Why did the Israelites affirm, "We will serve the LORD," in Joshua 24:21? Setting the Moment at Shechem Joshua gathers “all the tribes of Israel” (24:1) to the historical covenant site where Abraham first built an altar (Genesis 12:6–7). The location itself calls the nation to remember the literal, unbroken line of God’s promises. Reviewing God’s Mighty Deeds Joshua rehearses the LORD’s acts (24:2-13), each factually grounded in history: • Calling Abraham from idolatry (vv. 2-3) • Delivering Israel from Egypt “with signs and wonders” (v. 5) • Parting the Red Sea and drowning the Egyptians (v. 7) • Overthrowing the Amorite kings east of the Jordan (v. 8) • Turning Balaam’s curse into blessing (v. 10) • Giving them “a land for which you did not labor, and cities you did not build” (v. 13) Joshua’s Charge to Choose “Now, therefore, fear the LORD and serve Him in sincerity and truth… choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve” (24:14-15). The decision is framed as exclusive; idolatry cannot coexist with covenant loyalty. The People’s Immediate Response “Far be it from us to forsake the LORD… He brought us and our fathers up out of Egypt” (24:16-18). Yet Joshua tests their resolve, warning, “You are not able to serve the LORD, for He is a holy God” (v. 19). The people answer again, “No! We will serve the LORD!” (v. 21). Why They Declared, “We Will Serve the LORD” • Concrete experience of redemption: The Exodus was recent family memory; gratitude compelled obedience (Exodus 19:4-8). • Proven faithfulness in conquest: Every promise “came to pass” (Joshua 21:45). Living in houses they did not build underscored God’s reliability. • Fear of the LORD’s holiness: Joshua’s warning highlighted God’s righteous jealousy (Deuteronomy 6:14-15). Reverent fear spurred commitment. • Covenant identity: Serving Yahweh defined them as His treasured possession (Deuteronomy 7:6). Idolatry would negate who they literally were. • Communal accountability: Declaring together bound the nation; the “stone of witness” (v. 27) would testify against future apostasy. • Hope for continued blessing: Obedience secured life and prosperity in the land (Deuteronomy 30:19-20). The Covenant Ratified Joshua records “these words in the Book of the Law of God” (v. 26). The physical stone and written record make the vow irrevocable, underscoring that God’s dealings are historical and documentable. Living Out the Declaration Israel’s affirmation demanded exclusive worship, daily obedience, and transmission to their children (Deuteronomy 6:4-9). Their words were not mere sentiment; they established the pattern for wholehearted service: “Only fear the LORD and serve Him faithfully with all your heart” (1 Samuel 12:24). Thus, the Israelites said, “We will serve the LORD,” because the living, holy, covenant-keeping God had visibly proven His faithfulness, claimed their allegiance, and promised continued blessing—truths they accepted as literally and historically certain. |
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