Joshua 24:23

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

Now therefore put away {H5493}, said he, the strange {H5236} gods {H430} which are among {H7130} you, and incline {H5186} your heart {H3824} unto the LORD {H3068} God {H430} of Israel {H3478}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"Now," Y'hoshua urged, "put away the foreign gods you have among you, and turn your hearts to ADONAI, the God of Isra'el."

Berean Standard Bible

“Now, therefore,” he said, “get rid of the foreign gods among you and incline your hearts to the LORD, the God of Israel.”

American Standard Version

Now therefore put away, said he, the foreign gods which are among you, and incline your heart unto Jehovah, the God of Israel.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Joshua 24:23 encapsulates a climactic moment in Israel's covenant renewal at Shechem, where Joshua issues a final, urgent command to the assembled tribes. This verse is a direct and forceful exhortation, demanding that the Israelites decisively renounce all foreign deities and, concurrently, wholeheartedly commit their deepest affections and loyalties to the LORD God of Israel. It underscores the non-negotiable requirement for exclusive devotion as the foundation of their covenant relationship and continued blessing in the Promised Land.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This powerful exhortation is situated within Joshua's farewell address and the subsequent covenant renewal ceremony at Shechem, as detailed in [Joshua 24](/joshua/24 "Joshua 24 - Covenant Renewal at Shechem"). Having recounted God's faithful acts from Abraham's call to the conquest of Canaan, Joshua presents the people with a stark 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. His famous declaration, "as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD" ([Joshua 24:15](/joshua/24-15 "Joshua 24:15 - Joshua's Declaration of Faith")), elicits an immediate, enthusiastic affirmation from the people to serve the LORD. However, Joshua, keenly aware of their fickle nature and the pervasive idolatry of the surrounding cultures, challenges the sincerity of their pledge in [Joshua 24:19-20](/joshua/24-19 "Joshua 24:19-20 - Joshua's Warning to Israel"), stating they cannot truly serve the LORD because He is a holy and jealous God. This verse, [Joshua 24:23](/joshua/24-23 "Joshua 24:23 - Command to Remove Idols"), then serves as Joshua's direct, practical instruction, pressing them to demonstrate their commitment through concrete action, moving beyond mere verbal assent to tangible spiritual purification.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is Shechem, a site of profound historical and covenantal significance, where Abraham first built an altar to the LORD ([Genesis 12:6-7](/genesis/12-6 "Genesis 12:6-7 - Abraham at Shechem")) and where Jacob buried the foreign gods of his household ([Genesis 35:2-4](/genesis/35-2 "Genesis 35:2-4 - Jacob Buries Idols")). This location, nestled between Mount Ebal and Mount Gerizim, was where the covenant curses and blessings were proclaimed upon Israel's entry into the land ([Deuteronomy 27](/deuteronomy/27 "Deuteronomy 27 - Curses on Mount Ebal") and [Joshua 8:30-35](/joshua/8-30 "Joshua 8:30-35 - Altar on Mount Ebal")). Post-conquest, Israel was surrounded by Canaanite cultures deeply entrenched in polytheism, fertility cults (like Baal and Asherah worship), and various forms of divination and child sacrifice. The "strange gods" (אֱלֹהֵי הַנֵּכָר, *ʾělōhê hannēḵār*) refer specifically to these foreign deities, whose worship often involved immoral practices contrary to the Mosaic Law. Joshua's command acknowledges the persistent temptation for syncretism—the blending of Yahwism with pagan practices—a danger that would plague Israel throughout the period of the Judges and beyond, leading to cycles of apostasy and judgment.