 God does not take sides because He does not follow human beings. He is the initiator of situations and we have to choose to be on His side if we want to be victorious. When Joshua realized that he was talking to the commander of God's army i.e. Yahwe-Sabaot he humbly fell on His face in worship and in submission. After being hesitant and fearful and also maybe wondering how his men will be able to conquer the big city, he realiized that Yahwe is real and is standing before him, and assuring him that he has delivered his enemies to him. Joshua felt much encouraged after this encounter because he realized that the battle is not his but the Lord's, and that he is going in obedience to Almighty God. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Robyn Posted June 24, 2009 Report Share Posted June 24, 2009 The Commander had to know that they were on his side, then he could be on their side. We need to be on God's side before he can work on our behalf. God has already told us that he is on our side and that he would not leave us. In Joshua 1:9, it tells us God is with us wherever we go. When we consider Joshua 5:13 - 6:2, we see that Joshua comes face to face with the Commander of the Lord of Hosts. When Joshua realizes who he is talking to he falls face down on the ground and takes off his sandals in an act of reverence. Joshua realized that he was in the presence of the Lord and showed the awe that he flet on the inside. This is how we should be when we are in the presence of God. Let us seek God's face with all that we have. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marloes Posted November 29, 2009 Report Share Posted November 29, 2009 Q1. (Joshua 5:13-15) Why did the Commander say he was on neither side? What is the significance of this? What did Joshua feel like during this encounter? How did he feel after this encounter? Don't aks what God can do for you but what you can do for God. He is the commander in chief of the battle of Jericho and of our lives. He decides the outcome of every fight - whether we like it or not. Joshua feelt impressed. After this, he felt encouraged. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vicki L Posted February 8, 2010 Report Share Posted February 8, 2010 Q1. (Joshua 5:13-15) Why did the Commander say he was on neither side? What is the significance of this? What did Joshua feel like during this encounter? How did he feel after this encounter? The Commander, God Almighty, was not on either side because Joshua needed to be on God's side, not the other way around. Joshua was humbled to be in the Lord's presence and fell down to the ground to worship him. After his encounter with the Lord, Joshua had the confidence to carry out his plan knowing that the Lord would be with him. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sharran Posted February 17, 2010 Report Share Posted February 17, 2010 Q1. (Joshua 5:13-15) Why did the Commander say he was on neither side? What is the significance of this? What did Joshua feel like during this encounter? How did he feel after this encounter? The Commander said he was on neither side because, he was on the Lord's side. He was letting him know that he was not his enemy. He was sent by the Lord. Joshua felt at peace during this encounter once he knew that the Commander was sent by the Lord. The Lord is the Commander - in-chief of all. There was no reason to fear this gentlemen. After his encounter he was confident in knowing that the Lord was with him . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
humblesinner Posted April 4, 2010 Report Share Posted April 4, 2010 Names of God: Lesson 2, Q1 Q1. (Joshua 5:13-15) Why did the Commander say he was on neither side? What is the significance of this? What did Joshua feel like during this encounter? How did he feel after this encounter? "5:13Now 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 went up to him and asked, 'Are you for us or for our enemies?' 14'Neither,' he replied, 'but as commander of the army of the LORD I have now come.' Then Joshua fell facedown to the ground in reverence, and asked him, 'What message does my Lord have for 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. 6:1Now Jericho was tightly shut up because of the Israelites. No one went out and no one came in. 2Then the LORD said to Joshua, 'See, I have delivered Jericho into your hands, along with its king and its fighting men.'" (Joshua 5:13-6:2) In this account in the book of Joshua, describing the appearance of Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Trusting God Posted April 30, 2010 Report Share Posted April 30, 2010 Q1. (Joshua 5:13-15) Why did the Commander say he was on neither side? What is the significance of this? What did Joshua feel like during this encounter? How did he feel after this encounter? The Commander of the army said that he was on neither side, because we must be on God Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
