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.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The instruction to remove sandals signifies more than just showing respect; it's a powerful declaration that Joshua is standing on ground consecrated by the very presence of God, just as Moses was before the burning bush. This isn't just about a location, but about entering into a divine encounter where the ordinary rules of engagement are suspended.
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.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Just before this moment, Joshua encountered a warrior figure with a drawn sword, and after a tense exchange, the figure revealed himself as the Captain of the Lord's army, assuring Joshua of God's support. This divine encounter happens right after the Israelites have celebrated the Passover and the manna has ceased, signifying a new phase as they prepare to conquer the Promised Land. The command to remove his sandals is a profound echo of Moses' experience at the burning bush, marking this spot as a place of God's holy presence and a pivotal moment in Joshua's leadership.
Joshua meets a warrior with a sword drawn. Is he a friend or foe? His answer reveals he's more than just a military leader.
The figure Joshua encounters is not just any angel; he identifies himself as the "captain of the LORD’s host." This title, along with the divine command he gives and the worship he receives from Joshua, strongly suggests this is a pre-incarnate appearance of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.
This is a pivotal moment, confirming God’s presence and leadership as Israel stands on the brink of conquering Canaan. It echoes God’s appearance to Moses at the burning bush, assuring Joshua that the same God who led Israel out of Egypt would now lead them into their promised inheritance.
Why did Joshua have to take off his sandals? It wasn't just a suggestion; it was a profound sign of respect.
The command to remove sandals is a deeply symbolic act. It signifies recognizing that the ground beneath your feet has been consecrated by God's presence. This wasn't just any piece of land; it was holy because the Captain of the Lord's host stood there.
This act mirrors how we should approach God in worship and service. It calls us to set aside worldly distractions and attitudes, acknowledging that we are in the presence of the Almighty. It’s about humility, recognizing our dependence on Him, and approaching Him with awe and respect.
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qodesh · Hebrew Adjective
That which is set apart from common or profane use for God's specific purpose; it denotes moral purity and divine presence.
The command given to Joshua echoes the encounter Moses had at the burning bush, highlighting continuity in God's leadership and the sacred nature of His presence as Israel begins its conquest of Canaan.
c. 1446 BC
Moses Receives God's Call at Sinai
God appears to Moses at the burning bush and instructs him to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. Moses is told to remove his sandals because the ground is holy.
c. 1406 BC
Israel Enters the Promised Land
After 40 years in the wilderness, the Israelites cross the Jordan River and encamp at Gilgal, near Jericho.
c. 1406 BC
Manna Ceases, First Passover in Canaan
The Israelites eat of the produce of Canaan, and the manna, which had sustained them for 40 years, stops. They celebrate the Passover for the first time in the promised land.
c. 1406 BC— this verse
Divine Warrior Appears to Joshua
Joshua encounters a divine figure, identified as the Captain of the LORD's host, near Jericho. This encounter reinforces God's presence and promises victory.
c. 1406 BC
Fall of Jericho
Following divine instructions given through Joshua, the Israelites march around Jericho for seven days, culminating in the city's miraculous destruction.
This is the foundational instance of God commanding someone to remove their sandals because the ground is holy, establishing a precedent for sacred encounters.
Leviticus 19:30This verse directly connects the act of keeping the Sabbath and revering the sanctuary, highlighting the overarching theme of holiness and respect for God's presence.
Isaiah 6:1-3The prophet Isaiah's vision in the temple, where he hears 'Holy, holy, holy,' and feels unclean in the presence of God's glory, parallels Joshua's awe and recognition of holiness.
John 1:14This verse speaks of the Word becoming flesh and 'dwelling among us,' which echoes the divine presence sanctifying a place, much like the Commander of the Lord's army appearing to Joshua.
1 Corinthians 3:16-17Paul's teaching that believers are the temple of God, and that God's Spirit dwells in them, extends the concept of 'holy ground' to the community of faith.
cambridgeJoshua 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."
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.
bensonJoshua 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."
Joshua 5:15 . From off thy foot — In token of reverence and subjection. Holy — Consecrated by my presence. The very same order which God gave to Moses at the bush, when he was sending him to bring Israel out of Egypt, he here gives to Joshua for the confirming his faith, that as he had been with Moses, so he would be with him.
The instruction to remove sandals signifies more than just showing respect; it's a powerful declaration that Joshua is standing on ground consecrated by the very presence of God, just as Moses was before the burning bush. This isn't just about a location, but about entering into a divine encounter where the ordinary rules of engagement are suspended.
Just before this moment, Joshua encountered a warrior figure with a drawn sword, and after a tense exchange, the figure revealed himself as the Captain of the Lord's army, assuring Joshua of God's support. This divine encounter happens right after the Israelites have celebrated the Passover and the manna has ceased, signifying a new phase as they prepare to conquer the Promised Land. The command to remove his sandals is a profound echo of Moses' experience at the burning bush, marking this spot as a place of God's holy presence and a pivotal moment in Joshua's leadership.
Just before this moment, Joshua encountered a warrior figure with a drawn sword, and after a tense exchange, the figure revealed himself as the Captain of the Lord's army, assuring Joshua of God's support. This divine encounter happens right after the Israelites have celebrated the Passover and the manna has ceased, signifying a new phase as they prepare to conquer the Promised Land. The command to remove his sandals is a profound echo of Moses' experience at the burning bush, marking this spot as a place of God's holy presence and a pivotal moment in Joshua's leadership.
"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." — The instruction to remove sandals signifies more than just showing respect; it's a powerful declaration that Joshua is standing on ground consecrated by the very presence of God, just as Moses was be…
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Last reviewed October 2026