Joshua 24:18

KJV

And the LORD drave out from before us all the people, even the Amorites which dwelt in the land: [therefore] will we also serve the LORD; for he [is] our God.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the LORD {H3068} drave out {H1644} from before {H6440} us all the people {H5971}, even the Amorites {H567} which dwelt {H3427} in the land {H776}: therefore will we also serve {H5647} the LORD {H3068}; for he is our God {H430}.

Complete Jewish Bible

and it was ADONAI who drove out from ahead of us all the peoples, the Emori living in the land. Therefore we too will serve ADONAI, for he is our God."

Berean Standard Bible

And the LORD drove out before us all the nations, including the Amorites who lived in the land. We too will serve the LORD, because He is our God!”

American Standard Version

and Jehovah drove out from before us all the peoples, even the Amorites that dwelt in the land: therefore we also will serve Jehovah; for he is our God.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Joshua 24:18 powerfully encapsulates Israel's corporate declaration of unwavering allegiance to the LORD, made at the covenant renewal ceremony in Shechem. This profound commitment follows Joshua's challenge to choose whom they would serve, and their response is firmly rooted in a grateful acknowledgment of God's mighty acts of deliverance, particularly His sovereign expulsion of the Amorites and other inhabitants from the Promised Land. Their emphatic affirmation, "for he is our God," solidifies their exclusive devotion to the one true God, recognizing His unique faithfulness and their unparalleled covenant relationship with Him.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within Joshua's final, poignant address to the assembled tribes of Israel at Shechem, a location deeply significant for covenant history, where Abraham first built an altar and Jacob buried foreign gods ([genesis/12-6](/genesis/12-6 "Genesis 12:6 - Abraham's Altar at Shechem") and [genesis/35-4](/genesis/35-4 "Genesis 35:4 - Jacob Buries Idols at Shechem")). Joshua has just meticulously recounted the LORD's faithful dealings with Israel, from Abraham's call through the successful conquest of Canaan. He then presents a stark choice to the people in [joshua/24-15](/joshua/24-15 "Joshua 24:15 - Joshua's Challenge to Choose"), challenging them to serve the LORD exclusively, famously declaring, "as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD." Verse 18 is an integral part of the people's immediate, emphatic, and corporate response, demonstrating their profound understanding that their commitment is a direct and necessary consequence of God's undeniable redemptive acts on their behalf.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The gathering at Shechem represents a formal covenant renewal ceremony, a vital act for a people transitioning from a period of conquest to settled life in the land. Such ceremonies were a common feature in the ancient Near East, typically involving a recounting of past deeds by the suzerain (the LORD) and a declaration of loyalty and obedience by the vassals (Israel). The specific mention of "the Amorites" is highly significant; they were a prominent and formidable group among the Canaanite inhabitants, often serving as a representative term for all the pre-Israelite peoples of the land, thereby signifying the totality and completeness of God's victory. Israel's declaration to serve the LORD alone stood in radical opposition to the prevalent polytheistic practices of the surrounding nations, where multiple deities were worshipped, often through syncretism. This commitment was a profound act of exclusive devotion within their cultural milieu.
* **Key Themes:** [Joshua 24:18](/joshua/24-18 "Joshua 24:18 - Israel's Pledge to Serve the LORD") powerfully encapsulates several core themes that resonate throughout the book of Joshua and the broader Old Testament narrative. Firstly, it highlights **God's Sovereign Deliverance**, emphasizing that Israel's possession of the land was not achieved through their own strength or military prowess, but solely through the LORD's active and decisive intervention, as consistently demonstrated throughout the conquest narratives (e.g., [joshua/10-11](/joshua/10-11 "Joshua 10:11 - The LORD Fights for Israel")). Secondly, the verse underscores **Responsive Commitment**, illustrating that Israel's decision to "serve the LORD" is a direct, grateful, and volitional consequence of His prior grace and faithfulness, thereby teaching that authentic worship and obedience flow from a deep understanding of God's character and His redemptive deeds. Finally, the concluding phrase, "for he is our God," serves as a profound **Covenant Affirmation**, echoing the foundational promise from God to Israel, "I will be to you a God, and ye shall be to me a people" ([exodus/6-7](/exodus/6-7 "Exodus 6:7 - God's Covenant Promise")). This declaration solidifies Israel's acceptance of their unique, exclusive relationship with the one true God.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **drave out (Hebrew, _gârash'_):** This verb (H1644) signifies a forceful and decisive expulsion from possession, often implying expatriation or divorce. In this context, it powerfully conveys God's active, sovereign, and complete action in removing the Canaanite inhabitants from the land. It underscores that the victory and the inheritance of the Promised Land were not merely human achievements but divinely orchestrated acts, emphasizing God's omnipotence and faithfulness in fulfilling His ancient promises.
* **serve (Hebrew, _ʻâbad'_):** This word (H5647) carries a rich semantic range, encompassing "to work," "to labor," "to cultivate," "to be a servant," and "to worship." Here, it denotes a comprehensive commitment of obedience, allegiance, and devotion to God that extends far beyond mere ritualistic worship. It implies a life lived in active submission and dedication to the LORD in all spheres, acknowledging Him as their ultimate Master and King.
* **God (Hebrew, _ʼĕlôhîym'_):** This term (H430), often used in the plural to refer to the supreme God, signifies the divine nature and power. When combined with the possessive suffix "-enu" (our), as in "our God," it becomes a profound declaration of exclusive allegiance. It affirms that the LORD is uniquely *their* God, distinct from all other deities, and that they belong to Him in a special, covenantal relationship. This phrase encapsulates the core of their unique identity and their commitment to Yahweh alone.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the LORD drave out from before us all the people, even the Amorites which dwelt in the land":** This opening clause serves as the foundational premise for Israel's subsequent commitment. It is a powerful statement of divine agency, attributing the successful conquest and the dispossession of the land's inhabitants directly and solely to the LORD. The specific mention of "the Amorites" highlights a prominent and formidable group, symbolizing the comprehensive nature of God's victory over all the peoples of Canaan, thereby fulfilling His ancient promises to Abraham.
* **"[therefore] will we also serve the LORD":** The implied conjunction "therefore" (derived from the logical flow and the people's response) establishes a clear cause-and-effect relationship. Israel's decision to serve the LORD is not arbitrary but a direct, grateful, and logical response to God's prior acts of deliverance and faithfulness. This signifies a volitional commitment, a conscious choice to dedicate themselves to the God who has acted so powerfully on their behalf. The "also" ("we also," as in "just as Joshua declared for his house, so will we also") reinforces their unanimous and collective resolve.
* **"for he [is] our God."** This concluding phrase provides the ultimate theological justification and motivation for their service. It is a profound covenantal declaration, affirming their exclusive relationship with the LORD. By proclaiming Him as "our God," they acknowledge His unique identity as the one true God and their unique status as His chosen people, bound to Him by sacred covenant. This declaration forms the theological bedrock of their allegiance and sets the standard for their future conduct.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several potent literary devices that amplify its message. The most prominent is **Covenant Formula**, evident in Israel's declaration "he is our God," which echoes the reciprocal nature of the covenant relationship ("I will be your God, and you will be my people"). This is reinforced by the clear **Cause and Effect** structure, where God's prior action of "driving out" directly leads to Israel's responsive commitment to "serve the LORD." The specific mention of "the Amorites" can be seen as a form of **Synecdoche**, where a significant and formidable part (the Amorites) stands for the whole (all the Canaanite peoples), emphasizing the totality of God's victory. The entire verse functions as a powerful **Affirmation** and **Declaration**, representing a public and unanimous pledge of allegiance that solidifies the covenant renewal.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Joshua 24:18 stands as a profound theological statement, encapsulating the essence of the covenant relationship between God and Israel: God's sovereign initiative in salvation demands a responsive commitment from His people. It underscores that true service to God is not an attempt to earn favor or a burdensome obligation, but a grateful, joyful, and obedient response to His prior acts of grace and deliverance. This verse highlights the critical theme of exclusive worship, emphasizing that the LORD alone is worthy of Israel's complete and undivided devotion, setting Him apart from all competing deities and idols. It serves as a timeless reminder that acknowledging God's mighty works in our lives should naturally lead to a deeper, unwavering commitment to Him as our sovereign Lord and God.