islandgirl Posted May 16, 2010 Report Share Posted May 16, 2010 Q1. (Joshua 5:13-15) Why did the Commander say he was on neither side? What is the significance of this? What did Joshua feel like during this encounter? How did he feel after this encounter? Why are you not discussing the all-important Name God gave to us, El Shaddei? Your interpretation of El Shaddei as Almighty, Warrior, etc.is entirely incorrect. You must be aware of the Scofield note on this in Genesis 17, and if you aren't, read thoughtfuly your own Scriptural quotes you cited when God gave His Name El Shaddei to both Abraham and Jacob. The El in El Shaddei means All, Supreme -- the Shaddei means Sufficiency. God gave this His Name to Abraham at the age of 99 to tell him he and Sarah wowuld have a child even though it was then impossible to them due to their ages. Jacob was told the same thing -- that out of him nations would come. Read King James Version, Scofield notes:"The etymological significance of El Shaddei is both interesting and touching. El signifies The Strong One. The qualifying word Shaddei is formed from the Hebrew word shad, which is invariable a woman's breat, see Gen 49:25, Job 3:12, Ps 22:9, Song 1:13,4:5,7:3,8:1,8,10,Is 28:9,Ezk16:7." God is Shaddei which means "the breasted" (which maybe you are shy about but it is God who said it in His Scripture), and it is because he is the Nourisher, the Strength-giver (like a little baby is soothed and strengthened), and the ultimate Satisfier. We need this name! You are going into all sorts of talk about God as Warrior, which is true, but these are different aspects of God -- why are you not giving this important name El Shaddei its due? why are you avoiding it? We humans desperately need to know God as All Sufficeint to us -- that with Him as with old Abraham and Sarah and flawed Jacob, that with repentence and true following of our Lord nothing is impossible -- Why do so few "in the field" study the Scriptures with a passion for knowing their truth? Their truth will set you free. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hanks Posted June 6, 2010 Report Share Posted June 6, 2010 Q1. (Joshua 5:13-15) Why did the Commander say he was on neither side? What is the significance of this? What did Joshua feel like during this encounter? How did he feel after this encounter? God is sovereign and it is never a question whether God is on our side but whether we are on God Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Delivered Posted June 6, 2010 Report Share Posted June 6, 2010 Why are you not discussing the all-important Name God gave to us, El Shaddei? Your interpretation of El Shaddei as Almighty, Warrior, etc.is entirely incorrect. You must be aware of the Scofield note on this in Genesis 17, and if you aren't, read thoughtfuly your own Scriptural quotes you cited when God gave His Name El Shaddei to both Abraham and Jacob. The El in El Shaddei means All, Supreme -- the Shaddei means Sufficiency. God gave this His Name to Abraham at the age of 99 to tell him he and Sarah wowuld have a child even though it was then impossible to them due to their ages. Jacob was told the same thing -- that out of him nations would come. Read King James Version, Scofield notes:"The etymological significance of El Shaddei is both interesting and touching. El signifies The Strong One. The qualifying word Shaddei is formed from the Hebrew word shad, which is invariable a woman's breat, see Gen 49:25, Job 3:12, Ps 22:9, Song 1:13,4:5,7:3,8:1,8,10,Is 28:9,Ezk16:7." God is Shaddei which means "the breasted" (which maybe you are shy about but it is God who said it in His Scripture), and it is because he is the Nourisher, the Strength-giver (like a little baby is soothed and strengthened), and the ultimate Satisfier. We need this name! You are going into all sorts of talk about God as Warrior, which is true, but these are different aspects of God -- why are you not giving this important name El Shaddei its due? why are you avoiding it? We humans desperately need to know God as All Sufficeint to us -- that with Him as with old Abraham and Sarah and flawed Jacob, that with repentence and true following of our Lord nothing is impossible -- Why do so few "in the field" study the Scriptures with a passion for knowing their truth? Their truth will set you free. I am not sure what you are trying to say? but El Shaddai is God Almighty, He is the LORD of host, who is commander of the angelic armies and the armies over Israel. King David gave honor to the LORD of host, for David could not have fought the giant with his strength, it was only through the LORD of host, ElShaddai, God Almighty. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Windy Posted June 20, 2010 Report Share Posted June 20, 2010 Q1. (Joshua 5:13-15) Why did the Commander say he was on neither side? What is the significance of this? What did Joshua feel like during this encounter? How did he feel after this encounter? Why did the Commander say he was on neither side? This was an angel of superior rank, commander of the Lord's army. I beleive it was God, Himself. God wanted Joshua, to get on His side. Not the reverse, after all God is the Almighty Warrior. What is the significance of this? Joshua knew, God was with him, and Joshua showed respect, by falling facedown before God. What did Joshua feel like during this encounter? Even though, Joshua was the leader of the Israel's army, he was still obedient to God. How did he feel after this encounter? Joshua obedied God by removing his shoes. We should recognize God's power, authority, and deep love for us. Our actions would then model, our reverence, love, respect and obedience for God. After all, if God is for us, who can be against us? