Joshua 24:15

KJV

¶ And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that [were] on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.

KJV (with Strong's)

And if it seem evil {H7489} unto you {H4310} to serve {H5647} the LORD {H3068}, choose {H977} you this day {H3117} whom {H5869} ye will serve {H5647}; whether the gods {H430} which your fathers {H1} served {H5647} that were on the other side {H5676} of the flood {H5104}, or the gods {H430} of the Amorites {H567}, in whose land {H776} ye dwell {H3427}: but as for me and my house {H1004}, we will serve {H5647} the LORD {H3068}.

Complete Jewish Bible

If it seems bad to you to serve ADONAI, then choose today whom you are going to serve! Will it be the gods your ancestors served beyond the River? or the gods of the Emori, in whose land you are living? As for me and my household, we will serve ADONAI!"

Berean Standard Bible

But 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!”

American Standard Version

And if it seem evil unto you to serve Jehovah, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve Jehovah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Joshua 24:15 stands as a profound and enduring declaration, capturing the essence of covenant faithfulness at a critical juncture in Israel's history. Delivered by Joshua as his farewell address, this verse presents the Israelites with an unequivocal choice between serving the Lord, who had faithfully delivered them, or reverting to the idolatry of their ancestors or the gods of the surrounding Canaanite nations. Joshua's personal and resolute commitment, "but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD," serves as a powerful model of leadership and unwavering devotion, challenging all who hear to make a similar, conscious decision for exclusive allegiance to the one true God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Joshua 24:15 is the climactic statement within Joshua's farewell address to the assembled tribes of Israel at Shechem, a significant covenant renewal site. The preceding verses (Joshua 24:1-13) recount the Lord's faithful acts from Abraham's call through the Exodus, the wilderness wanderings, and the conquest of Canaan, emphasizing God's unilateral grace and provision. This historical prologue sets the stage for Joshua's challenge, reminding the people of their covenant obligations in light of God's unwavering faithfulness. The choice presented in verse 15 is not hypothetical but a direct, urgent call for a renewed commitment to the covenant, anticipating the people's response and their subsequent reaffirmation of their allegiance to the Lord in [Joshua 24:16-28](/joshua/24-16-28 "Joshua 24:16-28 - Israel's Covenant Renewal").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is Shechem, a place with deep historical significance for Israel, where Abraham first built an altar upon entering Canaan ([Genesis 12:6-7](/genesis/12-6-7 "Genesis 12:6-7 - Abraham Builds an Altar at Shechem")) and where Jacob buried foreign gods ([Genesis 35:2-4](/genesis/35-2-4 "Genesis 35:2-4 - Jacob Buries Idols at Shechem")). At this point, Israel has largely completed the conquest of the Promised Land and is transitioning into a settled existence. The challenge to "choose this day" reflects the pervasive temptation of syncretism—the blending of Yahwism with the polytheistic practices of the Canaanite inhabitants, particularly the Amorites, whose land Israel now occupied. The "gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood" refers to the idolatrous practices of Abraham's ancestors in Mesopotamia, specifically Ur of the Chaldeans, before God called Abraham to monotheism ([Genesis 11:31](/genesis/11-31 "Genesis 11:31 - Terah Takes Abram to Haran")). This highlights the constant tension between past idolatry, present temptation, and future fidelity.
* **Key Themes:** This pivotal verse encapsulates several foundational themes central to the book of Joshua and the broader Old Testament narrative. Firstly, it underscores the **imperative of choice and personal responsibility** in covenant relationship; serving the Lord is not an inherited status but a deliberate, active decision. Secondly, it emphasizes **exclusive devotion and uncompromising monotheism**, demanding total allegiance to Yahweh and rejecting any form of syncretism or divided loyalties, a principle foundational to the [First Commandment in Exodus 20:3](/exodus/20-3 "Exodus 20:3 - The First Commandment"). Thirdly, Joshua's declaration, "but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD," powerfully illustrates **leadership by example**, demonstrating that true spiritual leadership begins with one's own household and sets a standard for the community. Finally, the verse serves as a call for **covenant renewal**, urging the Israelites to move beyond mere tradition to a fresh, personal, and corporate commitment to the God who had faithfully brought them into their inheritance.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Serve (Hebrew, _ʿābad_):** This verb carries a rich semantic range, encompassing not merely passive worship but active labor, obedience, and devotion. It implies a master-servant relationship where the servant's entire life and actions are dedicated to the master's will. Thus, "to serve the LORD" means to live in active obedience, perform duties, and render worship, signifying a life wholly devoted to God's purposes and commands, as outlined in the covenant.
* **Choose (Hebrew, _bāḥar_):** This word denotes a deliberate, decisive act of selection or preference. It is not a passive or accidental decision but an intentional, conscious choice between distinct options. Joshua's use of this imperative emphasizes that allegiance to the Lord requires a volitional act, a personal commitment that cannot be inherited or assumed. The people are called to a decisive moment of accountability.
* **House (Hebrew, _bayit_):** While literally meaning a physical dwelling, in this context, _bayit_ extends to signify the entire household—family, descendants, and all those under the authority of the head of the family. Joshua's declaration, "as for me and my house," therefore encompasses his personal commitment as well as his responsibility to lead and influence his entire family unit in their spiritual devotion. It highlights the patriarchal structure of Israelite society and the spiritual responsibility inherent in family leadership.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD":** This opening clause presents a rhetorical challenge, acknowledging the potential for reluctance or perceived difficulty in serving Yahweh exclusively. Joshua is not suggesting that serving the Lord *is* evil, but rather that if the demands of such service (e.g., rejecting syncretism, adhering to the Law) are burdensome or undesirable in the eyes of the people, then they must confront that reality and make a choice. It forces introspection and exposes any wavering commitment.
* **"choose you this day whom ye will serve":** This is the direct, urgent imperative. The choice is immediate ("this day") and unavoidable. There is no middle ground or postponement. The options presented are mutually exclusive, demanding a clear and unambiguous decision regarding ultimate allegiance.
* **"whether the gods which your fathers served that [were] on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell":** Joshua articulates the two primary alternatives to serving the Lord. "Gods... on the other side of the flood" refers to the pagan deities worshipped by Abraham's ancestors in Mesopotamia, representing a return to their idolatrous past. "Gods of the Amorites" refers to the Canaanite deities (like Baal and Asherah) worshipped by the indigenous peoples of the land, representing the immediate, pervasive cultural temptation to syncretism. This stark contrast highlights the ever-present danger of both ancestral and contemporary idolatry.
* **"but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD":** This is Joshua's powerful, personal, and public declaration. The emphatic "but as for me" (וַאֲנִי, _waʾănî_) sets his unwavering commitment in stark contrast to any potential wavering among the people. His resolve extends beyond himself to his entire household, demonstrating spiritual leadership and a commitment to familial discipleship. This statement serves as both an example and an exhortation, urging the people to follow his lead.