* [Deuteronomy 6:4-5](/deuteronomy/6-4 "Deuteronomy 6:4-5 - The Shema: Love the LORD Your God")
* [1 Samuel 7:3](/1-samuel/7-3 "1 Samuel 7:3 - Samuel's Call to Repentance and Exclusive Worship")
* [Matthew 6:24](/matthew/6-24 "Matthew 6:24 - You Cannot Serve Two Masters")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Joshua 24:18 offers a powerful paradigm for contemporary believers, calling us to a similar depth of commitment. Just as Israel recounted God's historical acts of deliverance, we are called to remember and reflect on God's past faithfulness in our own lives and, most profoundly, in the grand narrative of redemption through Christ. This remembrance cultivates profound gratitude, strengthens our faith, and deepens our resolve to live for Him. Our service to God should similarly be a joyful and willing response to His saving grace, not a burdensome obligation or an attempt to earn His favor. We serve Him because He has first delivered us from the bondage of sin and death, a truth beautifully articulated in the New Testament's call to offer our bodies as living sacrifices ([romans/12-1](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1 - Living Sacrifices")). In a world saturated with competing loyalties, distractions, and idols, the declaration "he is our God" demands exclusive and unwavering allegiance. It challenges us to examine where our ultimate devotion lies and to affirm that the LORD alone is worthy of our complete trust, obedience, and worship.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does remembering God's past faithfulness, both in Scripture and in your personal life, strengthen your resolve to serve Him today?**
* **In what practical ways can your "service to the LORD" be a grateful response to His grace, rather than a duty or an attempt to earn favor?**
* **What "Amorites" or competing loyalties in your life might challenge your exclusive allegiance to God, and how can you reaffirm that "He is our God" in those areas?**

