It happened, when Joshua was by Jericho, that he lifted up his eyes and looked, and, behold, there stood a man over against him with his sword drawn in his hand: and Joshua went to him, and said to him, Are you for us, or for our adversaries?
Evidently Joshua was reconnoitering near Jericho, which was only about two miles from Gilgal. He was planning his strategy when he met the Man who identified Himself as the Captain (Prince) of the Lord’s host (angelic army; cf. 1 Kings 22:19; 2 Kings 6:8-17; Psalms 148:2; Matthew 26:53; Hebrews 1:14). It is obvious that Joshua perceived this Man as a mighty warrior standing before him with sword drawn ready for battle (cf. Numbers 22:23; 1 Chronicles 21:16). As soon as the Stranger identified Himself, Joshua bowed before Him acknowledging His superiority.