“And the people said unto Joshua, The LORD our God will we serve, and his voice will we obey.”
This verse comes from the concluding portion of Joshua’s farewell address to the Israelites, as they were preparing to settle in the Promised Land after their forty years of wilderness wanderings. Joshua gathered the people together to renew their commitment to God and to choose whom they would serve.
The Context: The Book of Joshua describes the Israelites’ conquest of the land of Canaan under Joshua’s leadership, following the death of Moses. In this particular chapter, Joshua assembled all the tribes of Israel at Shechem, where they reaffirmed their allegiance to God.
The People’s Response: When Joshua posed the question of whom they would serve, the people responded with a resounding affirmation of their devotion to the Lord. They acknowledged that their God, Yahweh (translated as the LORD in the KJV), was the one they would serve. They also committed to obeying His voice, indicating their willingness to heed His commands and follow His guidance.
The Importance of Service: The people’s declaration of serving God is significant because it reflects their recognition of God’s authority and their desire to live according to His will. By choosing to serve God, they were acknowledging His sovereignty and their responsibility to honor and obey Him. This commitment was not merely a verbal expression but carried with it the expectation of a transformed way of life.
Obedience to God’s Voice: In addition to serving God, the Israelites affirmed their intention to obey His voice. This emphasizes the importance of actively listening to God and following His instructions. It demonstrates their willingness to align their lives with God’s commands and teachings, indicating their desire to live in harmony with His divine plan.
This verse serves as a powerful reminder for believers today to wholeheartedly serve God and diligently follow His voice. It encourages us to make a conscious decision to surrender ourselves to God’s authority and to faithfully obey His instructions in all areas of our lives. Just as the Israelites affirmed their commitment to God, we are called to maintain a steadfast devotion to Him and seek to live according to His divine guidance.
