And the people served the Lord all the days of Joshua, and all the days of the elders that outlived Joshua, who had seen all the great works of the Lord, that he did for Israel. (Judges 2:7)
At least with outward deference and on a national basis. The memory of the mighty interpositions of God in their behalf for a time held the Israelites outwardly loyal to their faith.
Joshua.
It is gratifying to realize how far-reaching the influence of a godly leader may be. His weight and influence over Israel were such that while Joshua lived they sufficed to keep the people loyal to their promises to the Lord.
Elders.
The elders were the headmen of families and clans. They held official authority in social and religious matters and took a leading part in maintaining loyalty to the customs and religion defined by Moses. When they died, religious apostasy set in quickly. This passage helps us to realize that not only great, renowned leaders may wield an influence for good but lesser officers as well may mold the pattern of religious life.