יהושע, פרק כ״ד, פסוק י״ז

The nation's declaration of absolute loyalty to God rests on a deep historical memory of His protection and salvation. They clearly explain why they will never abandon God for foreign deities or the idols their ancestors once worshipped.

The central focus of their declaration is God's direct and personal involvement. He Himself, without any intermediary, brought them out of slavery in Egypt. While one might assume it is beneath the dignity of the holy and exalted God to act directly within the physical world, He deliberately chose to personally watch over, bless, and protect the people every step of the way [אלשיך]. God performed visible miracles right before their eyes, and He was the one who guarded them throughout their entire journey, shielding them from all the nations they traveled through [ביאור שטיינזלץ].

Understanding this close, constant protection leads the people to a simple conclusion: turning to idols makes no sense. The surrounding nations and their deities could not stand against God, who drove them out Himself. Foreign idols are considered "other" because they remain alienated and distant from those who pray to them; they offer no answer and provide no help. God, however, is exclusively the God of Israel, continuously acting on their behalf. Because of this, the choice to serve only Him is clear and undeniable [אלשיך].