Joshua 24:21
And the people said unto Joshua, Nay; but we will serve the LORD.
Original Language Analysis
הָעָ֖ם
And the people
H5971
הָעָ֖ם
And the people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
2 of 9
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
לֹ֕א
H3808
לֹ֕א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
5 of 9
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
כִּ֥י
H3588
כִּ֥י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
6 of 9
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
7 of 9
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
Historical Context
This exchange occurs at the climactic moment of Joshua's farewell—he's challenged them three times (vv. 14-15, 19-20, 21-22), eliciting increasingly emphatic pledges. Ancient Near Eastern covenant ceremonies often included such call-and-response patterns, with witnesses invoked to seal commitments.
Questions for Reflection
- When has your confident declaration of spiritual commitment revealed overconfidence in your own strength rather than humble dependence on God's grace?
- How does the contrast between Israel's sincere-but-failed old covenant pledges and the new covenant's promised heart transformation change your understanding of Christian perseverance?
- What role does corporate covenant renewal (through worship, communion, baptism, church membership vows) play in sustaining faithfulness that individual resolve cannot maintain?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Nay; but we will serve the LORD—The people's emphatic lo ('no/nay') rejects Joshua's warning that they cannot serve YHWH (v. 19). Their insistence we will serve (אֶת־יְהוָה נַעֲבֹד, et-YHWH na'avod) uses the same verb (avad) meaning both 'serve' and 'worship,' denoting covenant allegiance requiring exclusive devotion.
Yet this confident self-assertion proves the very problem Joshua identified—they trust their own resolve rather than recognizing their need for divine enablement. Judges 2:7 shows they kept faith 'all the days of Joshua,' but not beyond—human commitment without heart transformation inevitably fails. This anticipates the new covenant's promise of internalized law and new hearts (Jeremiah 31:33, Ezekiel 36:26).