Joshua 24:14

KJV

Now therefore fear the LORD, and serve him in sincerity and in truth: and put away the gods which your fathers served on the other side of the flood, and in Egypt; and serve ye the LORD.

KJV (with Strong's)

Now therefore fear {H3372} the LORD {H3068}, and serve {H5647} him in sincerity {H8549} and in truth {H571}: and put away {H5493} the gods {H430} which your fathers {H1} served {H5647} on the other side {H5676} of the flood {H5104}, and in Egypt {H4714}; and serve {H5647} ye the LORD {H3068}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"Therefore fear ADONAI, and serve him truly and sincerely. Put away the gods your ancestors served beyond the [Euphrates]River and in Egypt, and serve ADONAI!

Berean Standard Bible

Now, 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.

American Standard Version

Now therefore fear Jehovah, and serve him in sincerity and in truth; and put away the gods which your fathers served beyond the River, and in Egypt; and serve ye Jehovah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Joshua 24:14 stands as a pivotal command within Joshua's farewell address to the assembled tribes of Israel at Shechem. Following a powerful recounting of God's mighty acts of deliverance and provision, this verse serves as a direct and urgent exhortation for the Israelites to respond with exclusive loyalty and wholehearted devotion to the LORD, demanding a clear break from any lingering idolatrous practices inherited from their past or present surroundings. It encapsulates the essence of their covenant relationship, calling for a radical commitment to serve God alone with integrity and faithfulness.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated at the climax of Joshua's final, poignant address to the people of Israel at Shechem, a significant covenant renewal site. Having meticulously recounted God's faithful and miraculous deeds from the call of Abraham (Genesis 12) through the Exodus, the wilderness wanderings, and the successful conquest and settlement of Canaan, Joshua presents the people with a stark, non-negotiable choice. The preceding verses (Joshua 24:2-13) detail the LORD's unwavering commitment to His covenant people, setting the stage for Joshua's challenge to Israel to reciprocate that faithfulness. This verse directly precedes Joshua's famous declaration in [Joshua 24:15](/joshua/24-15 "Joshua 24:15 - Joshua's Declaration of Faith"), where he states his own unwavering commitment, thereby intensifying the call for the people to make their own decision. The entire chapter functions as a solemn covenant ceremony, echoing the foundational covenant at Sinai.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Israelites had largely settled in the Promised Land, but they were surrounded by Canaanite cultures steeped in polytheism and idolatry. Furthermore, the command to "put away the gods which your fathers served on the other side of the flood, and in Egypt" reveals that ancestral pagan practices, originating from Mesopotamia (Ur of the Chaldees, beyond the Euphrates River, hence "the flood") and the recent memory of Egyptian deities, still posed a significant threat to Israel's monotheistic identity. The covenant established at Mount Sinai (see [Exodus 19](/exodus/19 "Exodus 19 - The Covenant at Sinai") and [Exodus 20](/exodus/20 "Exodus 20 - The Ten Commandments")) explicitly forbade idolatry, making this command a reiteration and enforcement of the foundational principles of their national and spiritual identity. Shechem itself held historical significance as a place where Abraham built an altar (Genesis 12:6-7) and Jacob purified his household of idols (Genesis 35:2-4), making it a fitting location for this renewed covenant commitment.
* **Key Themes:** Joshua 24:14 powerfully articulates several core themes central to the book of Joshua and the broader Old Testament narrative. Foremost is the theme of **covenant faithfulness**, emphasizing that God's unwavering loyalty demands an equally unwavering response from His people. The phrase "fear the LORD" introduces the theme of **reverence and obedience**, not as terror, but as a profound awe that leads to submission to God's will, a concept foundational to wisdom (as seen in [Proverbs 1:7](/proverbs/1-7 "Proverbs 1:7 - The Fear of the LORD is the Beginning of Knowledge")). The call to "serve him in sincerity and in truth" highlights the theme of **wholehearted devotion and integrity**, demanding worship that is genuine and free from hypocrisy or divided loyalties, echoing the command to love God with all one's being (e.g., [Deuteronomy 6:5](/deuteronomy/6-5 "Deuteronomy 6:5 - The Great Commandment")). Finally, the explicit command to "put away the gods" underscores the crucial theme of **exclusive worship and the rejection of idolatry**, asserting God's sole claim to Israel's allegiance and warning against the pervasive danger of syncretism.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Fear (Hebrew, _yare'_):** This word, often translated as "fear," carries a much richer meaning than mere terror. In this context, it signifies a profound reverence, awe, and respect for God's power, holiness, and covenant faithfulness. This "fear" is the appropriate response to God's majesty and grace, leading to humble submission, obedience, and worship rather than cowering dread. It implies acknowledging God's absolute sovereignty and authority over one's life.
* **Sincerity (Hebrew, _tamim'_):** Derived from a root meaning "complete" or "whole," _tamim_ conveys the idea of integrity, blamelessness, and wholeness of heart. When applied to serving God, it denotes a devotion that is undivided, genuine, and free from hypocrisy or duplicity. It speaks to an inner purity of motive and an unreserved commitment, not merely outward conformity to religious rituals.
* **Truth (Hebrew, _'emeth'_):** This term signifies faithfulness, reliability, steadfastness, and certainty. Serving God "in truth" means doing so with unwavering loyalty, consistency, and adherence to His revealed will. It implies a relationship built on trust and authenticity, where one's actions align with one's stated commitment to God. Together with "sincerity," it describes a worship that is both internally pure and externally consistent.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Now therefore fear the LORD,"**: This phrase serves as a logical conclusion ("Now therefore") to Joshua's preceding historical recount of God's mighty acts on behalf of Israel. The imperative "fear the LORD" is the foundational command, calling for a response of profound reverence and awe towards the God who has proven Himself utterly faithful and powerful. This fear is the wellspring of true obedience and worship.
* **"and serve him in sincerity and in truth:"**: This clause specifies the *manner* in which the LORD is to be served. It demands a service that is not superficial or external, but deeply rooted in the heart ("sincerity") and consistently demonstrated through faithful actions and unwavering loyalty ("truth"). It is a call for genuine, wholehearted devotion, free from any pretense or divided allegiance.
* **"and put away the gods which your fathers served on the other side of the flood, and in Egypt;"**: This is a direct negative command, requiring the renunciation of all forms of idolatry. "The other side of the flood" refers to Mesopotamia (specifically Ur of the Chaldees, from which Abraham originated), indicating the ancestral paganism that Israel's forefathers practiced. "And in Egypt" points to the polytheistic worship of the Egyptian pantheon, which the Israelites had been exposed to during their long bondage. This command is a radical call to purification and a complete break from all past and present pagan influences.
* **"and serve ye the LORD."**: This concluding imperative repeats and reinforces the central command of the verse, providing a clear, concise summary of the demand. It emphasizes the absolute exclusivity of Israel's devotion: they are to serve the LORD and no other god. This repetition underscores the critical importance of monotheism and undivided loyalty for the covenant people.

