And they said unto Joshua, we [are] thy servants,.... Not that they meant to be subjects of his, and tributaries to him; but this they said in great humility and lowliness of mind, being willing to be or do anything he should enjoin them.
Abarbinel observes, that this they proposed to Joshua singly, not to be servants to all the people, but to him only, and to have him for their head and governor:and Joshua, said, who [are] ye? and from whence come ye?
by what name are ye called? and from what country do ye come?