17 The Lord our God brought us and our ancestors out of slavery in Egypt. He did these spectacular signs right before our eyes. He guarded us wherever we went, especially as we passed through other nations.
18 The Lord forced out all the people ahead of us, including the Amorites who lived in this land. We, too, will serve the Lord, because he is our God.”
19 But Joshua answered the people, “Since the Lord is a holy God, you can’t possibly serve him. He is a God who does not tolerate rivals. He will not forgive your rebellious acts and sins.
20 If you abandon the Lord and serve foreign gods, he will turn and bring disaster on you. He will destroy you, although he has been so good to you.”
21 The people answered Joshua, “No! We will ⌊only⌋ serve the Lord!”
22 Joshua said to the people, “You have testified that you have chosen to serve the Lord.”They answered, “Yes, we have!”
23 “Get rid of the foreign gods that are among you. Turn yourselves entirely over to the Lord God of Israel.”