16. The people replied, “We would never abandon the lord and serve other gods.
17. For the lord our God is the one who rescued us and our ancestors from slavery in the land of Egypt. He performed mighty miracles before our very eyes. As we traveled through the wilderness among our enemies, he preserved us.
18. It was the lord who drove out the Amorites and the other nations living here in the land. So we, too, will serve the lord, for he alone is our God.”
19. Then Joshua warned the people, “You are not able to serve the lord, for he is a holy and jealous God. He will not forgive your rebellion and your sins.
20. If you abandon the lord and serve other gods, he will turn against you and destroy you, even though he has been so good to you.”
21. But the people answered Joshua, “No, we will serve the lord!”