Joshua 24:18

Translations

Modern

And the LORD drove out before us all the nations, including the Amorites who lived in the land. We too will serve the LORD, because He is our God!”

Traditional

And the Lord drave out from before us all the people, even the Amorites which dwelt in the land: therefore will we also serve the Lord; for he is our God.

Literal

And YHWH drove out all the people, and the Amorite who dwelt in the land, from before us. We also will serve YHWH, for He is our God!”

Latin

Et ejecit universas gentes, Amorrhæum habitatorem terræ quam nos intravimus. Serviemus igitur Domino, quia ipse est Deus noster.

Original

Hebrew

English

And the LORD drove out before us all the nations, including the Amorites who lived in the land. We too will serve the LORD, because He is our God!”

Notes

Joshua 24:16–18

The people realized that God saved them, protected them, and drove out the Amorites.

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.

Theme notes and profiles

Joshua God’s Covenants Shechem The Broken Covenant

Related verses

Psalm 116:16
Truly, O LORD, I am Your servant; I am Your servant, the son of Your maidservant; You have broken my bonds.
Micah 4:2
And many nations will come and say: “Come, let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob. He will teach us His ways, so that we may walk in His paths.” For the law will go forth from Zion and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem.
Exodus 10:2
…and that you may tell your children and grandchildren how severely I dealt with the Egyptians when I performed miraculous signs among them, so that all of you may know that I am the LORD.”
Luke 1:73–75
…the oath He swore to our father Abraham, to grant us
Zechariah 8:23
This is what the LORD of Hosts says: “In those days ten men from the nations of every tongue will tightly grasp the robe of a Jew, saying, ‘Let us go with you, for we have heard that God is with you.’”
Exodus 15:2
The LORD is my strength and my song, and He has become my salvation. He is my God, and I will praise Him, my father’s God, and I will exalt Him.

Parallels

Deuteronomy 10:12–22

People

Amorites: Canaanite people group, enemies of Israel

Glossary

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

Topics

Choice: The Sinner's Decision: Joshua Shechem: Joshua Assembled the Tribes of Israel At

Joshua 24:18

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