24:19 You are not able to serve the Lord. This paradoxical statement will all too soon be proved true (v. 31 note; 7:1–26 note; 23:12, 13 note; Judg. 2:7, 10–13; 2 Kin. 17:7–23; Deut. 31:16). It is based on the holiness of God, who cannot be approached casually (Ps. 15:1, 2; Eccl. 5:1, 2). Also, Joshua warns the people because he knows their rebelliousness himself (22:17 and note).

holy. Only a people separated from pagan ways (Lev. 18:3; 20:26) can serve the God who is holy, entirely separate from other gods (Lev. 19:2).

jealous. See Ex. 20:5 and note.

will not forgive. The transgressions in view here amount to the apostasy described in the following verse.