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully articulates several core themes central to the book of Joshua and the broader Old Testament narrative. Firstly, it emphasizes **Exclusive Devotion** to Yahweh, echoing the [first commandment](/exodus/20-3 "Exodus 20:3 - The First Commandment") and the Shema ([Deuteronomy 6:4-5](/deuteronomy/6-4 "Deuteronomy 6:4-5 - The Shema")), which demand singular worship and allegiance to the one true God. There is no room for rivals in the heart of God's covenant people. Secondly, it highlights the necessity of **Inward Purity and Wholeheartedness**. The command to "incline your heart" moves beyond mere external compliance, calling for a volitional, internal turning of one's deepest affections, will, and loyalties towards God. True worship is not ritualistic but relational, demanding a sincere inner commitment. Finally, the verse underscores **Covenant Fidelity**. Israel's continued enjoyment of the land and God's blessings was contingent upon their faithfulness to the covenant established at Sinai. This command serves as a final, urgent call to uphold their covenant obligations, recognizing that spiritual compromise would inevitably lead to divine discipline.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Strange gods (Hebrew, _ʾělōhê hannēḵār_):** This compound phrase literally translates to "gods of the foreigner" or "foreign gods." The term *nēḵār* (נֵכָר) signifies something alien, foreign, or strange, emphasizing that these deities were not only illegitimate but also fundamentally antithetical to Israel's identity and covenant relationship with Yahweh. It implies a deliberate rejection of the God who delivered them, in favor of idols associated with the very nations they were commanded to dispossess. The presence of such gods "among you" (בְּקִרְבְּכֶם, *bəqirbəḵem*) suggests not just external influence but an internal compromise, indicating that some Israelites had already adopted or harbored these idols within their homes or hearts.
* **Incline (Hebrew, _naṭah'_):** The verb *naṭah* (נָטָה) is rich in meaning, encompassing actions like "to stretch out," "to turn aside," "to direct," or "to bend." In this context, when combined with "heart," it denotes a deliberate, volitional act of orienting one's inner being, will, and affections towards the LORD. It's not a passive inclination but an active, conscious decision to direct one's entire self—thoughts, desires, and intentions—toward God, signifying a resolute commitment and loyalty. This active "turning" is the positive counterpart to the negative command of "putting away" the strange gods.
* **Heart (Hebrew, _lēv_):** In Hebrew thought, the *lēv* (לֵב) or "heart" is not merely the seat of emotions but the center of one's entire being—intellect, will, emotions, and moral character. It represents the inner person, the core of one's identity and decision-making. To "incline your heart" to the LORD means to direct one's entire inner life, one's deepest thoughts, intentions, and allegiances, towards Him. It speaks to a comprehensive, internal transformation and commitment that goes beyond outward ritual or superficial adherence.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Now therefore put away, [said he], the strange gods which [are] among you":** This is Joshua's immediate and forceful imperative. The phrase "put away" (הָסִרוּ, *hasiru*) is a command to remove, abolish, or cause to depart. It demands a decisive, active purging of all foreign deities and their associated practices from their midst. The parenthetical "[said he]" clarifies that this is Joshua's direct speech. The acknowledgment that these "strange gods" are "among you" highlights the reality of spiritual compromise and the pervasive temptation of idolatry within the community, even after their verbal commitment to the LORD. This command requires a tangible, visible act of renunciation.
* **"and incline your heart unto the LORD God of Israel":** This second imperative is the positive counterpart to the first, outlining the necessary spiritual orientation that must accompany the removal of idols. "Incline your heart" signifies a deliberate, internal turning and commitment of one's deepest being—will, affections, and intellect—towards Yahweh. It emphasizes that true worship is not merely the absence of idolatry but the active, wholehearted devotion to the one true God. The title "LORD God of Israel" (יְהוָה אֱלֹהֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל, *YHWH ʾělōhê Yiśrāʾēl*) reinforces His unique covenant relationship with them, distinguishing Him from the "strange gods" and reminding them of His mighty acts on their behalf.

