Keraia
Joshua 24

Joshua 24:19

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

Translations

Modern
But Joshua said to the people, “You are not able to serve the LORD, for He is a holy God; He is a jealous God; He will not forgive your rebellion or your sins.
Traditional
And Joshua said unto the people, Ye cannot serve the Lord: for he is an holy God; he is a jealous God; he will not forgive your transgressions nor your sins.
Literal
And Joshua said to the people, “You are not able to serve YHWH, for He is a holy God; He is a jealous God. He will not lift your transgressions and your sins.
Latin
Dixitque Josue ad populum: Non poteritis servire Domino: Deus enim sanctus et fortis æmulator est, nec ignoscet sceleribus vestris atque peccatis.

Original

Hebrew
English
But Joshua said to the people, “You are not able to serve the LORD, for He is a holy God; He is a jealous God; He will not forgive your rebellion or your sins.

Notes

Joshua 24:19

  • He is a holy God: See “God’s Absolute Holiness” Theme Note.

  • He is a jealous God: He created every human to have a relationship with him.

Joshua 24:19–24

Joshua challenged the Israelites from another perspective to show how serious their commitment needed to be. He wanted to make sure they were not responding only out of excitement in the moment.

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

Joshua: Moses' assistant who led Israel into Canaan LORD: Names or title used to refer to God

Glossary

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

Topics

Covenant of Man with God: Joshua Decision: Joshua God is Declared to Be: Jealous God: Holiness of God: Jealous God: Judge, and his Justice Shechem: Joshua Assembled the Tribes of Israel At The Holiness of God: Requires Holy Service