### FAQ
**Why are the "Amorites" specifically mentioned in this verse?**

Answer: The Amorites were a particularly powerful and prominent group among the Canaanite inhabitants of the land. Their specific mention serves several purposes: it highlights the formidable nature of the enemies God had overcome, thereby magnifying His power; it acts as a representative term (a synecdoche) for all the various Canaanite peoples, signifying the comprehensive nature of God's victory; and it underscores the fulfillment of God's promises to dispossess the land's inhabitants before Israel, as seen in passages like [genesis/15-16](/genesis/15-16 "Genesis 15:16 - The Iniquity of the Amorites").

**What is the significance of the implied "therefore" in Israel's declaration?**

Answer: The "therefore" (or "because of this") is crucial as it establishes a clear logical and theological connection between God's mighty acts and Israel's subsequent commitment. It signifies that Israel's decision to serve the LORD is not arbitrary but a direct, grateful, and volitional response to His prior grace and deliverance. This highlights that true worship and obedience are rooted in a recognition of God's character and His redemptive work, rather than being a means to earn salvation or a mere religious formality. It emphasizes service as a response to what God has already done.

**How does this verse relate to the broader theme of covenant in Joshua?**

Answer: Joshua 24:18 is a pivotal moment in the covenant narrative of Joshua. It represents a renewal and reaffirmation of the Mosaic Covenant established at Sinai. Joshua's address at Shechem functions as a covenant ceremony, reminding the people of God's faithfulness and their obligations. The people's declaration, "therefore will we also serve the LORD; for he is our God," directly echoes the foundational covenant formula, "I will be your God, and you will be my people" ([exodus/6-7](/exodus/6-7 "Exodus 6:7 - God's Covenant Promise")). This verse solidifies Israel's commitment to the terms of the covenant, particularly the demand for exclusive allegiance to Yahweh, setting the stage for their life in the Promised Land.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Joshua 24:18, with its emphasis on God's decisive action to "drive out" the enemies and Israel's subsequent commitment to "serve the LORD," finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Just as the LORD dispossessed the Amorites to secure a physical inheritance for Israel, so too Christ, the greater Joshua, has decisively "drave out" and disarmed the spiritual enemies of sin, death, and the devil through His cross and resurrection ([colossians/2-13-15](/colossians/2-13-15 "Colossians 2:13-15 - Christ's Victory Over Sin and Powers")). He is the true Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([john/1-29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), delivering us from the dominion of darkness and transferring us into His glorious kingdom ([colossians/1-13](/colossians/1-13 "Colossians 1:13 - Delivered from Darkness")). Our response to this ultimate act of divine deliverance is, "therefore will we also serve the LORD." This service under the New Covenant is not merely external obedience but a spiritual worship offered in spirit and truth ([john/4-23-24](/john/4-23-24 "John 4:23-24 - Worship in Spirit and Truth")), a life lived in grateful response to His saving grace, offering ourselves as living sacrifices ([romans/12-1](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1 - Living Sacrifices")). The declaration, "for he is our God," is profoundly realized in Christ, through whom we are adopted as sons and daughters of God ([galatians/4-4-7](/galatians/4-4-7 "Galatians 4:4-7 - Adoption as Sons")), and He is our Lord, King, and Savior, deserving of our exclusive and unwavering devotion, as we fix our eyes on Him, the author and perfecter of our faith ([hebrews/12-1-2](/hebrews/12-1-2 "Hebrews 12:1-2 - Looking to 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

Micah 4:2

And many nations shall come, and say, Come, and let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, and to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for the law shall go forth of Zion, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem.

Luke 1:73

The oath which he sware to our father Abraham,

Luke 1:75

In holiness and righteousness before him, all the days of our life.

Exodus 10:2

And that thou mayest tell in the ears of thy son, and of thy son's son, what things I have wrought in Egypt, and my signs which I have done among them; that ye may know how that I [am] the LORD.

Exodus 15:2

The LORD [is] my strength and song, and he is become my salvation: he [is] my God, and I will prepare him an habitation; my father's God, and I will exalt him.

Psalms 116:16

O LORD, truly I [am] thy servant; I [am] thy servant, [and] the son of thine handmaid: thou hast loosed my bonds.

Zechariah 8:23

Thus saith the LORD of hosts; In those days [it shall come to pass], that ten men shall take hold out of all languages of the nations, even shall take hold of the skirt of him that is a Jew, saying, We will go with you: for we have heard [that] God [is] with you.