And the LORD drave out from before us all the people, even the Amorites which dwelt in the land: therefore will we also serve the LORD; for he is our God.

JOSHUA 24:18KJV
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Joshua 24:18 (KJV)

What does Joshua 24:18 mean?

Joshua 24:18 describes how the people of Israel recognize that the LORD drove out all the peoples living in the land before them, including the Amorites, and so they declare their intention to serve the LORD because He is their God. The verse is a statement of loyalty and gratitude from the Israelites, acknowledging God’s actions on their behalf.

In this scene, Joshua is addressing the gathered tribes of Israel at the end of his life, challenging them to choose whom they will serve. The people respond by recalling how the LORD removed the other nations, especially the Amorites, from the land so they could settle there. Their commitment to serve the LORD is rooted in their shared history and experience of God’s power and faithfulness.

The Hebrew behind Joshua 24:18

  • The word for "drove out" is גָּרַשׁ (garash), here tagged as "out" (H1644), which often means to expel or force out. This emphasizes that Israel’s possession of the land was not by their own strength, but because God actively removed the other peoples.
  • The word translated "serve" is עָבַד (avad, H5647), which means to work for, serve, or worship. The people’s response is not just about obedience, but about dedicating themselves to God in all aspects of life.
  • The name "LORD" is יְהוָה (YHWH, H3068), the personal name of Israel’s God, highlighting a special relationship rather than a generic deity.
  • The word "God" is אֱלֹהִים (Elohim, H430), a more general term for deity, but here it is used to affirm that the LORD is their one true God, distinct from the gods of other nations.

Why Joshua 24:18 matters

  • This verse clears up any idea that Israel’s success was due to their own power; it stresses that it was the LORD who made their victory possible.
  • The people’s response shows that their commitment to serve God is based on what He has done for them, not just on tradition or obligation.
  • Joshua 24:18 connects to the larger theme of covenant renewal in this chapter, where Israel is called to remember their history and choose faithfulness to the LORD over the gods of other nations.

Where else these words appear

“out” Hebrew H1644 · used in 45 verses

  • Genesis 3:24 So he drove out the man; and he placed at the east of the garden of Eden Cherubims, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to keep the way of the tree of life.
  • Leviticus 21:7 They shall not take a wife that is a whore, or profane; neither shall they take a woman put away from her husband: for he is holy unto his God.
  • 1 Chronicles 17:21 And what one nation in the earth is like thy people Israel, whom God went to redeem to be his own people, to make thee a name of greatness and terribleness, by driving out nations from before thy people, whom thou hast redeemed out of Egypt?

“Amorites” Hebrew H567 · used in 86 verses

  • Genesis 10:16 And the Jebusite, and the Amorite, and the Girgasite,
  • Deuteronomy 1:27 And ye murmured in your tents, and said, Because the LORD hated us, he hath brought us forth out of the land of Egypt, to deliver us into the hand of the Amorites, to destroy us.
  • Joshua 24:12 And I sent the hornet before you, which drave them out from before you, even the two kings of the Amorites; but not with thy sword, nor with thy bow.