And the people said to Joshua, “The LORD our God we will serve, and his voice we will obey.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
It's easy to hear this as just another "yes!" from the people, but notice they add "and his voice we will obey." This isn't just a statement of loyalty, but a commitment to follow God's specific instructions, recognizing that serving God means living by His word. It elevates their profession from a general allegiance to a practical, actionable obedience.
And the people said to Joshua, “The LORD our God we will serve, and his voice we will obey.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse is the climax of Joshua's final address to the people of Israel, where he recounts God's faithfulness and challenges them to choose whom they will serve. After Joshua emphasizes that they cannot serve God fully due to human frailty, the people pledge their commitment not once, but three times, to serve and obey the LORD. This declaration solidifies their covenant with God before Joshua's death.
Joshua lays out a stark choice: serve the gods of the past or the gods of the land. The people's response isn't a hesitant maybe, but a powerful declaration. What makes their vow so significant?
In Joshua 24, we see a pivotal moment where the Israelites are confronted with their covenant relationship with God. Joshua doesn't force them; he presents a clear choice (v. 15). He even plays devil's advocate, highlighting God's holiness and jealousy, warning them that they cannot serve God if they continue in sin (v. 19). This isn't to discourage them, but to ensure their commitment is genuine and fully aware of the cost.
When the people respond, it's their third affirmation (vv. 16, 21, 24). This repetition emphasizes that their decision is not made lightly. They are not pressured; they are choosing. They are making a deliberate vow, consciously agreeing to God's terms. This act of choosing, as Calvin notes, makes the covenant more sacred because it's done with their full consent. They are binding themselves, not under compulsion, but through their own expressed will.
The people don't just say they will serve God; they also promise to obey Him. Why is this distinction important, and how do these two actions work together?
The commitment in Joshua 24:24 isn't just about allegiance; it's about action. The people declare, 'The LORD our God will we serve, and his voice will we obey.' These are not the same thing, yet they are inseparably linked in true faith.
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As Henry points out, genuine worship springs from love and a willing mind, which leads to obedience. Joshua had already emphasized that serving God meant putting away foreign gods and inclining their hearts to the LORD (v. 23). True service, therefore, flows directly from obedience. You can't truly serve God if you refuse to obey His word. Conversely, obedience without a heart devoted to serving Him can become mere ritual or legalism. This combined declaration shows a holistic commitment: a dedication of their lives and a submission to His every command.
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 public, triple declaration by the people wasn't just a fleeting promise; it was a solemn covenant renewal, made as they settled into the Promised Land and as their eyewitness leaders were passing away. It highlights the crucial moment of transition where they had to actively choose allegiance to God in their new homeland, setting the stage for the challenges and faithfulness (or unfaithfulness) seen in the subsequent generations.
c. 1406 BC
Joshua leads Israelites into Canaan
After wandering in the desert for 40 years, Joshua leads the Israelites into the Promised Land, beginning the conquest and division of Canaan.
c. 1375 BC
Conquest and division of Canaan
The land of Canaan is conquered and divided among the twelve tribes of Israel. This sets the stage for establishing their society under God's law.
c. 1375 BC— this verse
Joshua's farewell address
Near the end of his life, Joshua gathers the people of Israel to recount God's faithfulness and challenge them to commit to serving Him alone.
c. 1375 BC
Covenant renewal ceremony
Joshua and the people establish a covenant, with the people publicly vowing to serve the Lord, solidifying their commitment to God's laws.
c. 1375 BC
Joshua and elders die
Joshua and the elders who remembered the great works of God pass away, marking the end of an era of strong leadership.
c. 1350-1070 BC
Period of the Judges
Following Joshua's death, Israel experiences cycles of disobedience, oppression, repentance, and deliverance, highlighting the ongoing struggle to obey God.
This verse establishes the foundational call to Israel to love and serve only the LORD, a truth echoed in the people's commitment to Joshua.
1 Samuel 12:15This passage shows a similar covenant renewal where disobedience and turning away from the LORD brought disaster, highlighting the gravity of the people's promise.
Matthew 4:10Jesus quotes Deuteronomy here, directly countering temptation by stating that only the LORD should be served, reinforcing the singular devotion Joshua's people vowed.
John 10:27Jesus speaks of His sheep hearing His voice and following Him, a concept that directly parallels the people's commitment to obey the 'voice' of the LORD.
Romans 6:16Paul discusses the concept of slavery to obedience, showing how choosing to serve and obey a master, whether sin or righteousness, has profound consequences, much like the people's choice.
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.
It's easy to hear this as just another "yes!" from the people, but notice they add "and his voice we will obey." This isn't just a statement of loyalty, but a commitment to follow God's specific instructions, recognizing that serving God means living by His word. It elevates their profession from a general allegiance to a practical, actionable obedience.
This verse is the climax of Joshua's final address to the people of Israel, where he recounts God's faithfulness and challenges them to choose whom they will serve. After Joshua emphasizes that they cannot serve God fully due to human frailty, the people pledge their commitment not once, but three times, to serve and obey the LORD. This declaration solidifies their covenant with God before Joshua's death.
This verse is the climax of Joshua's final address to the people of Israel, where he recounts God's faithfulness and challenges them to choose whom they will serve. After Joshua emphasizes that they cannot serve God fully due to human frailty, the people pledge their commitment not once, but three times, to serve and obey the LORD. This declaration solidifies their covenant with God before Joshua's death.
"And the people said to Joshua, “The LORD our God we will serve, and his voice we will obey.”" — It's easy to hear this as just another "yes!" from the people, but notice they add "and his voice we will obey." This isn't just a statement of loyalty, but a commitment to follow God's specific inst…
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Last reviewed October 2026