Joshua 24:20

KJV

If ye forsake the LORD, and serve strange gods, then he will turn and do you hurt, and consume you, after that he hath done you good.

KJV (with Strong's)

If ye forsake {H5800} the LORD {H3068}, and serve {H5647} strange {H5236} gods {H430}, then he will turn {H7725} and do you hurt {H7489}, and consume {H3615} you, after {H310} that he hath done you good {H3190}.

Complete Jewish Bible

If you abandon ADONAI and serve foreign gods, he will turn, doing you harm and destroying you after he has done you good."

Berean Standard Bible

If you forsake the LORD and serve foreign gods, He will turn and bring disaster on you and consume you, even after He has been good to you.”

American Standard Version

If ye forsake Jehovah, and serve foreign gods, then he will turn and do you evil, and consume you, after that he hath done you good.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Joshua 24:20 issues a profound and solemn warning within Joshua's farewell address to the Israelites at Shechem. It articulates the severe and inevitable consequences of abandoning their covenant relationship with the LORD for the worship of foreign deities. This verse underscores God's righteous judgment and active intervention against apostasy, particularly when it follows a period of immense divine favor and blessing, highlighting the conditional nature of the Mosaic Covenant and the gravity of spiritual ingratitude.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within Joshua's climactic farewell address to the assembled tribes of Israel at Shechem, just before his death. Having meticulously recounted God's faithful acts from Abraham's call to their triumphant settlement in the Promised Land, Joshua challenges the people to make a definitive choice: to serve the LORD or the gods their ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land they now dwelt. Following the people's confident, even zealous, declaration, "We will serve the LORD, for he is our God!" ([Joshua 24:18](/joshua/24-18 "Joshua 24:18 - Israel's Declaration of Faith")), Joshua issues a stark counter-warning, emphasizing the LORD's holiness and their own inability to perfectly serve Him without divine aid. This warning in [Joshua 24:19-20](/joshua/24-19 "Joshua 24:19-20 - Joshua's Warning to Israel") serves to temper their overconfidence and impress upon them the absolute seriousness of their covenant commitment.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is the transition period from conquest to settlement in Canaan, a land saturated with polytheistic worship, particularly the Baal and Asherah cults, which involved fertility rites, temple prostitution, and even child sacrifice. Israel had a history of succumbing to idolatry, notably with the golden calf at Sinai ([Exodus 32](/exodus/32 "Exodus 32 - The Golden Calf")) and the Baal of Peor incident ([Numbers 25](/numbers/25 "Numbers 25 - Baal of Peor")). The Mosaic Covenant, established at Sinai, explicitly outlined blessings for obedience and severe curses for disobedience, especially idolatry, as detailed in [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses"). Joshua's warning is thus rooted in a deep understanding of Israel's past failures and the pervasive spiritual dangers of their new environment, reminding them that their continued possession of the land and enjoyment of God's favor were contingent upon exclusive devotion to Yahweh.
* **Key Themes:** Joshua 24:20 encapsulates several pivotal themes. Firstly, it highlights **Covenant Fidelity and its Consequences**, emphasizing that the covenant between God and Israel was bilateral, demanding Israel's exclusive loyalty. A breach, particularly through idolatry, would inevitably trigger divine judgment, not arbitrary punishment. Secondly, it underscores **Divine Holiness and Justice**, revealing God not merely as a benevolent provider but as a holy judge who will not tolerate the worship of false gods from His chosen people. His "turning to do hurt" and "consume" them signifies His unwavering commitment to His own character and the terms of His covenant. Thirdly, the phrase "after that he hath done you good" brings to the forefront **The Gravity of Ingratitude and Apostasy**. It accentuates the profound betrayal inherent in forsaking God after experiencing His mighty acts of deliverance, provision, and blessing, making their potential defection all the more heinous. Finally, the warning against serving "strange gods" reinforces the **Exclusivity of Worship**, echoing the First Commandment that Israel was to worship the LORD alone ([Exodus 20:3](/exodus/20-3 "Exodus 20:3 - The First Commandment")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Forsake (Hebrew, _azav'_):** This verb signifies a deliberate act of abandoning, deserting, or leaving behind. It implies a conscious and active turning away from a previously established relationship or commitment. In the context of the covenant, it denotes a profound breach of loyalty and a willful severance of ties with the LORD, moving beyond mere passive neglect to active rebellion.
* **Strange gods (Hebrew, _elohim acherim'_):** Literally meaning "other gods," this phrase refers to deities alien and foreign to the covenant God of Israel, Yahweh. These were the gods of the surrounding Canaanite nations, often associated with polytheism, idolatry, and practices anathema to Israel's monotheistic faith. The term emphasizes the stark contrast between the one true God who revealed Himself to Israel and the false, powerless idols of the Gentiles, highlighting the exclusivity of Yahweh's claim on His people's worship.
* **Consume (Hebrew, _kalah'_):** This word carries the meaning of bringing to an end, completing, finishing, or utterly destroying. In the context of divine judgment, it suggests a comprehensive and decisive destruction, often implying removal from the land, loss of national identity, or severe reduction in numbers. It signifies a complete termination of the favorable conditions previously enjoyed under the covenant, leading to utter ruin or devastation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"If ye forsake the LORD,"**: This opening clause establishes the conditional premise for the ensuing judgment. It posits a deliberate and active choice by the people of Israel to abandon their covenant relationship with Yahweh. This is not a casual drifting away, but a willful act of disloyalty and rebellion against the God who had chosen, delivered, and sustained them.
* **"and serve strange gods,"**: This clause specifies the particular act of covenant breach: idolatry. "Strange gods" refers to the foreign deities of the surrounding nations, whose worship was strictly forbidden by the Mosaic Law and constituted the ultimate betrayal of Israel's unique relationship with Yahweh, the one true God. This act of serving other gods is the direct consequence of forsaking the LORD.
* **"then he will turn and do you hurt,"**: This marks the divine response to Israel's apostasy. The anthropomorphic phrase "he will turn" indicates a reversal of God's disposition from favor to active opposition. "Do you hurt" (literally "do evil to you") signifies that God Himself will become their adversary, bringing calamitous judgment upon them as a just consequence of their unfaithfulness. This is not arbitrary malice but a righteous judicial action.
* **"and consume you,"**: This clause describes the severe outcome of God's judgment. To "consume" implies a thorough and devastating destruction, potentially leading to national ruin, exile, or a significant reduction in their numbers and power. It signifies the termination of their privileged status and the removal of the blessings previously enjoyed under the covenant.
* **"after that he hath done you good."**: This final clause highlights the profound ingratitude and moral depravity inherent in Israel's potential apostasy. It underscores that God's judgment is not inflicted upon an undeserving people, but upon those who, having experienced immense divine favor, deliverance, provision, and blessing, willfully turn away from their Benefactor. This context of prior goodness makes their potential betrayal all the more grievous and justifies the severity of the impending judgment.

