Joshua 24:21

KJV

And the people said unto Joshua, Nay; but we will serve the LORD.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the people {H5971} said {H559} unto Joshua {H3091}, Nay; but we will serve {H5647} the LORD {H3068}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But the people said to Y'hoshua, "No, but we will serve ADONAI."

Berean Standard Bible

“No!” replied the people. “We will serve the LORD!”

American Standard Version

And the people said unto Joshua, Nay; but we will serve Jehovah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Joshua 24:21 captures a pivotal and resolute declaration from the Israelites, affirming their unwavering commitment to serve the LORD alone. This verse marks the culmination of a profound covenant renewal ceremony at Shechem, where the people, in response to Joshua's challenging call to choose whom they would serve, forcefully reject the notion of abandoning God and instead proclaim their exclusive allegiance to Yahweh, the God who faithfully delivered them and brought them into the Promised Land.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Joshua 24:21 is the climax of Joshua's farewell address and the subsequent covenant renewal at Shechem. Following a comprehensive recounting of God's faithfulness from Abraham to their entry into Canaan (Joshua 24:1-13), Joshua presents the people with a stark choice: to serve the gods of their ancestors beyond the Euphrates, the gods of the Amorites, or the LORD (Joshua 24:14). He then famously declares his own household's resolve in [Joshua 24:15](/joshua/24-15 "Joshua 24:15 - Joshua's Declaration of Faith"). The people initially respond with a strong affirmation, recounting God's mighty acts (Joshua 24:16-18). However, Joshua, knowing the fickle nature of the human heart and the holiness of God, tests their sincerity by warning them of the LORD's jealousy and His inability to tolerate their transgressions if they were to forsake Him ([Joshua 24:19-20](/joshua/24-19 "Joshua 24:19-20 - Joshua's Warning of God's Holiness")). It is to this sobering warning, and the implied possibility of their failure, that the people issue their emphatic "Nay; but we will serve the LORD" in verse 21, asserting their firm intention to remain faithful.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting for this covenant renewal is Shechem, a site of profound historical and religious significance for Israel. It was here that Abraham first built an altar to the LORD upon entering Canaan ([Genesis 12:6-7](/genesis/12-6 "Genesis 12:6-7 - Abraham's Altar at Shechem")), and where Jacob buried the foreign gods of his household ([Genesis 35:2-4](/genesis/35-2 "Genesis 35:2-4 - Jacob Purifies His Household")). This location, nestled between Mount Ebal and Mount Gerizim, was also where the blessings and curses of the covenant were publicly declared upon Israel's entry into the land ([Deuteronomy 27:11-26](/deuteronomy/27-11 "Deuteronomy 27:11-26 - Blessings and Curses at Shechem")). Covenant renewal ceremonies were common in the ancient Near East, often involving a review of past deeds, a statement of loyalty, and a reaffirmation of obligations. For Israel, this ceremony served to publicly recommit to the Mosaic Covenant in the face of pervasive Canaanite idolatry, particularly the worship of Baal, which posed a constant temptation to syncretism.

