What is the meaning of Joshua 24:17? The LORD our God “FOR THE LORD OUR GOD…” (Joshua 24:17) centers everything on who God is—personally present, covenant-keeping, and uniquely worthy of allegiance. • Joshua echoes Moses’ words in Deuteronomy 6:4–5, reminding Israel that the One who commands their devotion is the same LORD who revealed Himself as “I AM” (Exodus 3:14). • By saying “our God,” the people confess a living relationship, not a distant deity (Leviticus 26:12). • This personal confession lays the foundation for the call that follows in Joshua 24:14–15 to fear and serve Him alone. Brought us and our fathers out of Egypt “…BROUGHT US AND OUR FATHERS OUT OF THE LAND OF EGYPT…” • Israel’s story is rooted in a real, historical rescue (Exodus 12:40-42). • The phrase joins every generation—those who actually left Egypt and their descendants—in one shared memory (Psalm 78:12-13). • It highlights God’s reliability: He keeps promises made to Abraham (Genesis 15:13-14). Out of the house of slavery “…OUT OF THE HOUSE OF SLAVERY…” • Egypt wasn’t just geography; it was bondage (Exodus 13:3). • God’s salvation is both physical and spiritual—He frees from oppression and from the idols of Egypt (Exodus 20:2-3). • The reminder guards the people against returning to any form of bondage, whether literal or idolatrous (Galatians 5:1 draws on this same Exodus truth for believers today). Performed great signs before our eyes “…AND PERFORMED THESE GREAT SIGNS BEFORE OUR EYES.” • Ten plagues (Exodus 7–12), the Red Sea crossing (Exodus 14:21-31), water from the rock (Exodus 17:5-7), manna (Exodus 16:11-15)—all eyewitness events for Israel. • Miracles serve to authenticate God’s power and invite trust (Deuteronomy 4:34). • Joshua himself saw the Jordan halted and Jericho’s walls fall (Joshua 3:14-17; 6:20), reinforcing that God’s wonders did not cease after Moses. Protected us throughout our journey “HE ALSO PROTECTED US THROUGHOUT OUR JOURNEY…” • From the first Passover night to the plains of Moab, God’s pillar of cloud and fire guided and guarded (Exodus 13:21-22; Numbers 9:15-23). • Clothes and sandals did not wear out (Deuteronomy 8:4). • Protection was constant, whether from Amalekites (Exodus 17:8-16) or venomous snakes (Numbers 21:4-9). Among all the nations through which we traveled “…AND AMONG ALL THE NATIONS THROUGH WHICH WE TRAVELED.” • No foreign king or curse could override God’s care—Balak and Balaam failed to harm Israel (Numbers 22–24). • Nations trembled when they heard of the LORD’s acts (Exodus 15:14-16; Joshua 2:9-11). • God demonstrated His supremacy over every regional deity, assuring Israel that He alone deserves their exclusive worship (Isaiah 45:5-6). summary Joshua 24:17 is Israel’s collective testimony: “Our God personally rescued us, freed us from slavery, amazed us with mighty wonders, and protected us every step of the way—even in foreign lands.” Each phrase rehearses God’s historic faithfulness to stir fresh commitment. The verse calls every generation to remember, trust, and serve the LORD who saves, sustains, and secures His people. |
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