#### Literary Devices
Joshua 24:20 is rich in literary devices that amplify its solemn warning. The primary structure is a **Conditional Clause** ("If... then..."), which clearly links Israel's actions to God's response, establishing a cause-and-effect relationship central to covenant theology. The phrase "he will turn" employs **Anthropomorphism**, attributing human-like action (turning) to God to convey a change in His posture from benevolent protector to righteous judge. This turning signifies a reversal of His favor. The verse also utilizes **Juxtaposition** by placing "do you hurt, and consume you" in stark contrast to "after that he hath done you good," powerfully highlighting the tragic irony and profound ingratitude of Israel's potential apostasy. The strong verbs "forsake," "serve," "hurt," and "consume" create a sense of urgency and gravity, emphasizing the seriousness of the covenant and its consequences. Furthermore, the declaration of "consume you" can be seen as a form of **Hyperbole**, conveying the absolute severity and thoroughness of God's judgment, implying national devastation and loss of privilege, rather than necessarily the literal annihilation of every individual. The entire verse functions as a powerful **Warning** and **Exhortation**, designed to impress upon the Israelites the absolute necessity of exclusive devotion to Yahweh.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Joshua 24:20 stands as a stark reminder of the unchanging character of God, who is both merciful and just, and the enduring principles of covenant relationship. While the specific context is the Mosaic Covenant with ancient Israel, the theological underpinnings resonate throughout biblical history. God's holiness demands exclusive worship, and His justice ensures that deliberate rebellion and spiritual adultery will not go unpunished, especially when His immense goodness has been spurned. This truth underscores the seriousness of our choices and the profound implications of our allegiance, reminding us that God is not to be trifled with, and His love, while boundless, is not unconditional in its covenant blessings for those who willfully reject Him. The verse serves as a timeless warning against idolatry in all its forms, emphasizing that true spiritual well-being is inextricably linked to wholehearted devotion to the one true God.

* [Deuteronomy 28:15-68](/deuteronomy/28-15 "Deuteronomy 28:15-68 - Curses for Disobedience")
* [Judges 2:11-15](/judges/2-11 "Judges 2:11-15 - Israel's Apostasy and Oppression")
* [Hebrews 10:26-31](/hebrews/10-26 "Hebrews 10:26-31 - Consequences of Deliberate Sin")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Joshua 24:20, though rooted in ancient Israel's covenant, speaks powerfully to believers today. The warning against forsaking the LORD and serving "strange gods" remains profoundly relevant, as spiritual idolatry is not confined to bowing before physical statues. In our modern context, "strange gods" can encompass anything that usurps God's rightful place as the supreme object of our affection, trust, and devotion—whether it be wealth, career, relationships, comfort, personal ambition, or even self-worship. This verse challenges us to rigorously examine our loyalties and ask ourselves what truly holds the preeminent position in our hearts. It reminds us that God's character is unchanging: He is holy and righteous, and while His mercy is vast, He also disciplines those He loves when they stray, not out of malice, but to restore them to a right relationship with Him. His discipline, though painful, is ultimately for our good, aiming to purify our hearts and draw us back to Him. The verse also serves as a poignant reminder to remember God's past goodness in our lives. Just as God had done good to Israel, He continually blesses us with salvation, provision, and grace. This profound goodness should inspire unwavering gratitude and devotion, compelling us to resist any temptation to turn away from Him and instead commit ourselves wholeheartedly to His service.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "strange gods" or idols might be competing for my ultimate allegiance in my life today?**
* **How does remembering God's past goodness and faithfulness in my life motivate me to remain devoted to Him?**
* **How do I respond to God's discipline when I experience it, and do I recognize it as an act of His love for my restoration?**
* **In what ways can I cultivate a more wholehearted and exclusive devotion to the LORD in my daily life?**

