“And Joshua said unto the people, 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.”
Context:Joshua 24 is a significant chapter in the book of Joshua, as it marks the conclusion of Joshua’s leadership and his final address to the Israelites before his death. He gathered all the tribes of Israel at Shechem and recounted God’s faithfulness throughout their history, emphasizing the importance of serving and worshiping God alone.
Joshua’s Statement:In verse 19, Joshua addresses the people and tells them that they cannot serve the Lord. This statement might seem confusing or contradictory at first glance, but it serves as a call to sincere commitment and obedience. Joshua wants the people to understand the seriousness of their commitment to God and the challenges they will face in remaining faithful.
God’s Holiness:Joshua describes the Lord as a holy God. Holiness refers to God’s absolute moral perfection, His separation from sin, and His divine nature. By highlighting God’s holiness, Joshua emphasizes that God deserves exclusive worship and devotion. As a holy God, He demands righteousness and purity from His people.
God’s Jealousy:Joshua also declares that God is a jealous God. This does not imply a petty or sinful jealousy but rather an intense desire for exclusive loyalty and devotion from His people. God’s jealousy stems from His love and concern for His people’s spiritual well-being. He desires that they worship Him alone, avoiding idolatry and any other false gods.
God’s Justice:Joshua adds that God will not forgive their transgressions nor their sins. This statement underscores the seriousness of sin and the importance of repentance and obedience. It does not mean that God is unwilling to forgive, but rather it emphasizes that forgiveness is contingent upon sincere repentance and a turning away from sin.
Application:Joshua’s words challenge us to examine our own commitment to God. Like the Israelites, we are called to serve a holy and jealous God. We must prioritise Him above all else, avoiding the worship of idols or the pursuit of worldly desires. God’s holiness demands our reverence, and His jealousy calls for our exclusive devotion. We should take sin seriously and strive for repentance and obedience, knowing that God forgives those who genuinely seek His forgiveness.
