6:2 the Lord. Although this is sometimes taken to refer to the “commander of the army of the Lord” (5:13–15), the verses are more likely a separate episode introducing the whole of the conquest.

See, I have given. A striking paradox, since all that had been “seen” according to v. 1 was Jericho’s shut gates. The promise of God creates possibilities not inherent in the present situation. A similar contrast between present circumstances and what God promises is found often in the Bible, as in the present experience of believers (Gen. 15:2–5; Is. 65:17; Rom. 8:18).