16. And the people answered, and said: God forbid we should leave the Lord, and serve strange gods.
17. The Lord our God he brought us and our fathers out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage: and did very great signs in our sight, and preserved us in all the way by which we journeyed, and among all the people through whom we passed.
18. And he hath cast out all the nations, the Amorrhite the inhabitant of the land into which we are come. Therefore we will serve the Lord, for he is our God.
19. And Josue said to the people: You will not be able to serve the Lord: for he is a holy God, and mighty and jealous, and will not forgive your wickedness and sins.
20. If you leave the Lord, and serve strange gods, he will turn, and will afflict you, and will destroy you after all the good he hath done you.
21. And the people said to Josue: No, it shall not be so as thou sayest, but we will serve the Lord.
22. And Josue said to the people: You are witnesses, that you yourselves have chosen you the Lord to serve him. And they answered: We are witnesses.
23. Now therefore, said he, put away strange gods from among you, and incline your hearts to the Lord the God of Israel.
24. And the people said to Josue: We will serve the Lord our God, and we will be obedient to his commandments.
25. Josue therefore on that day made a covenant, and set before the people commandments and judgments in Sichem.