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Who was the commander of the army of the LORD in Joshua 5:14?



      

Joshua 5:14

ESV - 14 And he said, "No; but I am the commander of the army of the Lord. Now I have come." And Joshua fell on his face to the earth and worshiped and said to him, "What does my lord say to his servant?

Clarify Share Report Asked April 23 2014 Mini Anonymous (via GotQuestions)

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Shea S. Michael Houdmann Supporter Got Questions Ministries
In Joshua 5:13-15 we read of Joshua's conversation with the "commander of the army of the LORD." This commander appeared to Joshua near Jericho, before that fateful battle. The personage held a swo...

April 23 2014 0 responses Vote Up Share Report


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Be6c839b ed74 4a9a af3e 1d5cb8be5cddcrop photo Colin Zhang Supporter A Christian from China
This question is interesting.

I agree that it is an example of Theophany, in particular, it is Jesus pre-incarnation. Such examples has happened several times in the OT. Someone appeared in the form of a human being or angelic being (with a physical body), while it is called the LORD (Jehovah). 

Compare Genesis 16:7 & Genesis 16:13 the one who spoke to Hagar is the angel of the LORD and is the LORD himself

Genesis 18:1-2,22 the three men that appeared to Abraham in the plains of Mamre, two are called angels, and one is called the LORD

Genesis 31:11-13, the angel of God appeared to Jacob in a dream and the angel called himself the God of Bethel

Genesis 32:24-30, the man that wrestled with Jacob and changed Jacob's name to Israel.. and Jacob said he has seen God face to face.

And there are some other occasions, if you are interested you can search them out. It is also important to note that, when a special angel appears (Theophany), the Scripture uses the definite article - the angel, not an angel. (KJV)

February 01 2018 0 responses Vote Up Share Report


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