Joshua 24:23

Authorized King James Version

Now therefore put away, said he, the strange gods which are among you, and incline your heart unto the LORD God of Israel.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְעַתָּ֕ה
at this time, whether adverb, conjunction or expletive
#2
הָסִ֛ירוּ
Now therefore put away
to turn off (literally or figuratively)
#3
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#4
אֱלֹהֵ֥י
God
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
#5
הַנֵּכָ֖ר
said he the strange
foreign, or (concretely) a foreigner, or (abstractly) heathendom
#6
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#7
בְּקִרְבְּכֶ֑ם
which are among
properly, the nearest part, i.e., the center, whether literal, figurative or adverbial (especially with preposition)
#8
וְהַטּוּ֙
you and incline
to stretch or spread out; by implication, to bend away (including moral deflection); used in a great variety of application (as follows)
#9
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#10
לְבַבְכֶ֔ם
your heart
the heart (as the most interior organ)
#11
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#12
יְהוָ֖ה
unto the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#13
אֱלֹהֵ֥י
God
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
#14
יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃
of Israel
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

Analysis

Within the broader context of Joshua, this passage highlights salvation through declarative statements that establish theological truth. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Joshua.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Joshua Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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