* **Key Themes:** Joshua 24:21 encapsulates several critical themes woven throughout the book of Joshua and the broader Old Testament. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Decisive Commitment**, emphasizing that faith is not merely inherited but requires a personal, conscious, and unequivocal choice to serve God. The people's "Nay" is a forceful rejection of any alternative, underscoring the exclusivity of their allegiance. Secondly, it underscores **Covenant Reaffirmation**, as the ceremony at Shechem echoes and renews the original covenant made at Mount Sinai ([Exodus 24:1-8](/exodus/24-1 "Exodus 24:1-8 - The Covenant at Sinai")), solidifying their identity as the LORD's chosen people. Thirdly, the verse powerfully asserts the **Exclusivity of Worship**, aligning directly with the First Commandment ([Exodus 20:3](/exodus/20-3 "Exodus 20:3 - The First Commandment")), demanding monotheistic devotion and a complete rejection of all forms of idolatry prevalent in the land. Finally, it speaks to **Intentional Faith**, moving beyond mere ritual or tradition to a deliberate and active choice to obey and worship God in every aspect of life.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Nay (Hebrew, _lo'_):** This word is a strong negative particle, meaning "no" or "not." In this context, it is not a refusal to serve the LORD, but rather a forceful and emphatic rejection of the *idea* that they would ever turn away from Him. It carries the weight of a solemn oath, signifying their absolute determination and conviction in the face of Joshua's challenge and warning. It underscores their perceived inability to even contemplate such a betrayal.
* **serve (Hebrew, _'avad'_):** This verb is rich in meaning, encompassing not only "to worship" but also "to work for," "to labor," "to be a servant," or "to obey." When the people declare, "we will serve the LORD," it implies far more than mere religious devotion; it signifies a comprehensive commitment to active obedience, diligent labor in His service, and living in alignment with His commands and covenant stipulations. It speaks to a life wholly dedicated to the LORD, both in ritual and in daily conduct.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the people said unto Joshua":** This phrase sets the stage for the collective and unified response of the Israelite assembly. It highlights the democratic nature of the covenant renewal, where the people, not just their leaders, actively participate in affirming their commitment. Their voice is presented as a singular, determined declaration, indicating a shared conviction among the tribes gathered at Shechem.
* **"Nay; but we will serve the LORD":** This is the core of the people's declaration, a powerful and concise statement of allegiance. The initial "Nay" (לא, *lo'*) is a forceful rebuttal to Joshua's implied doubt about their ability or willingness to remain faithful to such a holy God ([Joshua 24:19-20](/joshua/24-19 "Joshua 24:19-20 - God's Holiness and Jealousy")). It's a rejection of the possibility of apostasy. The subsequent "but we will serve the LORD" (כִּי אֶת־יְהוָה נַעֲבֹד, *ki 'et-YHWH na'avod*) is an emphatic affirmation of their exclusive devotion. The use of "LORD" (YHWH), God's covenant name, underscores their commitment to the personal, sovereign God of Israel, distinct from any other deities, and signifies their intention to fulfill the terms of the covenant.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several potent literary devices. **Call and Response** is central, as Joshua's challenge in [Joshua 24:14-15](/joshua/24-14 "Joshua 24:14-15 - Joshua's Challenge") elicits the people's repeated and escalating affirmations, culminating in verse 21. This dynamic highlights the deliberative nature of their decision. **Covenant Formula** is evident, as the entire chapter follows the pattern of ancient Near Eastern suzerainty treaties: a historical prologue, stipulations, blessings/curses, and a public oath. The people's declaration in verse 21 is their solemn oath of loyalty. Furthermore, **Antithesis** is powerfully used, contrasting the service of the LORD with the service of foreign gods, forcing a clear and exclusive choice. The people's "Nay" to the latter and "but we will serve" the former creates a sharp, unmistakable distinction.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Joshua 24:21 resonates deeply with the biblical emphasis on exclusive devotion to God and the necessity of a conscious, personal commitment. It underscores that true faith is not merely intellectual assent or inherited tradition, but an active, living choice to obey and serve the one true God. This moment at Shechem serves as a prototype for all subsequent calls to repentance and renewed allegiance, reminding believers that God's holiness demands complete fidelity and that attempts to serve both God and idols are futile and offensive. The people's declaration, while ultimately challenged by their later history, represents an ideal of wholehearted devotion that remains the standard for God's people in every generation.

* [Deuteronomy 6:4-5](/deuteronomy/6-4 "The Shema and Love for God")
* [Matthew 6:24](/matthew/6-24 "Serving Two Masters")
* [Romans 12:1-2](/romans/12-1 "Living Sacrifice and Transformed Minds")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Joshua 24:21 serves as a timeless call to examine the depth and exclusivity of our own commitment to God. In a world saturated with competing loyalties—whether to material possessions, personal ambition, social approval, or even self-indulgence—this verse challenges us to ask whom or what we truly serve. The Israelites' emphatic "Nay" to other gods, followed by their resolute declaration to serve the LORD, reminds us that genuine faith requires a decisive rejection of anything that would usurp God's rightful place in our lives. It's not enough to simply acknowledge God; we are called to actively, intentionally, and exclusively serve Him with all our being, allowing His will to shape our actions, words, and priorities daily. This commitment is a continuous process, requiring ongoing discernment and intentional choices to live out our allegiance in a world that constantly tempts us to compromise.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "other gods" or competing loyalties in my life might be subtly vying for the supreme place that belongs to God alone?**
* **How does my daily life, my choices, and my priorities reflect a conscious and active decision to "serve the LORD"?**
* **In what areas of my life do I need to issue a more emphatic "Nay" to worldly influences and a stronger "Yes" to God's will?**
* **What practical steps can I take this week to demonstrate a more complete and exclusive devotion to God?**