#### Literary Devices
Joshua 24:14 employs several potent literary devices to convey its urgent message. The most prominent is the **Imperative Mood**, as seen in the series of direct commands: "fear," "serve," "put away," and "serve." This creates a sense of immediate obligation and underscores the non-negotiable nature of the choice presented to Israel. **Repetition** is also key, particularly the reiteration of "serve ye the LORD" at the beginning and end of the positive commands. This emphatic repetition highlights the core demand for exclusive allegiance and reinforces its centrality to Israel's covenant identity. A clear **Contrast** is drawn between serving the one true God ("the LORD") and serving "the gods which your fathers served," sharply delineating the two paths available to the people. This stark juxtaposition forces a decision. Furthermore, the verse functions as a powerful **Rhetorical Appeal**, building on Joshua's preceding historical recount of God's faithfulness (Joshua 24:2-13) to elicit a grateful and obedient response from the people. The historical narrative provides the compelling reason for the commands that follow.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Joshua 24:14 encapsulates a foundational theological truth: God's nature as a jealous God who demands exclusive worship and undivided loyalty from His people. Having delivered Israel from bondage and established them in the Promised Land, the LORD rightfully expects a response of wholehearted devotion. This verse highlights the bilateral nature of the covenant—God's faithfulness requires human faithfulness in return. It underscores the perpetual struggle against idolatry, both overt (worshipping other deities) and subtle (allowing anything else to take God's rightful place in one's heart). The call to "sincerity and truth" emphasizes that true worship is not merely external ritual but an internal disposition of integrity and genuine commitment, reflecting the very character of God Himself, who is faithful and true.

* [Deuteronomy 6:5](/deuteronomy/6-5 "Deuteronomy 6:5 - The Great Commandment")
* [Exodus 20:3](/exodus/20-3 "Exodus 20:3 - The First Commandment")
* [1 Samuel 7:3](/1_samuel/7-3 "1 Samuel 7:3 - Samuel's Call to Repentance")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Joshua 24:14 remains profoundly relevant for believers today, serving as a timeless call to radical, exclusive devotion to God. In a world saturated with competing loyalties and distractions, we are continually challenged to "put away" the "gods" that vie for our attention and affection. These modern idols may not be physical statues, but rather materialism, career success, social media validation, comfort, self-reliance, or even good causes that subtly displace God from the center of our lives. The command to "fear the LORD" calls us to cultivate a reverent awe for God's holiness and sovereignty, which naturally leads to obedience and a desire to please Him above all else. Serving Him "in sincerity and in truth" means living a life of integrity, where our faith is not merely a Sunday morning ritual but permeates every thought, word, and deed. It demands an honest self-assessment of our priorities and a willingness to surrender anything that compromises our undivided allegiance to Christ. This verse reminds us that genuine faith is not passive but an active, ongoing choice to honor and serve God alone, in every sphere of our existence.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "gods" or idols, subtle or overt, might be competing for your ultimate loyalty and devotion in your life today?**
* **How does your understanding of "fearing the LORD" impact your daily choices and attitudes?**
* **In what practical ways can you "serve him in sincerity and in truth" in your relationships, work, and personal disciplines?**
* **What specific steps can you take to "put away" anything that hinders your exclusive devotion to God?**

