Joshua 24:23 - Peter Pett's Commentary on the Bible

Bible Comments

Now therefore put away the foreign gods which are among you, and incline your hearts to YHWH, the God of Israel.”

The reply in Joshua 24:22 b had been an interjection. Now Joshua continued with his exhortation. In the course of their lives, and in the course of receiving spoils from captured Canaanite cities, many Israelites had accumulated mascots and amulets and suchlike, including possibly images of Baal and Ashtoreth, in which they possibly placed much faith for protection and ‘luck' without realising that it was derogatory to YHWH. Now he called on them to put them away (compare Genesis 35:2). The phrase ‘foreign gods' was very significant. Such things were foreign to those who were His people, to those who worshipped YHWH. They had no place in Israel where YHWH was supreme and unique and sole divinity.

“And incline your hearts to YHWH, the God of Israel.” All that they had looked to receive from their charms and amulets they must now look to Him to provide. Their response to Him and worship of Him must be total. Again there is the emphasis that Israel has no God but YHWH.

Joshua 24:23

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