Joshua 24:24
And the people said unto Joshua, The LORD our God will we serve, and his voice will we obey.
Original Language Analysis
הָעָ֖ם
And the people
H5971
הָעָ֖ם
And the people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
2 of 10
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
5 of 10
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
יְהוָ֤ה
The LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֤ה
The LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
6 of 10
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אֱלֹהֵ֙ינוּ֙
our God
H430
אֱלֹהֵ֙ינוּ֙
our God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
7 of 10
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
נַֽעֲבֹ֔ד
will we serve
H5647
נַֽעֲבֹ֔ד
will we serve
Strong's:
H5647
Word #:
8 of 10
to work (in any sense); by implication, to serve, till, (causatively) enslave, etc
Cross References
Exodus 24:7And 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 24:3And 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.
Historical Context
This third affirmation (verses 18, 21, 24) shows increasing conviction through dialogue. The people moved from recounting God's works (verse 17) to declaring intention (verse 21) to persisting despite challenge (verse 24). The subsequent covenant making (verse 25) formalized commitment. Yet the generation after Joshua abandoned this commitment (Judges 2:10-12), showing that even seemingly strong professions don't guarantee future faithfulness. Each generation must personally embrace covenant relationship.
Questions for Reflection
- How has testing and challenge strengthened rather than weakened your commitment to God?
- What formal covenant commitments help maintain faithfulness across changing circumstances?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The people's final commitment—'Nay; but we will serve the LORD'—persists despite Joshua's challenge. Their determination after being told they cannot shows resolve moving beyond mere emotional response toward genuine commitment. The brief, emphatic 'Nay' rejects the suggestion they'll fail, while 'we will serve' reaffirms determination. This exchange demonstrates that testing strengthens genuine faith while exposing superficial profession. Costly commitment proves more durable than easy discipleship.