### FAQ
**Why did Joshua challenge the people's sincerity if they had already affirmed their commitment?**

Answer: Joshua's challenge in [Joshua 24:19-20](/joshua/24-19 "Joshua 24:19-20 - God's Holiness and Jealousy") was not an expression of doubt in God's power, but a profound pastoral act designed to impress upon the people the gravity of their commitment and the holiness of the God they claimed to serve. He knew the human heart's propensity to wander and the immense temptation of idolatry in Canaan. By stating that God "is a holy God; he is a jealous God; he will not forgive your transgressions nor your sins," Joshua was not suggesting God was unwilling to forgive, but rather that He would not tolerate a half-hearted or syncretistic devotion. He wanted them to understand that serving the LORD was a demanding, exclusive commitment, not a casual affiliation. His warning forced them to consider the cost of their declaration and to make a truly informed, deliberate choice, leading to their emphatic and resolute "Nay; but we will serve the LORD" in [Joshua 24:21](/joshua/24-21 "Joshua 24:21 - Israel's Solemn Oath").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Joshua 24:21, with its powerful declaration of exclusive allegiance to the LORD, finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in Christ. While Israel's commitment at Shechem was a critical moment in their covenant history, their subsequent history often revealed their inability to consistently uphold this oath, frequently falling into idolatry and disobedience. Jesus Christ, however, is the perfect embodiment of this unwavering commitment. He is the Son who perfectly served the Father, declaring, "[I always do what pleases him](/john/8-29 "John 8:29 - Jesus Pleases the Father")" and "[My food is to do the will of him who sent me](/john/4-34 "John 4:34 - Jesus' Mission")". Through His atoning sacrifice, Christ established a [new covenant](/jeremiah/31-31 "Jeremiah 31:31 - The New Covenant") in His blood, enabling believers to truly serve God not by human effort alone, but by the power of the Holy Spirit. We are now called to serve the [living and true God](/1_thessalonians/1-9 "1 Thessalonians 1:9 - Serving the Living God") by serving Christ as Lord, for "[no one can serve two masters](/matthew/6-24 "Matthew 6:24 - Serving Two Masters")". Our "Nay" to the idols of this world and our "but we will serve the LORD" is now a declaration of faith in Jesus, who is "[the way, the truth, and the life](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus is the Way, Truth, Life")", and through whom alone we can offer acceptable service to God ([Hebrews 12:28](/hebrews/12-28 "Hebrews 12:28 - Acceptable Worship")). He is the ultimate fulfillment of Israel's aspirational vow, making true and lasting devotion possible for all who believe.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Exodus 19:8

And all the people answered together, and said, All that the LORD hath spoken we will do. And Moses returned the words of the people unto the LORD.

Deuteronomy 5:27

Go thou near, and hear all that the LORD our God shall say: and speak thou unto us all that the LORD our God shall speak unto thee; and we will hear [it], and do [it].

Deuteronomy 5:28

And the LORD heard the voice of your words, when ye spake unto me; and the LORD said unto me, I have heard the voice of the words of this people, which they have spoken unto thee: they have well said all that they have spoken.

Isaiah 44:5

One shall say, I [am] the LORD'S; and another shall call [himself] by the name of Jacob; and another shall subscribe [with] his hand unto the LORD, and surname [himself] by the name of Israel.

Exodus 20:19

And they said unto Moses, Speak thou with us, and we will hear: but let not God speak with us, lest we die.

Exodus 24:3

And Moses came and told the people all the words of the LORD, and all the judgments: and all the people answered with one voice, and said, All the words which the LORD hath said will we do.

Deuteronomy 26:17

Thou hast avouched the LORD this day to be thy God, and to walk in his ways, and to keep his statutes, and his commandments, and his judgments, and to hearken unto his voice: