Joshua 24:17

For the LORD our God, he [it is] that brought us up and our fathers out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage, and which did those great signs in our sight, and preserved us in all the way wherein we went, and among all the people through whom we passed:

For the LORD {H3068} our God {H430}, he it is that brought us up {H5927} and our fathers {H1} out of the land {H776} of Egypt {H4714}, from the house {H1004} of bondage {H5650}, and which did {H6213} those great {H1419} signs {H226} in our sight {H5869}, and preserved {H8104} us in all the way {H1870} wherein we went {H1980}, and among all the people {H5971} through {H7130} whom we passed {H5674}:

because it is ADONAI our God who brought us and our fathers up out of the land of Egypt, from a life of slavery, and did those great signs before our eyes, and preserved us all along the way we traveled and among all the peoples we passed through;

For the LORD our God brought us and our fathers out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery, and performed these great signs before our eyes. He also protected us throughout our journey and among all the nations through which we traveled.

for Jehovah our God, he it is that brought us and our fathers up out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage, and that did those great signs in our sight, and preserved us in all the way wherein we went, and among all the peoples through the midst of whom we passed;

Commentary

Joshua 24:17 is part of the Israelites' powerful declaration of allegiance to God, delivered in response to Joshua's final challenge at Shechem. This verse highlights their remembrance of God's mighty acts of deliverance and preservation, forming the foundation for their renewed covenant commitment.

Context

This verse is found within the closing chapters of the book of Joshua, specifically during Joshua's farewell address to the assembled tribes of Israel at Shechem. Having led them into the Promised Land and overseen its conquest, Joshua calls the people to a solemn covenant renewal ceremony. He recounts God's faithfulness from Abraham to their present day, emphasizing God's initiative in bringing them out of paganism and into a relationship with Him. Joshua then presents his famous challenge in Joshua 24:15: "choose you this day whom ye will serve." Verse 17 is part of the people's immediate and emphatic response, demonstrating their understanding of God's past actions as the basis for their present and future devotion.

Key Themes

  • Divine Deliverance: The verse prominently recalls the exodus from Egypt, the "house of bondage" (mi-bet avadim in Hebrew). This foundational event established God's identity as their Redeemer and solidified Israel's identity as His chosen people.
  • God's Miraculous Power: The phrase "did those great signs in our sight" refers to the powerful plagues upon Egypt, the parting of the Red Sea, and the miraculous provision in the wilderness. These were not hidden acts but clear, undeniable demonstrations of God's sovereignty and power.
  • Unwavering Preservation: The Lord "preserved us in all the way wherein we went, and among all the people through whom we passed." This highlights God's constant providence and protection throughout their forty years in the wilderness, safeguarding them from both natural dangers and hostile nations.
  • Covenant Faithfulness: The people's recitation of God's past acts underscores His unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises, serving as the bedrock for their renewed commitment to serve Him alone.

Linguistic Insights

The term "house of bondage" (Hebrew: ื‘ึตึผื™ืช ืขึฒื‘ึธื“ึดื™ื, bet avadim) is a powerful and frequently used biblical idiom to describe the severe oppression and slavery endured in Egypt. It emphasizes the complete subjugation from which God miraculously delivered them. The "great signs" (ืื•ึนืชื•ึนืช ื’ึฐึผื“ึนืœื•ึนืช, otot gedolot) refers to divine acts that served as clear indicators or proofs of God's presence and power, often carrying a judicial or revelatory purpose.

Significance and Application

Joshua 24:17 serves as a profound reminder that true commitment to God is often rooted in remembering His past faithfulness. For the Israelites, recalling God's mighty acts of deliverance, miraculous intervention, and constant preservation was the logical basis for their decision to serve Him. For believers today, this verse encourages:

  • Remembering God's Faithfulness: Just as Israel looked back, we are called to remember God's past interventions, provisions, and protection in our own lives and in the history of salvation, particularly His ultimate act of redemption through Jesus Christ.
  • Building Present Trust: Acknowledging God's unchanging character and past deeds strengthens our faith to trust Him with present challenges and future uncertainties. If He delivered then, He can deliver now.
  • Informing Our Choices: Our understanding of who God is and what He has done should profoundly influence our daily choices and commitments, leading us to worship and serve Him alone.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Exodus 19:4

    Ye have seen what I did unto the Egyptians, and [how] I bare you on eagles' wings, and brought you unto myself.

  • Deuteronomy 32:11

    As an eagle stirreth up her nest, fluttereth over her young, spreadeth abroad her wings, taketh them, beareth them on her wings:

  • Deuteronomy 32:12

    [So] the LORD alone did lead him, and [there was] no strange god with him.

  • Isaiah 46:4

    And [even] to [your] old age I [am] he; and [even] to hoar hairs will I carry [you]: I have made, and I will bear; even I will carry, and will deliver [you].

  • Isaiah 63:7

    ยถ I will mention the lovingkindnesses of the LORD, [and] the praises of the LORD, according to all that the LORD hath bestowed on us, and the great goodness toward the house of Israel, which he hath bestowed on them according to his mercies, and according to the multitude of his lovingkindnesses.

  • Isaiah 63:14

    As a beast goeth down into the valley, the Spirit of the LORD caused him to rest: so didst thou lead thy people, to make thyself a glorious name.

  • Joshua 24:5

    I sent Moses also and Aaron, and I plagued Egypt, according to that which I did among them: and afterward I brought you out.
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