Joshua 24:24

KJV

And the people said unto Joshua, The LORD our God will we serve, and his voice will we obey.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the people {H5971} said {H559} unto Joshua {H3091}, The LORD {H3068} our God {H430} will we serve {H5647}, and his voice {H6963} will we obey {H8085}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The people answered Y'hoshua, "We will serve ADONAI our God; we will pay attention to what he says."

Berean Standard Bible

So the people said to Joshua, “We will serve the LORD our God and obey His voice.”

American Standard Version

And the people said unto Joshua, Jehovah our God will we serve, and unto his voice will we hearken.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Joshua 24:24 captures the climactic moment of Israel's covenant renewal at Shechem, where the assembled tribes, in response to Joshua's final challenge, declare their unwavering allegiance to Yahweh. This verse encapsulates their collective and decisive commitment to serve the Lord alone and to diligently obey His commands, thereby reaffirming their identity as God's chosen people and their responsibilities within the covenant relationship.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Joshua 24:24 is the fervent culmination of Joshua's farewell address and the subsequent covenant renewal ceremony at Shechem, as narrated in [Joshua 24](/joshua/24 "Joshua 24 - Covenant Renewal at Shechem"). Following the successful conquest and division of the land, Joshua, now old and near death, gathers all the tribes of Israel, their elders, heads, judges, and officers before God. He recounts God's faithful acts from Abraham's call to their entry into the Promised Land, emphasizing divine initiative and provision. He then presents a stark choice: serve the gods of their ancestors beyond the Euphrates or the gods of the Amorites in whose land they now dwell, or serve [the LORD](/joshua/24-15 "Joshua 24:15 - Joshua's Challenge and Declaration"). Joshua's personal declaration, "as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD" ([Joshua 24:15](/joshua/24-15 "Joshua 24:15 - Joshua's Personal Commitment")), sets the stage for the people's emphatic response in verse 24, solidifying their commitment to the covenant.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The covenant renewal ceremony at Shechem was strategically significant. Shechem was a place with deep historical roots for Israel, where Abraham first built an altar ([Genesis 12:6-7](/genesis/12-6 "Genesis 12:6-7 - Abraham at Shechem")) and where Jacob buried foreign gods ([Genesis 35:4](/genesis/35-4 "Genesis 35:4 - Jacob Buries Idols at Shechem")). It was also centrally located, making it accessible to all tribes. The act of publicly choosing a deity was common in the ancient Near East, but Israel's choice was unique in its exclusive commitment to Yahweh, rejecting syncretism. This public declaration served as a formal legal and religious act, binding the people to the terms of the Mosaic Covenant, which demanded absolute loyalty and obedience to God as their sovereign King, distinct from the polytheistic practices of surrounding nations.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Joshua and the broader Pentateuch. It underscores the theme of **divine faithfulness** in God's consistent deliverance and provision for Israel, which prompts their grateful response. The central theme of **covenant** is renewed and reaffirmed, emphasizing the reciprocal relationship between God and His people: His commitment to them, and their required loyalty and obedience to Him. The verse also highlights the critical theme of **choice and accountability**, as Israel is presented with a clear decision between Yahweh and idols, holding them responsible for their spiritual future. Finally, it reinforces the theme of **obedience as the foundation of blessing**, a principle woven throughout the Deuteronomic history, where Israel's prosperity and security are directly tied to their adherence to God's commands, as seen in the blessings and curses outlined in [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Serve (Hebrew, עָבַד, _‘avad'_):** This word carries a rich semantic range, encompassing not only "to serve" in the sense of labor or servitude, but also "to worship," "to minister," and "to be a slave." In this context, it signifies a holistic devotion and allegiance to Yahweh, implying not just outward actions but an inner commitment of the heart and mind. It denotes active, dedicated worship and obedience, contrasting sharply with the passive or superficial veneration of other gods.
* **Voice (Hebrew, קוֹל, _qol'_):** While literally meaning "voice" or "sound," in this phrase, "his voice" refers to God's revealed will, His commands, statutes, and decrees. It is not merely an auditory perception but an understanding and reception of divine instruction. To obey His voice means to heed, listen attentively, and respond affirmatively to God's authoritative word, demonstrating a readiness to act upon what is heard.
* **Obey (Hebrew, שָׁמַע, _shama‘'_):** This verb is fundamental to the covenant relationship. It means "to hear," "to listen," but crucially, "to obey" or "to heed." It implies not just hearing with the ears but hearing with the heart, leading to responsive action. True _shama‘_ involves an attentive, submissive, and active response to God's commands, signifying a willingness to align one's life with His revealed will.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the people said unto Joshua,"**: This opening clause sets the scene, identifying the speaker as the collective body of Israel, responding directly to Joshua's challenge. It underscores the public, communal, and volitional nature of their declaration, made before their leader and, implicitly, before God.
* **"The LORD our God will we serve,"**: This is the core of Israel's affirmation. "The LORD" (Yahweh) is explicitly named as "our God," emphasizing their exclusive, covenantal relationship with Him. The declaration "will we serve" is a strong, future-oriented commitment, indicating a decisive choice to worship, obey, and dedicate themselves solely to Yahweh, rejecting all other deities and forms of idolatry. This statement is a direct answer to Joshua's ultimatum in [Joshua 24:15](/joshua/24-15 "Joshua 24:15 - Joshua's Challenge").
* **"and his voice will we obey."**: This second clause specifies the practical outworking of their commitment to serve. "His voice" refers to God's commands and instructions, as revealed through the Law. Their promise to "obey" signifies an active, responsive adherence to God's will, recognizing that true service to Yahweh is inextricably linked with diligent and faithful observance of His statutes. This demonstrates their understanding that commitment is not merely verbal but demands practical, lived obedience.

