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.

Cross-references

Joshua 24:14 precedes with the command to serve God sincerely, which verse 15 then personalizes with a choice and commitment.

Joshua 24:2 Historical context

Joshua 24:2 sets the historical backdrop: the patriarchs served other gods, directly leading to the call to choose whom to serve.

Joshua 22:5 Parallel

Joshua 22:5 echoes the same charge to serve the LORD wholeheartedly, paralleling the call in Joshua 24:15.

Exodus 34:15 warns against making covenants with pagans lest you serve their gods—directly underlying Joshua's call to choose whom to serve.

Deuteronomy 13:7 warns about gods of neighboring peoples tempting you to serve them, echoing the choice Joshua presents.

Deuteronomy 29:18 warns against a heart turning to serve other gods—the very danger Joshua challenges Israel to reject.

1 Kings 18:21 presents Elijah's identical challenge to choose between God and Baal, echoing Joshua's call.

Judges 6:10 Parallel

Judges 6:10 rebukes Israel for fearing Amorite gods instead of obeying God—confirming the reality of Joshua's choice.

John 6:68 Parallel

John 6:68 declares 'to whom shall we go? You have eternal words'—a New Testament parallel of choosing to follow God alone.

Ruth 1:16 Parallel

Ruth 1:16 exemplifies the choice Joshua demands — Ruth commits to Naomi and her God, serving the LORD faithfully.

Malachi 3:18 contrasts those who serve God versus those who do not, directly reflecting Joshua's choice between serving God or other gods.

In Psalm 119:30, 'I have chosen the way of truth' directly parallels Joshua's call to choose whom to serve — both emphasize deliberate choice.

Matthew 6:24 states you cannot serve two masters — the same core decision as Joshua's call to choose whom to serve.

Matthew 12:30 says whoever is not with Christ is against him — a binary choice akin to Joshua's challenge to choose allegiance.

Luke 16:13 Parallel

Luke 16:13 repeats the teaching that no one can serve two masters, directly reinforcing Joshua's call to exclusive service.

Acts 10:2 Parallel

In Acts 10:2, Cornelius leads his whole household in fearing God — mirroring Joshua's declaration that his house will serve the Lord.

Acts 18:8 Parallel

In Acts 18:8, Crispus and his entire household believe — echoing Joshua's commitment that his house will serve God.

Romans 6:16 Parallel

In Romans 6:16, Paul presents the same choice: you serve either sin or obedience — a direct parallel to choosing whom to serve.

In 1 Timothy 3:4, an overseer must manage his household well — reflecting Joshua's example of leading his house to serve the Lord.

In Revelation 3:15, Christ condemns lukewarm indecision — contrasting with Joshua's call for a clear, decisive choice of whom to serve.

Isaiah 56:4 Parallel

Isaiah 56:4 describes those who 'choose what pleases me' (the Lord), mirroring Joshua's decision to serve God.

Psalm 119:173 explicitly says 'I have chosen your precepts' — a direct parallel to Joshua's call to choose the Lord.

In Genesis 35:2, Jacob calls his household to put away foreign gods, paralleling Joshua's challenge to choose the Lord.

Deuteronomy 30:19 presents a choice between life and death, urging Israel to choose life—mirroring Joshua's call to serve.

Exodus 23:25 commands Israel to serve the LORD, the same call Joshua renews as he challenges the people.

Exodus 23:33 warns that serving other gods becomes a snare, underscoring the seriousness of Joshua's choice.

Exodus 23:24 Historical context

Exodus 23:24 commands not to serve other gods, providing the legal basis for Joshua's call to exclusive service.

Ezekiel 20:39 warns Israel to either serve God or idols exclusively, reinforcing Joshua's demand for a decisive choice.

Ruth 1:15 Contrast

Ruth 1:15 shows Orpah returning to her gods, contrasting with Joshua's call to choose the LORD exclusively.

Acts 11:23 Parallel

In Acts 11:23, Barnabas exhorts believers to remain faithful with steadfast purpose, echoing Joshua's call to choose whom to serve.

Exodus 23:32 Historical context

Exodus 23:32 prohibits covenants with other gods, reinforcing Joshua's demand to choose the LORD alone.

In Galatians 4:8, Paul recalls former slavery to false gods — the same situation Joshua warns against, but from a past perspective.