Keraia
Joshua 24

Joshua 24:14

Choose Whom You Will Serve · Joshua 24:14–28
Read Joshua 24

Translations

Modern
Now, therefore, fear the LORD and serve Him in sincerity and truth; cast aside the gods your fathers served beyond the Euphrates and in Egypt, and serve the LORD.
Traditional
Now therefore fear the Lord, and serve him in sincerity and in truth: and put away the gods which your fathers served on the other side of the flood, and in Egypt; and serve ye the Lord.
Literal
And now, fear YHWH and serve Him in sincerity and in truth. And put away the gods that your fathers served on the other side of the River and in Egypt, and Serve YHWH!
Latin
Nunc ergo timete Dominum, et servite ei perfecto corde atque verissimo: et auferte deos quibus servierunt patres vestri in Mesopotamia et in Ægypto, ac servite Domino.

Original

Hebrew
English
Now, therefore, fear the LORD and serve Him in sincerity and truth; cast aside the gods your fathers served beyond the Euphrates and in Egypt, and serve the LORD.

Notes

Joshua 24:14

cast aside the gods: Israel had not fully turned away from the old polytheistic traditions (the worship of many gods) of Mesopotamia, east of the Euphrates River. While living in Egypt, some Israelites had even added other gods to the ones they already worshiped.

Joshua 24:1–27

In both its form and its content, this covenant statement is similar to an ancient Near Eastern suzerain–vassal treaty (a treaty between a powerful ruler and a weaker people). The suzerain protects them and provides benefits, and in return, the weaker people (the vassal) owe loyalty and obedience.

The covenant begins with a preamble, which identifies the speaker (24:2). It then includes a historical prologue. This section recounts the suzerain’s gracious acts, describing what God had done for the people in the past (24:3–13).

Next, the covenant lists the stipulations, or required obligations, that the people must follow (24:14–15). It also warns of curses and promises blessings, depending on whether the people obey or disobey (24:19–20).

Finally, the passage notes where the covenant text was recorded so it could be read again in the future (implied in 24:26). It also names witnesses who confirmed the covenant agreement (24:22, 27). See also study note on Exodus 20:1–23:33.

Parallels

Deuteronomy 10:12–22

Places

Egypt: Ancient nation; Israelites enslaved there; plagues and Exodus Euphrates: Major river in ancient Near East; boundary of Promised Land

Glossary

Amorites Covenant Euphrates River Joshua, Book of Judges, Book of King Rest Shechem (Place) Tribe of Dan

Topics

Compliments Decision: Exhortations To Fear of God: Reverence Haran: Also Called Charran: Idolatry In Idolatry: The Jews: Practised, in Egypt Obedience: Enjoined Religious Zeal: Exemplified Shechem: Joshua Assembled the Tribes of Israel At Sincerity: should Characterise: Our Service to God Sincerity: should Characterize: Our Service Toward God Truth: Saints should Serve God In Truth: Serve God In