#### Literary Devices
Joshua 24:15 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its powerful message. The most prominent is **Antithesis**, sharply contrasting the service of the Lord with the service of pagan gods (both ancestral and contemporary). This creates a stark, non-negotiable choice, emphasizing the exclusivity of Yahweh's claim. The phrase "if it seem evil unto you" functions as a **Rhetorical Challenge**, not a genuine question, designed to provoke self-examination and expose any underlying disloyalty or reluctance. Joshua's concluding statement, "but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD," is a potent **Personal Declaration** or **Testimony**, serving as a model of unwavering commitment and leadership by example. The entire verse, in its structure of presenting options followed by a personal resolution, functions as a powerful **Exhortation**, urging the audience to emulate the speaker's decisive faith.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Joshua 24:15 is a profound theological statement on the nature of covenant relationship, emphasizing that divine grace demands human response. God's faithfulness, recounted in the preceding verses, necessitates a reciprocal commitment from His people. This verse underscores the constant tension between exclusive monotheism and the ever-present temptation of idolatry, whether from past traditions or contemporary cultural pressures. It highlights the concept of free will within the framework of divine sovereignty, demonstrating that while God is sovereign, He calls His people to make a conscious, volitional choice to obey and serve Him. This choice is not merely intellectual assent but a comprehensive dedication of one's life and household, reflecting the holistic nature of biblical faith.

* [Deuteronomy 30:19-20](/deuteronomy/30-19-20 "Deuteronomy 30:19-20 - Choose Life")
* [1 Kings 18:21](/1_kings/18-21 "1 Kings 18:21 - Elijah's Challenge on Mount Carmel")
* [Matthew 6:24](/matthew/6-24 "Matthew 6:24 - No One Can Serve Two Masters")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Joshua 24:15 transcends its ancient context to offer a timeless challenge to believers today. In a world saturated with competing loyalties, ideologies, and distractions, this verse calls for a clear, conscious, and continuous decision to serve the Lord alone. It compels us to examine our own lives and identify any "gods"—whether they be materialism, career, comfort, self-image, or even good causes—that might subtly compete for the ultimate devotion due to God. Just as Joshua committed his "house," this verse also places a profound emphasis on the spiritual leadership within families, urging parents and heads of households to intentionally cultivate an environment where faith in God is prioritized, modeled, and taught. Our faith is not merely a private conviction but a public declaration that influences our choices, our families, and our engagement with the surrounding culture, requiring a daily renewal of our commitment to live for Christ.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "gods" or competing loyalties in my life, subtle or overt, might be vying for the exclusive service due to the Lord?**
* **How am I actively demonstrating and leading my "house" (family, household) in serving the Lord, both through my words and my actions?**
* **Considering the urgency of "choose you this day," what specific, immediate decision or commitment does God call me to make today to deepen my service to Him?**
* **In what ways do I allow cultural norms or past traditions to dilute my exclusive devotion to Christ, and how can I intentionally stand against them?**