### FAQ
**What does "the other side of the flood" mean?**

Answer: "The other side of the flood" refers to the region beyond the Euphrates River, specifically Mesopotamia. This is the area from which Abraham's family originated, particularly Ur of the Chaldees (as mentioned in [Genesis 11:31](/genesis/11-31 "Genesis 11:31 - Terah's Journey from Ur")). Before God called Abraham, his ancestors, like many in that region, worshipped various pagan deities. Joshua is reminding the Israelites of their ancestral idolatry, alongside the more recent exposure to Egyptian gods, as practices they must definitively abandon.

**Is "fear the LORD" about being scared of God?**

Answer: While the Hebrew word _yare'_ can imply terror, in the context of "fear the LORD," it primarily signifies a profound sense of awe, reverence, and respect for God's majesty, power, holiness, and covenant faithfulness. It is an attitude of humble submission and adoration that leads to obedience and worship, rather than a cowering dread. This reverential fear is seen as the beginning of wisdom and knowledge (e.g., [Proverbs 9:10](/proverbs/9-10 "Proverbs 9:10 - The Fear of the LORD is the Beginning of Wisdom")). It acknowledges God's supreme authority and worthiness of our complete devotion.

**Why is "sincerity and truth" emphasized when serving God?**

Answer: The emphasis on "sincerity and truth" (Hebrew: _tamim_ and _'emeth'_) is crucial because it addresses the quality and authenticity of one's worship and service. "Sincerity" calls for wholeness and integrity of heart, meaning that one's devotion should be undivided and genuine, free from hypocrisy or hidden motives. "Truth" calls for faithfulness and reliability, implying that one's actions and life should consistently reflect their stated commitment to God. Together, these terms demand a worship that is not merely external ritual or lip service, but a deep, internal, and consistent commitment that pervades all aspects of life. It distinguishes true devotion from superficial or convenient religiosity.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Joshua 24:14, with its urgent call for exclusive loyalty and wholehearted service to the LORD, finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in Jesus Christ. While Joshua challenged Israel to put away idols and serve God under the Old Covenant, Jesus, as the perfect embodiment of God's will, perfectly "feared the LORD" in His earthly life, demonstrating ultimate reverence and obedience to the Father (e.g., [Hebrews 5:7-8](/hebrews/5-7 "Hebrews 5:7 - Christ's Obedience")). He is the one who perfectly served God "in sincerity and in truth," living a life utterly devoid of hypocrisy or divided allegiance. Indeed, Jesus Himself declared the impossibility of serving two masters, asserting that one cannot serve both God and money (or any other idol) (e.g., [Matthew 6:24](/matthew/6-24 "Matthew 6:24 - Serving Two Masters")). Through His atoning sacrifice, Christ not only cleanses us from the sin of idolatry but also empowers us by the Holy Spirit to genuinely "put away the gods" of our own hearts and serve the living God. The New Covenant, inaugurated by Christ's blood, is characterized by an inward transformation where God's law is written on our hearts (e.g., [Jeremiah 31:33](/jeremiah/31-33 "Jeremiah 31:33 - The New Covenant")), enabling us to offer the spiritual worship "in spirit and truth" that the Father seeks (e.g., [John 4:23-24](/john/4-23 "John 4:23 - Worship in Spirit and Truth")). Thus, Joshua's ancient command becomes a present reality for those who are in Christ, empowering them to live lives of undivided devotion to the One who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life (e.g., [John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

1 Samuel 12:24

Only fear the LORD, and serve him in truth with all your heart: for consider how great [things] he hath done for you.

Deuteronomy 10:12

¶ And now, Israel, what doth the LORD thy God require of thee, but to fear the LORD thy God, to walk in all his ways, and to love him, and to serve the LORD thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul,

Genesis 35:2

Then Jacob said unto his household, and to all that [were] with him, Put away the strange gods that [are] among you, and be clean, and change your garments:

2 Corinthians 1:12

¶ For our rejoicing is this, the testimony of our conscience, that in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom, but by the grace of God, we have had our conversation in the world, and more abundantly to you-ward.

Joshua 24:23

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

Psalms 119:1

¶ ALEPH. Blessed [are] the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the LORD.

John 4:23

But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him.