Joshua 24:23
Now therefore put away, said he, the strange gods which are among you, and incline your heart unto the LORD God of Israel.
Original Language Analysis
וְעַתָּ֕ה
H6258
הָסִ֛ירוּ
Now therefore put away
H5493
הָסִ֛ירוּ
Now therefore put away
Strong's:
H5493
Word #:
2 of 14
to turn off (literally or figuratively)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
3 of 14
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
אֱלֹהֵ֥י
God
H430
אֱלֹהֵ֥י
God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
4 of 14
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
הַנֵּכָ֖ר
said he the strange
H5236
הַנֵּכָ֖ר
said he the strange
Strong's:
H5236
Word #:
5 of 14
foreign, or (concretely) a foreigner, or (abstractly) heathendom
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
6 of 14
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
בְּקִרְבְּכֶ֑ם
which are among
H7130
בְּקִרְבְּכֶ֑ם
which are among
Strong's:
H7130
Word #:
7 of 14
properly, the nearest part, i.e., the center, whether literal, figurative or adverbial (especially with preposition)
וְהַטּוּ֙
you and incline
H5186
וְהַטּוּ֙
you and incline
Strong's:
H5186
Word #:
8 of 14
to stretch or spread out; by implication, to bend away (including moral deflection); used in a great variety of application (as follows)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
9 of 14
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
יְהוָ֖ה
unto the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֖ה
unto the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
12 of 14
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
Historical Context
This challenging response follows the people's confident assertion 'we will serve the LORD' (verse 21). Joshua's counter-challenge ('ye cannot') probes whether they understand the cost and commitment required. His concern proved justified—later generations repeatedly apostasized despite this covenant renewal (Judges). The pattern shows that verbal commitment without heart reality produces temporary enthusiasm followed by drift. True conversion withstands testing and proves genuine through perseverance.
Questions for Reflection
- How does understanding God's holiness and jealousy challenge casual or superficial commitment?
- What tests reveal whether your covenant commitment is genuine or merely emotional profession?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Joshua's response to the people's commitment—'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'—seems to discourage commitment but actually challenges superficial profession. The emphasis on God's holiness and jealousy shows that serving Him requires total devotion, not casual religiosity. The statement about not forgiving emphasizes that presuming on mercy while continuing in sin brings judgment. This tests the depth of commitment versus mere emotional response.