Definition: And Joshua said unto the people, Ye cannot serve the LORD: for he [is] an holy God; he [is] a jealous God; he will not forgive your transgressions nor your sins.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Joshua 24:19. It's a really important and somewhat challenging passage about God’s relationship with humanity. Here’s a simplified explanation: Basically, it means God is incredibly strict and holds a deep, almost vengeful, judgment over people. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “And Joshua said unto the people…” – This establishes that Joshua is speaking to a group of people, likely leaders or elders. “…Ye cannot serve the LORD…” – This is the core of the message. It means we are not allowed to worship God as freely as we should. We’re not meant to be worshipped like any other person. “for he [is] an holy God…” - "Holy" means that God is set apart, separate from everything and everyone else. He's not interested in being involved or affected by our actions. “…he [is] a jealous God…” – This is the key part that’s unsettling. God isn’t just angry; he feels a deep sense of displeasure and resentment because people are messing with him. Think of it like someone constantly stealing from you, or breaking a rule you've made. “he will not forgive your transgressions nor your sins.” – This means God won’t let people off easily if they break His rules or commit terrible acts. He will hold a grudge and punish them severely. Forgiveness is something he expects, but he doesn't give it freely. So, what does this all mean practically? It suggests a very demanding and unforgiving God. He’s not just disappointed; he’s actively working to protect Himself and his own holiness. He’s willing to punish those who disrespect him and go against His will. Context is important: This verse comes before the story of Joshua leading the Israelites into Canaan, a land they were supposed to conquer. It's a warning about the consequences of disobedience and a reminder that God’s judgment is inevitable for those who don’t follow his instructions. In short, it’s a statement about God’s unwavering commitment to his own holiness and justice. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Connect it to a specific story or event from the Bible? Talk about the idea of "justice" as described here?