Joshua 24:24
And the people said to Joshua, “The LORD our God we will serve, and his voice we will obey.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The people aren't just saying "yes" to God; they're declaring allegiance to Him as their God, the one who acted for them. This emphasis on "The LORD our God" highlights that their service is a response to His specific, demonstrated faithfulness in bringing them out of Egypt and driving out enemies, not just a general agreement to worship a deity.
After Joshua challenges the people to commit wholeheartedly to serving the LORD, reminding them of God's faithfulness and their own limitations, they solemnly pledge their allegiance. This culminates Joshua's final address, a covenant renewal where he requires them to choose whom they will serve, to put away foreign gods, and to commit to the LORD. The people’s repeated, strong affirmation seals their public vow before God and witnesses, acknowledging their choice to obey God and not rely on their own strength.
Joshua didn't just ask for a quick 'yes.' He pushed the Israelites to truly own their decision. Why would he do that?
Joshua's persistent questioning wasn't to trick the people, but to ensure their commitment was genuine. He gave them the freedom to choose, even to choose other gods, to highlight that their decision to serve the LORD must be entirely their own.
The Israelites declared they would serve the LORD. But they added a crucial second part to their promise. What was it, and why is it so important?
The people's declaration wasn't just about following God's actions; it was about submitting to His words. Serving the LORD is inseparable from obeying Him.
Understand the original words
qol · Hebrew Noun
The oral or written communication of God's will and law; obedience to His voice is synonymous with keeping His commandments and living in accordance with His holiness.
shama · Hebrew Verb
To hear with intention, resulting in compliance or submission; it implies not just receiving information, but acting upon what has been heard.
This momentous declaration marks the culmination of Joshua's leadership and the conquest of Canaan, serving as a pivotal covenant renewal. It underscores the deliberate choice faced by the people to abandon the surrounding polytheistic practices and commit wholly to the LORD, a choice made even more sacred by Joshua's insistence that they understand the gravity and commitment involved.
c. 1406 BC
Israel enters the Promised Land
Following the death of Moses, Joshua leads the Israelites across the Jordan River into Canaan, fulfilling God's promise.
c. 1405-1399 BC
Conquest of Canaan
Joshua leads the Israelite tribes in a military campaign to conquer the land of Canaan, dividing it among the twelve tribes.
c. 1399 BC— this verse
Joshua's Farewell Address
Joshua, an elderly leader, gathers the people at Shechem for a final address, recounting God's faithfulness and challenging them to commit to serving Him alone.
c. 1399 BC
Covenant Renewal
The Israelites, in response to Joshua's challenge, renew their covenant with the LORD, pledging to serve Him and obey His voice.
This verse echoes the Shema, the foundational declaration of Israel's faith, emphasizing that 'The LORD our God, the LORD is one,' setting the stage for their commitment to serve and obey Him alone.
1 Samuel 12:24Just as Joshua urged the people to choose to serve the LORD, Samuel also called Israel to 'serve the LORD in truth with all your heart,' highlighting the continuous need for genuine devotion and obedience.
Romans 6:16The apostle Paul speaks to the New Testament's understanding of obedience, stating that 'you are slaves of the one whom you obey—whether of sin, which leads to death, or of obedience, which leads to righteousness,' paralleling the choice made in Joshua's time.
Matthew 4:10When Jesus was tempted by the devil, he quoted Deuteronomy, saying 'Away with you, Satan! For it is written: ‘“Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.”' This reinforces the singular devotion demanded by God, just as the Israelites affirmed.
calvinJoshua 24:15-24: "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."
- And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom you will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amori…
gillJoshua 24:24: "And the people said unto Joshua, The LORD our God will we serve, and his voice will we obey."
And the people said unto Joshua,.... A third time, that as by the mouth of two or three witnesses everything is confirmed, so by three testimonies of the same persons: the Lord our God will we serve; as they had before declared, and to which they add: and his voice will we obey; or his word, as the Targum, not only his word of command, but his essential Word, the Son of God.
The people aren't just saying "yes" to God; they're declaring allegiance to Him as their God, the one who acted for them. This emphasis on "The LORD our God" highlights that their service is a response to His specific, demonstrated faithfulness in bringing them out of Egypt and driving out enemies, not just a general agreement to worship a deity.
After Joshua challenges the people to commit wholeheartedly to serving the LORD, reminding them of God's faithfulness and their own limitations, they solemnly pledge their allegiance. This culminates Joshua's final address, a covenant renewal where he requires them to choose whom they will serve, to put away foreign gods, and to commit to the LORD. The people’s repeated, strong affirmation seals their public vow before God and witnesses, acknowledging their choice to obey God and not rely on their own strength.
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c. 1398 BC
Death of Joshua
Joshua dies at an advanced age, leaving behind a generation committed to serving God, though future generations would face spiritual challenges.
After Joshua challenges the people to commit wholeheartedly to serving the LORD, reminding them of God's faithfulness and their own limitations, they solemnly pledge their allegiance. This culminates Joshua's final address, a covenant renewal where he requires them to choose whom they will serve, to put away foreign gods, and to commit to the LORD. The people’s repeated, strong affirmation seals their public vow before God and witnesses, acknowledging their choice to obey God and not rely on their own strength.
"And the people said to Joshua, “The LORD our God we will serve, and his voice we will obey.”" — The people aren't just saying "yes" to God; they're declaring allegiance to Him as their God, the one who acted for them. This emphasis on "The LORD our God" highlights that their service is a…
