16. The people answered, “Far be it from us that we should forsake the Lord, to serve other gods;
17. for it is the Lord our God who brought us and our fathers up out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage, and who did those great signs in our sight, and preserved us in all the way in which we went, and amongst all the peoples through the middle of whom we passed.
18. The Lord drove out from before us all the peoples, even the Amorites who lived in the land. Therefore we also will serve the Lord; for he is our God.”
19. Joshua said to the people, “You can’t serve the Lord, for he is a holy God. He is a jealous God. He will not forgive your disobedience nor your sins.
20. If you forsake the Lord, and serve foreign gods, then he will turn and do you evil, and consume you, after he has done you good.”
21. The people said to Joshua, “No, but we will serve the Lord.”
22. Joshua said to the people, “You are witnesses against yourselves that you have chosen the Lord yourselves, to serve him.”They said, “We are witnesses.”
23. “Now therefore put away the foreign gods which are amongst you, and incline your heart to the Lord, the God of Israel.”
24. The people said to Joshua, “We will serve the Lord our God, and we will listen to his voice.”