OliveGrove
Pressing the Word of God for Deeper Understanding.
Joshua 24:14-18

Choose Whom You Will Serve

Joshua and the people pledge to serve the Lord who delivered them.

Study this passageView chapter

Joshua 24:14-18 (BSB)

14Now, therefore, fear the LORD and serve Him in sincerity and truth; cast aside the gods your fathers served beyond the Euphrates and in Egypt, and serve the LORD.

15But if it is unpleasing in your sight to serve the LORD, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you are living. As for me and my house, we will serve the LORD!”

16The people replied, “Far be it from us to forsake the LORD to serve other gods!

17For the LORD our God brought us and our fathers out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery, and performed these great signs before our eyes. He also protected us throughout our journey and among all the nations through which we traveled.

18And 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!”

What is the big idea of Joshua 24:14-18?

Joshua and the people pledge to serve the Lord who delivered them.

Understanding the Big Idea

Joshua calls Israel to fear and serve the Lord rather than inherited foreign gods; the people answer by recalling deliverance and choosing him. Their pledge responds to God's narrated deeds.

How does Joshua 24:14-18 point to Christ?

Joshua's call addresses Israel's covenant worship, not an isolated formula by which modern readers earn redemption. The Christian gospel proclaims Jesus' death for sins and resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:3-4); grace through faith receives salvation (Ephesians 2:8-10). Exclusive allegiance to God is a fitting response, not a replacement for that saving news.

Authorial Intent

On the basis of the Lord's acts, Joshua calls Israel to put away other gods and serve the Lord sincerely; he declares his household's allegiance, and the people answer with their own confession.

Questions for Reflection

  1. What does 'therefore' connect?
  2. Which rival gods are named?
  3. What does Joshua say for his household?
  4. Which past acts does the people cite?
  5. Why is the following warning necessary after their affirmation?
  6. What changes from Put away rival gods and serve to People recall deliverance and answer?
  7. How does Choose Whom You Will Serve relate to its surrounding literary context?
  8. Why should do not detach 'choose this day' from the lord's preceding actions or the rejection of named rival gods.

Literary Context

Joshua 24:1-13 precedes Choose Whom You Will Serve; Joshua 24:19-24 follows it. Choose Whom You Will Serve serves Joshua’s continuing narrative.

Historical Context

The same Shechem assembly now hears Joshua's imperative after the Lord's first-person history. The offered alternatives are named foreign gods associated with ancestors, Egypt, and current land.

Chapter: Joshua 24

Covenant Renewal at Shechem and the Death of Joshua

Because the LORD alone has redeemed, preserved, and given inheritance to His people, He alone must be feared, loved, served, and worshiped with undivided allegiance.