#### Literary Devices
Joshua 24:23 employs several potent literary devices to convey its urgent message. The primary device is the **Imperative Mood**, as Joshua issues two direct commands: "put away" and "incline." This highlights the non-negotiable nature of God's demand for exclusive worship and the immediate action required from the people. There is also a clear instance of **Antithetical Parallelism** within the verse, where the negative command ("put away the strange gods") is directly contrasted with the positive command ("incline your heart unto the LORD God of Israel"). This structure emphasizes that true devotion involves both a turning *from* what is evil and a turning *to* what is good, illustrating that spiritual purity is a two-fold process of renunciation and allegiance. Furthermore, the entire address in [Joshua 24](/joshua/24 "Joshua 24 - Covenant Renewal") functions as a **Covenant Renewal Ceremony**, a significant literary and theological framework that reinforces Israel's obligations and God's expectations, making this verse a critical point of decision within that larger narrative. The phrase "strange gods" also functions as a **Metonymy** for all forms of spiritual disloyalty and compromise that distract from or compete with the worship of Yahweh.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Joshua 24:23 stands as a profound theological statement on the nature of God and the demands of true faith. It reveals Yahweh as a **jealous God** ([Exodus 20:5](/exodus/20-5 "Exodus 20:5 - God is a Jealous God")), who tolerates no rivals for the affections of His people. This jealousy is not a human flaw but a divine attribute rooted in His holiness and His exclusive right to worship. The command to "put away" idols underscores that idolatry is not merely a ritualistic error but a profound act of spiritual adultery, breaking the covenant relationship. The call to "incline your heart" emphasizes that God desires not just outward obedience but genuine, internal devotion—a love that engages the totality of one's being. This holistic commitment is foundational to all true worship and is a recurring theme throughout Scripture, culminating in the greatest commandment to love God with all one's heart, soul, mind, and strength. The verse thus serves as a timeless reminder that authentic faith requires both the active removal of anything that competes for God's rightful place in our lives and a deliberate, ongoing reorientation of our deepest desires and allegiances toward Him.

* [Exodus 20:3](/exodus/20-3 "Exodus 20:3 - No Other Gods")
* [Deuteronomy 6:5](/deuteronomy/6-5 "Deuteronomy 6:5 - Love the LORD with All Your Heart")
* [1 Samuel 7:3](/1_samuel/7-3 "1 Samuel 7:3 - Samuel's Call to Repentance")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Joshua 24:23, though rooted in ancient Israel's struggle with literal idols, resonates with profound relevance for believers today. The challenge remains to identify and "put away" the "strange gods" that subtly compete for our ultimate allegiance in a modern context. These are often not physical statues but rather anything—be it career success, financial security, personal comfort, social media validation, self-indulgence, or even good causes—that begins to occupy the primary place in our hearts that rightfully belongs to God. This verse calls us to a rigorous self-examination, prompting us to honestly assess what truly governs our decisions, consumes our thoughts, and fuels our desires. Simultaneously, it compels us to actively "incline our heart" to the LORD, recognizing that spiritual devotion is not passive but requires a deliberate, ongoing, and volitional turning towards Him. This means intentionally prioritizing God in our daily lives, seeking His will, cultivating intimacy through prayer and Scripture, and aligning our affections with His. It is a call to wholehearted, undivided devotion, recognizing that our spiritual vitality and flourishing depend on our singular focus on the One who is truly worthy of all praise and worship.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "strange gods" might subtly be competing for my ultimate allegiance and affection in my life today?**
* **In what practical ways can I actively "put away" these competing loyalties and create space for God to be preeminent?**
* **How can I more intentionally "incline my heart" towards the LORD daily, ensuring my deepest desires and priorities align with His?**
* **What does "wholehearted devotion" to God truly look like in my specific circumstances, and what steps can I take to cultivate it?**

