the immediate vicinity of Jericho.” Joshua’s utter surprise as he meets the sword-carrying man comes out clearly in the Hebrew: “He raised his eyes, looked, and lo and behold!” Why the drawn sword in the man’s hand? Does he want to fight Joshua? or Israel? or Israel’s enemies? While Joshua is startled, he is not afraid to walk up to the mysterious stranger to ask whose side he’s on. Isn’t this evidence of Joshua’s bravery, strengthened by the Lord’s encouragement and recent miracle! The stranger’s
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