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Changed 4 His glory Posted July 27, 2010 Report Share Posted July 27, 2010 He wanted Joshua to understand that first and foremost, the battle belonged to the Lord. The Israelites were to rely completely on God and obey what the Commander-in-Chief tells them. The significance is that their responsibility is to obey God, and if they do, God will take care of the rest. They need to commit the outcome of the battle to God. I think this encounter lifted burden off Joshua's shoulders and he felt assured of God Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KLanc Posted August 23, 2010 Report Share Posted August 23, 2010 The significance of this passage is extreme: God cannot and will not be for us unless we are first and foremost for God. He will step in and protect us without that relationship because He wants us to have a relationship with HIm, but we will not experience His full protection until we make the decision to follow HIm. In order for God to win, we must first surrender to HIs will and HIs power over our lives. What we ant will no longer matter, only what God wants will. Why did the commander say that he was for neither side? Simple. Neither side was fully God's yet, so God remained neutral. Once Joshua made the active decision to walk in the light, God stepped forward and gave him his heart desire. God still works miracles today, folks, in the same way. Once we make an active decision to follow Christ, God steps in and protects us from further harm. We may still experience the stings because of our own stupidity, but over all the protection is felt on a daily basis. Think of it this way: we go to conquer fear. Fear gets the best of us. We call upon the Lord, for peace, for strength, for guidance. All of a sudden, fear no longer gets the best of us, and we are confident in our steps. That's what it is to have the supreme Commander on our side. He gives us strength to face the challenges of an earthly life. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Karen Roddy Posted October 14, 2010 Report Share Posted October 14, 2010 Q1. (Joshua 5:13-15) Why did the Commander say he was on neither side? What is the significance of this? What did Joshua feel like during this encounter? How did he feel after this encounter? The Commander said he was on neither side because this form ("Commander") of consciousness is impartial to opposition. However, due to the immense compassion and understanding offered by Realms other than the Human existence, The "Commander" reaches out to raise the awareness of each and every individual regardless of their pre-destination. Joshua was slightly confused as to the perplexities of the "Commander" being neutral in a pursuit regarded by Joshua as a struggle for survival...but remained steadfast in his need for ultimate conquest of Jericho... After conquering Jericho, Josuha felt assured that the Lord was with him but still at odds with how the Lord was with his "enemy"....nevertheless, Joshua was more confident about he Future prospect of his military success by entering the acquisition of Jericho into his military equation. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wilma m Posted November 15, 2010 Report Share Posted November 15, 2010 Q1. (Joshua 5:13-15) Why did the Commander say he was on neither side? What is the significance of this? What did Joshua feel like during this encounter? How did he feel after this encounter? He said it to Joshua because He was the commander and it was His cause, Joshua and his armies were part of the plan and they had to come in line and submit. When Joshua saw the Commander he knew it was God and he fell down on his face to worship Him. After the encounter he was strengthened and knew that the battle was God's, not his and that it was already won. For me it means that I must come in line with God's plan and that I am part of His army. Our battle is not against flesh and blood but against the powers powers and principalities of the unseen. Although we are in a battle, Our Commander is El Shaddai, God Almighty, strong in battle, the Mighty Warrior and when we are on His side, we do not have to fear anything. God will fight for us and He will give the victory. The enemy has already been concurred on the cross of calvary! Halleluja Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kathy45 Posted November 23, 2010 Report Share Posted November 23, 2010 I appreciate what the pastor said - that we need to be more mindful of being on the side of God. As humans, we tend to lay out our plans and then pray for God to bless them. Instead, God wants us to fall in line with His plan and then we will be blessed indeed. Joshua questions whose side the Lord was on. The Lord responded, neither, but yet, here He was with Joshua. This confirms to Joshua that he was walking in obedience to the Lord's will; otherwise, the Lord would not be with him. This is extraordinarily comforting, both to Joshua, who fell down and worshiped Him, and to me when I am assured of being in God's will. Joshua still had to face his enemies and so do we, but we can walk in confidence that we are not alone; God HImself, the Mighty Warrior, is leading and guarding our souls. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.