### FAQ

**What does "strange gods" mean in a modern context?**

Answer: In a modern context, "strange gods" (Hebrew, *ʾělōhê hannēḵār*) refers to anything that takes the place of God as the ultimate object of our worship, trust, and devotion. While ancient Israel faced literal idols of wood and stone, contemporary "strange gods" are often more subtle. They can include materialism, career success, personal comfort, social media, self-indulgence, power, reputation, or even relationships, hobbies, or political ideologies that begin to command our ultimate allegiance and time, diverting our hearts from the one true God. Anything that becomes an ultimate concern or source of security apart from God can function as a "strange god," subtly influencing our decisions and affections. The challenge is to recognize these subtle forms of idolatry and consciously reorient our hearts towards the LORD, as commanded in [Joshua 24:23](/joshua/24-23 "Joshua 24:23 - Put Away Strange Gods").

**Why does Joshua emphasize "incline your heart" rather than just outward obedience?**

Answer: Joshua emphasizes "incline your heart" (Hebrew, *naṭah lēv*) because true covenant fidelity and genuine worship are not merely about external actions or ritualistic adherence but about the internal disposition of one's entire being. God desires a relationship rooted in love and wholehearted devotion, not just reluctant obedience. The "heart" in Hebrew thought represents the totality of one's intellect, will, emotions, and moral character. To "incline your heart" signifies a deliberate, volitional turning and commitment of one's deepest affections and loyalties towards God. Joshua, understanding the human tendency towards superficiality and syncretism, knew that without an internal transformation and a sincere desire to serve God, any outward act of "putting away" idols would be temporary and ultimately meaningless. This call for internal commitment aligns with the greatest commandment to love the LORD with all one's heart, soul, mind, and strength ([Deuteronomy 6:5](/deuteronomy/6-5 "Deuteronomy 6:5 - Love the LORD with All Your Heart")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Joshua 24:23, with its dual command to "put away the strange gods" and "incline your heart unto the LORD God of Israel," finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in Jesus Christ. The Old Testament's repeated call to forsake idols and turn wholeheartedly to God highlighted humanity's persistent failure to do so perfectly. Humanity's heart, corrupted by sin, is naturally inclined away from God and towards various forms of idolatry ([Romans 1:21-23](/romans/1-21 "Romans 1:21-23 - Suppressing the Truth")). Jesus, as the perfect Lamb of God, not only provides the definitive atonement for the sin of idolatry but also inaugurates the New Covenant, where the law is written not on tablets of stone but on the hearts of believers ([Jeremiah 31:33](/jeremiah/31-33 "Jeremiah 31:33 - The New Covenant")). Through His Holy Spirit, Christ empowers believers to truly "put away" the idols of their hearts—the love of money, power, self, or anything that rivals God—and to genuinely "incline their hearts" towards the Father. He is the ultimate object of our worship, the one to whom every knee will bow ([Philippians 2:10-11](/philippians/2-10 "Philippians 2:10-11 - Every Knee Will Bow")). In Christ, we receive a new heart and a new spirit ([Ezekiel 36:26-27](/ezekiel/36-26 "Ezekiel 36:26-27 - A New Heart and Spirit")), enabling us to fulfill Joshua's ancient command not by sheer willpower, but by the transformative power of God's grace, making our devotion to the LORD both possible and truly wholehearted.

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

2 Corinthians 6:16

And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in [them]; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.

2 Corinthians 6:18

And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.

Joshua 24:14

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.

Judges 10:15

And the children of Israel said unto the LORD, We have sinned: do thou unto us whatsoever seemeth good unto thee; deliver us only, we pray thee, this day.

Judges 10:16

And they put away the strange gods from among them, and served the LORD: and his soul was grieved for the misery of Israel.

1 Samuel 7:3

¶ And Samuel spake unto all the house of Israel, saying, If ye do return unto the LORD with all your hearts, [then] put away the strange gods and Ashtaroth from among you, and prepare your hearts unto the LORD, and serve him only: and he will deliver you out of the hand of the Philistines.

1 Samuel 7:4

Then the children of Israel did put away Baalim and Ashtaroth, and served the LORD only.