Book of Joshua - Chapter 24 - Verse 23

In this verse, the speaker is calling on the people to turn away from worshipping foreign gods and idols, and instead devote themselves wholeheartedly to the LORD God of Israel. The term "strange gods" refers to any deity or object of worship that is not the one true God. By instructing the people to put away these idols and incline their hearts towards the LORD, the speaker is emphasizing the importance of loyalty and wholehearted devotion to God. This verse serves as a reminder to prioritize God above all else and to remain faithful in worship. It encourages the people to cleanse their hearts and minds of any distractions or false gods that may lead them astray, and to focus solely on their relationship with the LORD. By following this instruction, the people are reaffirming their commitment to God and demonstrating their desire to follow His will.

In this verse, we see a call to action from Joshua to the Israelites. The phrase "put away the strange gods which are among you" implies that the people had idols or false gods in their midst that were competing for their allegiance. This highlights the importance of monotheism in the worship of the one true God, Yahweh. By removing these idols, the Israelites were to demonstrate their commitment to the LORD God of Israel and show that they were dedicated to following His commands. The word "strange" in this context refers to foreign or unfamiliar gods, emphasizing the exclusivity of Yahweh as the only God to be worshipped. The instruction to "incline your heart unto the LORD God of Israel" emphasizes the need for wholehearted devotion and dedication to God. This verse serves as a reminder for believers to continually evaluate their hearts and ensure that they are not allowing anything to take the place of God in their lives.