How we cite our quotes:
Quote #7
Therefore be very steadfast to observe and do all that is written in the book of the law of Moses, turning aside from it neither to the right nor to the left, so that you may not be mixed with these nations left here among you, or make mention of the names of their gods, or swear by them, or serve them, or bow yourselves down to them, but hold fast to the LORD your God, as you have done to this day. (NRSV 23:6-8)
Be ye therefore very courageous to keep and to do all that is written in the book of the law of Moses, that ye turn not aside therefrom to the right hand or to the left; That ye come not among these nations, these that remain among you; neither make mention of the name of their gods, nor cause to swear by them, neither serve them, nor bow yourselves unto them: But cleave unto the LORD your God, as ye have done unto this day. (KJV 23:6-8)
Just like the mob teaches us, sometimes you need to keep it in the family. For the Israelites, God warns that mixing it up with other cultures can have devastating effects. They do it anyway. Sometimes, we need to learn by doing.
Quote #8
Then Joshua gathered all the tribes of Israel to Shechem, and summoned the elders, the heads, the judges, and the officers of Israel; and they presented themselves before God. (NRSV 24:1)
And Joshua gathered all the tribes of Israel to Shechem, and called for the elders of Israel, and for their heads, and for their judges, and for their officers; and they presented themselves before God. (KJV 24:1)
As much as being part of a community means everyone belongs, sometimes it's essential to have a hierarchy. In the case of the Israelites, even the eldest of elders still humbles themselves before God, who hangs out at the tip top of their hierarchical pyramid.
Quote #9
Now if you are unwilling to serve the LORD, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served in the region beyond the River or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you are living; but as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD." (NRSV 24:15)
And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD. (KJV 24:15)
Joshua serves as leader of the community of Israelites, occasionally calling upon them to make decisions about God. In this case, it's all about following God vs. following false idols. They must choose, but they must choose wisely.