Keraia
Joshua 24

Joshua 24:15

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

Translations

Modern
But if it is unpleasing in your sight to serve the LORD, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you are living. As for me and my house, we will serve the LORD!”
Traditional
And if it seem evil unto you to serve the Lord, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.
Literal
And if it seems evil in your eyes to serve YHWH, choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods that your fathers served that were on the other side of the River, or the gods of the Amorite, in whose land you are dwelling. And I and my house, we will serve YHWH!”
Latin
Sin autem malum vobis videtur ut Domino serviatis, optio vobis datur: eligite hodie quod placet, cui servire potissimum debeatis: utrum diis, quibus servierunt patres vestri in Mesopotamia, an diis Amorrhæorum, in quorum terra habitatis: ego autem et domus mea serviemus Domino.

Original

Hebrew
English
But if it is unpleasing in your sight to serve the LORD, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you are living. As for me and my house, we will serve the LORD!”

Notes

Joshua 24:15

Joshua used his influential leadership and achievements to support his declaration to serve the Lord.

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

People

Amorites: Canaanite people group, enemies of Israel

Places

Euphrates: Major river in ancient Near East; boundary of Promised Land

Glossary

Amorites Covenant Gods and Goddesses Joshua (Person) Joshua, Book of Judges, Book of King Rest Shechem (Place) Tribe of Dan

Topics

All Christians should be As Missionaries in Dedicating Themselves to the Service of God Ancestral Worship Being a Good Father Choice: The Sinner's Compliments Contingencies in Divine Government of Man Decision: Exhortations To Decision: General Scriptures Concerning Decision: Joshua Devotedness to God: Joshua Families: Good: Joshua Family Relationships Family: Good: Joshua Family: Religion of The Fidelity Free Will Good and Evil: Exhortation to Choose Between Making Choices Making Decisions Masters: Good: Joshua Masters: Should, with Their Households: Serve God Obedience: Enjoined Religious Zeal: Exemplified Religious Zeal: General Scriptures Concerning Serving Serving Other Gods Serving the Lord Shechem: Joshua Assembled the Tribes of Israel At Social and Family Prayer: Joshua Steadfastness: Joshua The Amorites: Character of Idolatrous