#### Literary Devices
Joshua 24:24 employs several powerful literary devices to emphasize the gravity and significance of Israel's declaration. **Direct Speech** is central, allowing the people's collective voice to be heard, making their commitment immediate and impactful. The structure of the verse itself exhibits a form of **Parallelism**, where the commitment to "serve" the LORD is immediately followed by the commitment to "obey his voice." This creates a reinforcing effect, linking internal devotion with external action. The entire exchange in [Joshua 24](/joshua/24 "Joshua 24 - Covenant Renewal") functions as a **Covenant Renewal Formula**, echoing ancient Near Eastern treaty structures where a suzerain (God) recounts His benevolent acts, issues demands, and the vassals (Israel) formally pledge allegiance and obedience. The people's response here is the formal acceptance of these terms. The emphatic "will we serve" and "will we obey" also demonstrate **Volitional Language**, highlighting the deliberate and conscious choice made by the nation, rather than a passive acceptance.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Joshua 24:24 stands as a monumental declaration of Israel's covenant fidelity, echoing the foundational principles established at Sinai. It underscores that the relationship between God and His people is not merely one of divine election, but also of human responsibility—a reciprocal commitment demanding exclusive devotion and active obedience. This verse highlights the ongoing tension between Israel's calling to monotheism and the pervasive temptation of idolatry, a struggle that would define much of their subsequent history. It serves as a theological anchor, reminding future generations that true worship of Yahweh necessitates a complete turning away from all competing allegiances and a diligent heeding of His divine commands, thereby securing their identity and blessings within the covenant.

* [Deuteronomy 6:4-5](/deuteronomy/6-4 "Deuteronomy 6:4-5 - The Shema and Love for God"): This passage, the "Shema," commands Israel to love the LORD their God with all their heart, soul, and might, forming the basis for the exclusive devotion pledged in Joshua 24:24.
* [1 Samuel 15:22](/1_samuel/15-22 "1 Samuel 15:22 - Obedience is Better than Sacrifice"): Samuel's rebuke to Saul emphasizes that obedience to God's voice is more pleasing than ritual sacrifice, directly affirming the principle of "obey his voice" found in Joshua 24:24.
* [Jeremiah 7:23](/jeremiah/7-23 "Jeremiah 7:23 - God's Command to Obey His Voice"): God reiterates His fundamental command to Israel: "Obey my voice, and I will be your God, and you shall be my people," demonstrating the enduring nature of the covenant requirement articulated at Shechem.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Joshua 24:24 presents a timeless challenge to every generation, calling for a decisive and unwavering commitment to God in a world filled with competing allegiances. Just as Israel stood at a crossroads, so too do individuals and communities today face the choice of whom they will serve. This verse compels us to examine the idols of our own age—whether they be wealth, power, comfort, or self-worship—and to consciously choose to serve the one true God. Our commitment, like Israel's, must extend beyond mere verbal affirmation to active, daily obedience to His voice, as revealed in Scripture. It reminds us that authentic faith is not passive but is demonstrated through a life wholly dedicated to God's will, influencing our families, communities, and the world around us. This passage calls us to regularly renew our covenant with God, ensuring our lives reflect the profound declaration: "The LORD our God will we serve, and his voice will we obey."

