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    Put Away the Old Gods

    Joshua 24:14 Commentary

    In-depth meaning, historical context, and practical application

    Written by Bible Sundays Editorial TeamChecked by Bible Sundays Scripture DeskLast reviewed August 1, 2026Our editorial standards
    "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."
    — Joshua 24:14 (KJV)
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    Introduction

    One verse before Joshua's famous declaration (v. 15), the aged leader calls Israel to clear the ground first. You cannot serve the LORD with hidden idols still on the shelf.

    Historical Context

    At Shechem, Joshua gathers Israel for covenant renewal. Generations had passed since Egypt and Mesopotamia, but ancestral gods still cluttered family altars. Surrender means inventory first.

    Original Language Insights

    'Sincerity' (tamim) — whole, complete, unblemished. The same word for sacrificial animals.

    'Put away' (hasiru) — remove, take from the midst. Decisive, not gradual.

    Theological Significance

    Worship is not addition but exchange. Before the LORD can be served, rivals must be removed. The covenant tolerates no partial allegiance.

    Practical Application

    Before declaring 'as for me and my house' (v. 15), do v. 14. Inventory the inherited idols — comfort, success, approval, screens. Put them away. Then serve.

    Cross-References & Related Scriptures

    Joshua 24:15

    "Choose you this day whom ye will serve."

    The next verse — clearing the ground (v. 14) precedes the choice (v. 15).

    Matthew 6:24

    "No man can serve two masters."

    Jesus' echo — divided service is no service at all.

    Prayer Response

    LORD, show me the inherited idols still on my shelf. I put them away today. I will serve You in sincerity and truth. Amen.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Did Israelites still keep ancestral idols?

    Joshua's command and Rachel's earlier theft of household gods (Gen 31:19) suggest yes. Cultural idolatry persists long after public profession.

    Read commentary on surrounding verses

    Continue studying Joshua 24 verse by verse:

    After · Joshua 24:15Exact verse

    And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve... but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.

    Theme: Choice & Commitment

    After · Joshua 24:16Exact verse

    And the people answered and said, God forbid that we should forsake the LORD, to serve other gods;

    Theme: The People's Quick Reply

    Nearest commentary in Joshua

    Earlier · 21 ch back · Joshua 3:5Nearest chapter

    And Joshua said unto the people, Sanctify yourselves: for to morrow the LORD will do wonders among you.

    Theme: Preparation & Expectation

    Earlier · 20 ch back · Joshua 4:6-7Nearest chapter

    That this may be a sign among you, that when your children ask their fathers in time to come, saying, What mean ye by these stones? Then ye shall answer them, That the waters of Jordan were cut off before the ark of the covenant of the LORD.

    Theme: Remembrance & Legacy

    Earlier · 18 ch back · Joshua 6:2Nearest chapter

    And the LORD said unto Joshua, See, I have given into thine hand Jericho, and the king thereof, and the mighty men of valour.

    Theme: Victory Already Given

    Earlier · 1 ch back · Joshua 23:14Nearest chapter

    And, behold, this day I am going the way of all the earth: and ye know in all your hearts and in all your souls, that not one thing hath failed of all the good things which the LORD your God spake concerning you; all are come to pass unto you, and not one thing hath failed thereof.

    Theme: God's Faithfulness

    Read Joshua 23Commentary: Joshua 23:14
    Read Joshua 24 (full)Nearest commentary: Joshua 24:15
    Read Joshua 25No commentary yet
    Previous commentary: Joshua 23:14Next commentary: Joshua 24:15

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    Related Bible Questions

    Common questions people ask about this passage — answered with KJV scripture.

    What Does the Bible Say About Lying?

    The Bible identifies lying as an abomination to God and a trait of the devil, commanding believers to put away falsehood and speak truth.

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    What Does the Bible Say About Education?

    The Bible views education as the training of the heart and mind in the fear of the Lord, primarily through parental instruction in God's truth.

    Read answer

    How to Overcome Fear Biblically?

    Believers overcome fear by replacing it with the truth of God's presence, His promises, and His perfect love — through Scripture, prayer, and active trust.

    Read answer

    Quick Devotional

    For a shorter devotional reflection on related verses:

    Joshua 1:9 – Meaning & Devotional

    "Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest."

    Joshua 1:9 – Meaning & Devotional

    "Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest."

    Joshua 24:15 – Meaning & Devotional

    "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."

    Related Miracles

    Signs and wonders connected to this passage and its themes:

    Power Over Nature
    Old Testament

    Parting of the Jordan

    The Jordan River stood up in a heap so Israel crossed into the promised land on dry ground.

    Read the miracle
    Deliverance & Judgment
    Old Testament

    The Walls of Jericho Fall

    Israel marched around Jericho for seven days and the walls fell flat at a shout.

    Read the miracle
    Power Over Nature
    Old Testament

    The Sun Stands Still

    At Joshua's command the sun stood still over Gibeon until Israel defeated her enemies.

    Read the miracle
    Deliverance & Judgment
    Old Testament

    Daniel in the Lions' Den

    God shut the mouths of lions to preserve Daniel for his faithful prayer.

    Read the miracle

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