Keraia
Joshua 24

Joshua 24:23

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

Translations

Modern
“Now, therefore,” he said, “get rid of the foreign gods among you and incline your hearts to the LORD, the God of Israel.”
Traditional
Now therefore put away, said he, the strange gods which are among you, and incline your heart unto the Lord God of Israel.
Literal
“And now, put away the foreign gods that are among you and incline your heart to YHWH, God of Israel.”
Latin
Nunc ergo, ait, auferte deos alienos de medio vestri, et inclinate corda vestra ad Dominum Deum Israël.

Original

Hebrew
English
“Now, therefore,” he said, “get rid of the foreign gods among you and incline your hearts to the LORD, the God of Israel.”

Notes

Joshua 24:23

Some Israelites had continued to worship idols since they left Egypt and after experiencing 40 years of God’s love and power. Joshua directed them to destroy the idols and turn their hearts to the Lord to serve him alone.

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

Israel: Patriarch, son of Isaac, father of twelve tribes

Glossary

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

Topics

Backsliders: General Scriptures Concerning Covenant of Man with God: Joshua Decision: Israelites Decision: Joshua Idolatry: Incompatible with the Service of God Polytheism: General Scriptures Concerning Shechem: Joshua Assembled the Tribes of Israel At