### FAQ

**Why did Joshua offer the Israelites a choice if serving the Lord was already commanded by the covenant?**

Answer: Joshua's challenge was not an invitation to disregard the covenant, but rather a call to genuine, heartfelt commitment rather than mere external conformity. The Israelites were already under covenant obligation, but Joshua recognized the human tendency towards spiritual apathy or syncretism. By forcing them to articulate their choice, he sought to elicit a volitional, personal, and public renewal of their allegiance. It was a test of their sincerity, ensuring their service to the Lord stemmed from conviction, not coercion or tradition. This echoes the principle that true faith requires a conscious decision, as seen throughout the biblical narrative, such as in [Deuteronomy 30:19](/deuteronomy/30-19 "Deuteronomy 30:19 - Choose Life").

**Who were the "gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood"?**

Answer: This refers to the pagan deities worshipped by Abraham's ancestors in Mesopotamia, specifically in Ur of the Chaldeans, from which Abraham was called by God. Before God revealed Himself to Abraham, his family, including his father Terah, served other gods ([Genesis 11:31](/genesis/11-31 "Genesis 11:31 - Terah Takes Abram to Haran") and [Joshua 24:2](/joshua/24-2 "Joshua 24:2 - Terah Served Other Gods")). Joshua's mention of these gods serves to remind the Israelites of their idolatrous origins and the radical break God initiated through Abraham, emphasizing that their identity as God's people was founded on His exclusive worship.

**What does "as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD" imply for modern believers and families?**

Answer: Joshua's declaration highlights the spiritual responsibility of individuals, particularly those in leadership roles within their families. For modern believers, it implies that personal faith is not isolated but should extend to and influence the entire household. This means intentionally fostering a spiritual environment through teaching, modeling, and prioritizing devotion to God. It calls for parents and heads of households to lead by example, making conscious choices that reflect their commitment to Christ, and actively discipling those within their care. It underscores that the home is a primary sphere for spiritual formation and a bulwark against worldly influences, as encouraged in passages like [Deuteronomy 6:6-7](/deuteronomy/6-6-7 "Deuteronomy 6:6-7 - Teach Your Children Diligently").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Joshua 24:15, with its stark call to choose whom to serve, finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in Jesus Christ. Joshua, whose name (Yeshua) is the same as Jesus, foreshadows the greater Joshua who leads His people into a far richer inheritance—eternal life in the Kingdom of God. The choice presented by Joshua was between false gods and the true God of Israel; in the New Covenant, this choice is distilled into a decision for or against Christ. Jesus Himself declared, "[No one can serve two masters](/matthew/6-24 "Matthew 6:24 - No One Can Serve Two Masters")," echoing Joshua's demand for exclusive devotion. The "service" to the Lord that Joshua called for is perfectly embodied and enabled by Christ, who is not only the object of our worship but also empowers us to live a life of obedience and devotion through the Holy Spirit ([Romans 12:1-2](/romans/12-1-2 "Romans 12:1-2 - Present Your Bodies as a Living Sacrifice")). Joshua's personal commitment, "as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD," finds its supreme expression in Christ's unwavering obedience to the Father, even to death on a cross ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience to Death")). The "gods" of our past or present culture are exposed as empty idols in the light of Christ, who is "[the way, the truth, and the life](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus is the Way, Truth, and Life")," the only path to the Father. Thus, Joshua's ancient challenge becomes a clarion call to embrace Christ as Lord, to forsake all competing allegiances, and to live a life wholly devoted to Him, both personally and within our households, as a testament to His saving grace and transforming power ([Colossians 3:17](/colossians/3-17 "Colossians 3:17 - Do Everything in the Name of the Lord Jesus")).

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 Kings 18:21

¶ And Elijah came unto all the people, and said, How long halt ye between two opinions? if the LORD [be] God, follow him: but if Baal, [then] follow him. And the people answered him not a word.

John 6:67

Then said Jesus unto the twelve, Will ye also go away?

John 6:68

Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life.

Ruth 1:15

And she said, Behold, thy sister in law is gone back unto her people, and unto her gods: return thou after thy sister in law.

Ruth 1:16

And Ruth said, Intreat me not to leave thee, [or] to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people [shall be] my people, and thy God my God:

Deuteronomy 29:18

Lest there should be among you man, or woman, or family, or tribe, whose heart turneth away this day from the LORD our God, to go [and] serve the gods of these nations; lest there should be among you a root that beareth gall and wormwood;

Ezekiel 20:39

As for you, O house of Israel, thus saith the Lord GOD; Go ye, serve ye every one his idols, and hereafter [also], if ye will not hearken unto me: but pollute ye my holy name no more with your gifts, and with your idols.