Joshua 24:14 Now therefore fear the Lord, and serve him in sincerity and in truth: and put away the gods which your fathers served on the other side of the flood, and in Egypt; and serve ye the Lord.
When Joshua was just about to hand over the baton of leadership, he implored the Hebrews to serve the Lord in sincerity and truth. And at that time he laid before the people the fact that they were left free to choose whom they would serve, with the natural consequences. God never coerces anyone to serve and obey Him, but He does set before us the paths of good and evil, so that intelligent choices can be made, either for, or against.
What is of great concern in this instance is that the people at this time, renewed their pledges to serve God. But lo and behold, Joshua uttered a statement that would cause even the casual observer to ask: “Why would Joshua give such a reply to the pledges made by the people to serve The Lord? Why not encourage them to do as they had promised?
It is because most of the people would stumble on the issue of God’s discretionary corrections. In other words, whenever God sees fit to issue corrections in the form of judgements or punishments, persons would harbor a deep resentment in their hearts, and instead of humbling themselves under His mighty hand, their hearts would be lifted up in rebellion against The One who is trying to save them from the brink.
Joshua 24:19 And Joshua said unto the people, Ye cannot serve the Lord: for he is a holy God; he is a jealous God. 20 If ye forsake the Lord, and serve strange gods, then he will turn and do you hurt, after that he hath done you good.
May The Lord add His blessing to the study of His word. God bless!