👉 Now therefore put away, [said he], the strange gods which [are] among you, and incline your heart unto the LORD God of Israel.
Explanation: Okay, letâs break down this verse from Joshua 24:23. It's a really important message about how to live in faith and relationship with God. Hereâs what it means in simpler terms: Basically, it's telling us to stop worshipping strange gods. Let's unpack that: âNow therefore put awayâŚâ : This is a command, like a rule or instruction. Itâs urging Joshua (the leader) to stop doing something. â[said he]â : Itâs important to note this is from the perspective of Joshua â he's speaking as the leader. âthe strange gods which [are] among youâŚâ : This is the core of the message. âStrange godsâ means gods or deities that aren't worshiped by the Israelites (and, by extension, by all people). Itâs referring to idols, false idols, or anything that isnât based on Godâs truth and character. It implies things that are made in our own imaginations or beliefs, rather than something divine. "...indcline your heart unto the LORD God of Israel." : This is the action Joshua tells everyone to do. âIndcline your heartâ means to turn your whole attention â your thoughts and feelings â towards God. âTo the LORD God of Israelâ means to look to and worship God directly, not to other gods. What does this mean in a broader sense? This verse speaks to a fundamental shift in how we relate to God. It's about: Honesty & Integrity: Being true to our beliefs and avoiding things that are deceptive or donât align with the truth of God. Focus on God: Shifting our attention away from worldly distractions and focusing on something greater â God. Trusting in God's Plan: Itâs a reminder that God has a plan for us, and we should trust Him to guide us. In short, itâs a call to prioritize God above all else. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Discuss the significance of this verse in a specific context (like the time Joshua was speaking)?