16The people replied, "Far be it from us to forsake the LORD to serve other gods!
17For the LORD our God is the one who brought us and our ancestors up out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery. He performed great signs before our eyes, protected us along the entire way we traveled, and among all the peoples through whom we journeyed.
18The LORD drove out all the peoples before us, including the Amorites who lived in the land. We too will serve the LORD, for He is our God.
19Joshua said to the people, "You are not able to serve the LORD. He is a holy God; He is a jealous God. He will not forgive your transgressions or your sins.
20If you abandon the LORD and serve foreign gods, He will turn and bring harm to you and destroy you, after He has been good to you.
21But the people said to Joshua, "No! We will serve the LORD.
22Joshua said to the people, "You are witnesses against yourselves that you have chosen to serve the LORD." And they said, "We are witnesses."
23Now then," Joshua said, "put away the foreign gods that are among you, and direct your hearts toward the LORD, the God of Israel.
24The people said to Joshua, "We will serve the LORD our God and obey His voice.