ESV Reformation Study Bible – Josh 24:14
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Josh 24:14

24:14 fear the Lord. See 4:24. This response is demanded by the history of God’s faithfulness to His promises in vv. 2–13. The fear of God is associated with knowledge of His grace and is fully compatible with love for Him (Deut. 10:12, 13; Ps. 130:4). Contrast 2:9, where the Canaanites fear God because of His coming judgment; and 7:5, where the Israelites experience His anger.

Put away the gods. This may refer literally to idols, or metaphorically to abandoning the gods they represent, or to both. The goodness of God to Israel (vv. 2–13) demands exclusive allegiance, summed up by the first commandment (Ex. 20:3).

the River. See note on v. 2.

and in Egypt. Israel’s idolatry in Egypt will be remembered by Ezekiel (20:7–10; 23:3–8, 19–21, 27).