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "gods" or allegiances compete for your devotion in your life today, and how can you consciously choose to serve the LORD alone?**
* **In what practical ways can you demonstrate active obedience to God's "voice" (His revealed will in Scripture) in your daily life?**
* **How does your personal commitment to God contribute to the collective witness and service of your faith community?**
* **What legacy of faith are you building for future generations through your devotion and obedience to God?**

### FAQ

**Why was this covenant renewal ceremony at Shechem so important?**

Answer: The ceremony at Shechem was crucial for several reasons. Historically, Shechem was a significant site for Israel, associated with Abraham and Jacob, providing a sense of continuity with their patriarchal heritage. Theologically, it marked a pivotal moment where the generation that had entered the Promised Land formally and publicly reaffirmed their commitment to the Mosaic Covenant. After the conquest, it was essential for the tribes to collectively declare their allegiance to Yahweh, solidifying their national and religious identity and ensuring that the terms of their relationship with God were understood and accepted by the entire community, preventing apostasy and syncretism with the Canaanite religions. It was a renewal of the covenant made at [Mount Sinai](/exodus/19 "Exodus 19 - God's Covenant at Sinai"), but now with the people settled in the land.

**What does "serve" and "obey" mean in this context for ancient Israel?**

Answer: For ancient Israel, "serve" (Hebrew: _‘avad_) meant much more than mere servitude; it implied worship, active devotion, and allegiance to Yahweh as their sovereign Lord. It encompassed their entire way of life, including their religious rituals, ethical conduct, and national identity. To "obey" (Hebrew: _shama‘_) meant to hear God's voice—His commands and instructions—and to actively respond by putting them into practice. It was not passive listening but a responsive heeding, recognizing that true service to God was inextricably linked with diligent adherence to His Law. This comprehensive understanding of serving and obeying was foundational to their covenant relationship, as outlined in passages like [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses"), where blessings were promised for obedience and curses for disobedience.

**How does this verse relate to the broader themes of the book of Joshua?**

Answer: Joshua 24:24 serves as a theological climax to the book of Joshua. The book begins with God's command to Joshua to be strong and courageous and to obey the Law ([Joshua 1:7-9](/joshua/1-7 "Joshua 1:7-9 - Joshua's Commission")). Throughout the narrative, Israel's success in conquering the land is directly tied to their obedience to God's commands (e.g., the fall of Jericho in [Joshua 6](/joshua/6 "Joshua 6 - The Fall of Jericho")). The people's declaration in verse 24 confirms that they have understood this central lesson: their future prosperity and continued possession of the land depend not merely on military might, but on their unwavering commitment to "serve the LORD" and "obey his voice." It reinforces the book's overarching message that God is faithful to His promises, and His people are called to be faithful in their response.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Joshua 24:24 captures Israel's commitment under the Old Covenant, its profound themes of exclusive devotion and obedient service find their ultimate fulfillment and transformation in Jesus Christ. The "LORD our God" whom Israel pledged to serve is fully revealed in the person of Jesus, who is God incarnate, the very "image of the invisible God" ([Colossians 1:15](/colossians/1-15 "Colossians 1:15 - Christ, the Image of God")). The call to "serve" shifts from adherence to a written law to a personal relationship with the living Christ, who declared, "If anyone serves me, he must follow me; and where I am, there will my servant be also" ([John 12:26](/john/12-26 "John 12:26 - Following Jesus")). Furthermore, the "voice" we are called to obey is supremely the voice of Jesus, who is the Word made flesh ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")) and whose teachings represent the perfect will of God. Under the New Covenant, obedience is not merely an external act but is empowered by the indwelling Holy Spirit, who writes God's law on our hearts ([Hebrews 8:10](/hebrews/8-10 "Hebrews 8:10 - The New Covenant")). Thus, the commitment of Joshua 24:24 foreshadows the Christian's call to a life wholly devoted to Christ, serving Him not out of legalistic obligation but out of love and gratitude for His redemptive work, and obeying His voice by living according to the Spirit, thereby fulfilling the true intent of God's desire for His people.

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 24:7

And he took the book of the covenant, and read in the audience of the people: and they said, All that the LORD hath said will we do, and be obedient.

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 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 5:29

O that there were such an heart in them, that they would fear me, and keep all my commandments always, that it might be well with them, and with their children for ever!

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.