Joshua 24:15
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.Joshua 24:15
What does Joshua 24:15 mean?
Joshua challenges Israel to choose which gods they will serve, then declares his own decision: he and his household will serve the LORD. It's both a challenge to others and a personal, public commitment.
Context
This verse comes from Joshua's farewell address to Israel near the end of his life (Joshua 24), where he reviews God's faithfulness throughout their history and calls the people to renew their covenant commitment. It's a decisive moment of choosing, not passive inheritance of faith.
Key themes
Related Bible verses
Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the LORD thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.
Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward.
For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
Bible study
- Why does Joshua present this as a choice, rather than assuming Israel would automatically continue serving God?
- What does it mean for a household, not just an individual, to serve the LORD together?
- What would it look like for you to make this same kind of decisive, public commitment?
Prayer
A short devotional prayer inspired by this verse — not scripture
Lord, like Joshua, I choose to serve You — in my own life and in the home I'm part of. Help that commitment be lived out, not just spoken. Amen.
Memorize this verse
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.
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Frequently asked questions
When did Joshua give this challenge?
It's part of his farewell address to Israel near the end of his life (Joshua 24), reviewing God's faithfulness and calling the people to renew their commitment.
What does 'my house' refer to in this verse?
It refers to Joshua's own household or family — he's making a personal commitment on behalf of those under his leadership at home, not just speaking for himself alone.