“Now therefore put away, said he, the strange gods which are among you, and incline your heart unto the LORD God of Israel.”
Historical Context: The book of Joshua recounts the Israelites’ conquest of the Promised Land under Joshua’s leadership. In Joshua 24, Joshua gathers the tribes of Israel at Shechem to renew their covenant with God before his impending death. He reminds them of God’s faithfulness, reviews their history, and calls upon them to choose whom they will serve.
Joshua’s Exhortation: In verse 23, Joshua addresses the people and delivers a crucial exhortation. He instructs them to “put away the strange gods which are among you.” This command implies that some Israelites were still clinging to idols and false gods, despite their covenant relationship with the one true God, Yahweh.
The Nature of Strange Gods: “Strange gods” refers to idols or deities worshiped by other nations. Throughout their history, the Israelites struggled with idolatry, often adopting the practices and beliefs of the surrounding cultures. These foreign gods were considered “strange” because they were not the God of Israel, who had revealed Himself to the nation.
Exclusive Devotion to Yahweh: Joshua’s call to “put away” the strange gods emphasizes the need for exclusive devotion to the Lord God of Israel. The Israelites were to remove anything that competed with or diluted their commitment to Yahweh. God demands complete loyalty and prohibits the worship of other gods (Exodus 20:3-6).
Inclining the Heart: Joshua goes on to exhort the people to “incline your heart unto the LORD God of Israel.” This phrase speaks of the inner disposition of the heart, indicating a sincere, wholehearted devotion to God. It involves focusing one’s affections, thoughts, and allegiance on God alone.
Application for Today: Joshua’s words hold significance for us today. We may not worship literal idols, but we can have “strange gods” in our lives-anything that takes precedence over our relationship with God. It could be material possessions, worldly ambitions, or even our own desires. Joshua’s exhortation challenges us to examine our hearts, identify the “strange gods” in our lives, and remove them. We are called to wholeheartedly devote ourselves to God, aligning our thoughts, desires, and actions with His will.
The Covenant Renewal: Following Joshua’s exhortation, the people respond by affirming their commitment to the Lord (Joshua 24:24-28). They reestablish the covenant, acknowledging Yahweh as their God and committing to serve Him faithfully. This covenant renewal serves as a reminder of the Israelites’ responsibility to uphold their end of the covenant and serve the Lord wholeheartedly.
In summary, Joshua 24:23 highlights the need for the Israelites to put away their strange gods and devote themselves fully to the Lord. The verse reminds us of the importance of identifying and removing anything that competes with our relationship with God, and it calls us to wholeheartedly incline our hearts towards Him. It serves as a timeless exhortation to prioritize our commitment to God and reaffirm our covenant relationship with Him.