### FAQ
**Does God truly "do hurt" to His people? Is this compatible with His love?**

Answer: Yes, the Bible teaches that God, in His justice and holiness, will "do hurt" or bring judgment upon His people when they willfully forsake Him and engage in idolatry. This is not arbitrary malice but a just and often corrective response to covenant unfaithfulness. For ancient Israel, this "hurt" often manifested as famine, pestilence, defeat by enemies, and eventually exile from the Promised Land. For believers in the New Covenant, while we are not under the Law's curses, God still disciplines those He loves ([Hebrews 12:6](/hebrews/12-6 "Hebrews 12:6 - God Disciplines Those He Loves")). This discipline, though painful, is always for our spiritual good, intended to lead us to repentance, purify us, and conform us more to the image of Christ, ultimately aiming for our restoration and deeper fellowship with Him. It is an expression of His perfect love, which seeks our holiness above our comfort.

**What does "consume you" mean for Israel in this context? Does it imply annihilation?**

Answer: In the context of Joshua 24:20 and the broader Old Testament, "consume you" (Hebrew _kalah_) does not typically mean the literal annihilation of every individual Israelite. Instead, it refers to a comprehensive and devastating judgment that would lead to the loss of their national identity, the destruction of their societal structures, their removal from the Promised Land (exile), and a significant reduction in their numbers. This judgment would effectively "consume" their privileged status as God's covenant people in the land. History bears this out in the Assyrian and Babylonian exiles, where Israel was indeed "consumed" as a sovereign nation in their land, though a remnant always survived to preserve the covenant line and promise.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Joshua 24:20, with its stark warning against forsaking the LORD, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment not in a renewed conditional covenant, but in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The Old Covenant, under which Israel repeatedly failed to uphold their end, demonstrated humanity's inherent inability to perfectly "forsake strange gods" and serve the LORD wholeheartedly. Israel's history, marked by cycles of apostasy and judgment, underscores the need for a new and better covenant. Jesus Christ, the true Israelite, perfectly fulfilled the demands of the Law, never forsaking the Father or serving "strange gods." He is the one who perfectly served the LORD. More profoundly, Christ bore the "hurt" and was "consumed" by God's righteous wrath on the cross, not for His own sin, but for the idolatry and unfaithfulness of His people ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")). He became the curse for us ([Galatians 3:13](/galatians/3-13 "Galatians 3:13 - Christ Redeemed Us from the Curse of the Law")), enduring the ultimate consumption of divine judgment so that those who believe in Him might never face it. Under the New Covenant, established by Christ's blood, our standing with God is not based on our perfect obedience, which we cannot achieve, but on Christ's perfect obedience and His finished work ([Hebrews 9:15](/hebrews/9-15 "Hebrews 9:15 - Christ, Mediator of a New Covenant")). The "good" that God has done for us is supremely revealed in His gift of salvation through Christ. While believers are no longer under the condemnation of the Law ([Romans 8:1](/romans/8-1 "Romans 8:1 - No Condemnation in Christ")), the principle of spiritual fidelity remains. Our call is now to abide in Christ, empowered by the Holy Spirit, to live lives of devotion, recognizing that any "strange gods" in our hearts are overcome by the supremacy and sufficiency of Jesus, who is our life and our all ([Colossians 3:4](/colossians/3-4 "Colossians 3:4 - Christ Is Our 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

Hebrews 10:26

For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins,

Hebrews 10:27

But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries.

Acts 7:42

¶ Then God turned, and gave them up to worship the host of heaven; as it is written in the book of the prophets, O ye house of Israel, have ye offered to me slain beasts and sacrifices [by the space of] forty years in the wilderness?

Ezekiel 18:24

But when the righteous turneth away from his righteousness, and committeth iniquity, [and] doeth according to all the abominations that the wicked [man] doeth, shall he live? All his righteousness that he hath done shall not be mentioned: in his trespass that he hath trespassed, and in his sin that he hath sinned, in them shall he die.

Jeremiah 17:13

O LORD, the hope of Israel, all that forsake thee shall be ashamed, [and] they that depart from me shall be written in the earth, because they have forsaken the LORD, the fountain of living waters.

1 Chronicles 28:9

And thou, Solomon my son, know thou the God of thy father, and serve him with a perfect heart and with a willing mind: for the LORD searcheth all hearts, and understandeth all the imaginations of the thoughts: if thou seek him, he will be found of thee; but if thou forsake him, he will cast thee off for ever.

Isaiah 65:11

¶ But ye [are] they that forsake the LORD, that forget my holy mountain, that prepare a table for that troop, and that furnish the drink offering unto that number.