Joshua 4:4

KJV

Then Joshua called the twelve men, whom he had prepared of the children of Israel, out of every tribe a man:

KJV (with Strong's)

Then Joshua {H3091} called {H7121} the twelve {H8147}{H6240} men {H376}, whom he had prepared {H3559} of the children {H1121} of Israel {H3478}, out of every {H259} tribe {H7626} a man {H376}:

Complete Jewish Bible

Y'hoshua called the twelve men whom he had chosen from the people of Isra'el, a man from every tribe,

Berean Standard Bible

So Joshua summoned the twelve men he had appointed from the Israelites, one from each tribe,

American Standard Version

Then Joshua called the twelve men, whom he had prepared of the children of Israel, out of every tribe a man:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Joshua 4:4 describes the immediate and obedient action of Joshua in selecting twelve men, one from each tribe of Israel, following God's specific command. These chosen individuals were tasked with gathering memorial stones from the miraculously dried riverbed of the Jordan, an act designed to create a lasting testimony of God's mighty power and faithfulness in bringing His people into the Promised Land, ensuring that future generations would remember this pivotal moment of divine intervention.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated at a critical juncture in the book of Joshua, immediately after the miraculous crossing of the Jordan River. [Joshua 3](/joshua/3 "Joshua 3 - Crossing the Jordan") narrates the dramatic halting of the Jordan's waters, allowing the entire nation of Israel to pass through on dry ground, echoing the earlier Red Sea deliverance. In [Joshua 4:1-3](/joshua/4-1 "Joshua 4:1-3 - God's Command for Memorial Stones"), God explicitly commands Joshua to appoint twelve men, one from each tribe, to take a stone from the middle of the Jordan where the priests' feet stood. Joshua 4:4 demonstrates Joshua's prompt and precise obedience to this divine directive, initiating the process of establishing the memorial. The subsequent verses ([Joshua 4:5-8](/joshua/4-5 "Joshua 4:5-8 - The Gathering of the Stones")) detail the execution of this command and the establishment of the memorial at Gilgal, emphasizing the purpose of the stones as a perpetual sign for future generations.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** After forty years of wilderness wandering, the generation that left Egypt had largely passed away, and a new generation, born in the wilderness, was entering the Promised Land. This crossing of the Jordan marked the definitive end of their nomadic existence and the beginning of their inheritance of Canaan. Memorials, often involving stones or altars, were common in ancient Near Eastern cultures to commemorate significant events, treaties, or divine encounters. For Israel, these memorials served a crucial pedagogical purpose, acting as tangible prompts for recounting God's mighty acts to their children ([Deuteronomy 6:20-25](/deuteronomy/6-20 "Deuteronomy 6:20-25 - Teaching Future Generations")). The selection of one man from each of the twelve tribes underscored the national, unified nature of this event, reinforcing their collective identity as the people of God entering their inheritance.
* **Key Themes:** Joshua 4:4 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Joshua and the broader Pentateuch. **Obedience to Divine Command** is paramount, as Joshua's immediate action exemplifies faithful leadership and sets a precedent for the nation. This obedience is a recurring motif, particularly in contrast to the previous generation's disobedience in the wilderness. The verse also highlights **Remembrance and Legacy**, emphasizing the importance of establishing tangible reminders of God's faithfulness so that future generations would know and worship Him. This act of remembering is central to Israelite identity and worship ([Psalm 78:1-7](/psalm/78-1 "Psalm 78:1-7 - Recounting God's Deeds to Generations")). Furthermore, the selection of "out of every tribe a man" reinforces the theme of **Unity and Representation**, demonstrating that the entire nation, not just a select few, experienced and participated in God's deliverance and shared in the inheritance of the land. This collective identity is foundational to Israel's covenant relationship with God.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Prepared (Hebrew, _kûn'_):** The KJV translates the Hebrew verb כּוּן (*kûn*) as "prepared." This verb carries a rich semantic range, meaning to establish, set up, make ready, appoint, or confirm. It suggests more than a casual selection; rather, these men were specifically designated or set apart for this important, sacred task. The hiphil stem, used here, implies that Joshua "caused them to be prepared" or "established them" for this role, indicating intentionality and a pre-meditated selection process, possibly even a divine appointment or a prior vetting by Joshua. This highlights the significance and solemnity of their mission.
* **Called (Hebrew, _qārā'_):** The verb קָרָא (*qārā'*) means "to call," "to summon," or "to proclaim." In this context, it signifies a formal and authoritative summons. Joshua, as the divinely appointed leader, is actively gathering these specific individuals, demonstrating his immediate and public execution of God's command. It's not a casual invitation but a directive to assemble for a crucial national task.
* **Tribe (Hebrew, _šēḇeṭ'_):** The Hebrew word שֵׁבֶט (*šēḇeṭ*) refers to a "tribe" or "rod/staff." In the context of Israel, it denotes one of the twelve divisions descended from Jacob's sons. The phrase "out of every tribe a man" underscores the representative nature of the chosen individuals. It signifies that the memorial was not just for one segment of Israel but for the entire unified nation, ensuring that the collective experience of God's deliverance and the shared inheritance of the land were acknowledged by all twelve constituent parts.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then Joshua called the twelve men,"**: This opening clause establishes Joshua's direct and immediate action in response to God's command in [Joshua 4:2](/joshua/4-2 "Joshua 4:2 - God's Command to Joshua"). The number "twelve" is significant, representing the totality of the tribes of Israel, emphasizing the national scope of the upcoming memorial act. Joshua, as the leader, takes the initiative to gather these specific individuals.
* **"whom he had prepared of the children of Israel,"**: This phrase clarifies that the selection of these men was not arbitrary or spontaneous. The verb "prepared" (from *kûn*) suggests that Joshua had previously designated, chosen, or perhaps even trained or vetted these individuals for important tasks. They were likely men of good standing, perhaps elders or leaders within their respective tribes, already established in their roles or specifically set apart by God's providence for this very moment. This pre-selection underscores the intentionality and divine oversight in the process.
* **"out of every tribe a man:"**: This final clause specifies the criteria for selection: one representative from each of the twelve tribes. This ensures that the memorial act and its significance are inclusive of the entire nation. It reinforces the unity of Israel as a single people, despite their tribal divisions, all participating in and bearing witness to God's miraculous intervention and their collective entry into the Promised Land.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices to enhance its meaning and impact. **Emphasis** is achieved through the precise numerical specification of "twelve men" and the clear directive "out of every tribe a man," underscoring the comprehensive and representative nature of the selection. This **Symbolism** of the number twelve, representing the complete nation of Israel, is potent, reinforcing the idea that the entire covenant community was involved in this pivotal moment. The phrase "whom he had prepared" hints at **Foreshadowing** or **Prolepsis**, suggesting that Joshua had already made arrangements or had certain individuals in mind, even before the specific divine command was given, demonstrating his foresight or perhaps divine guidance in his prior selections. The direct and active verbs "called" and "prepared" create a sense of **Action and Agency**, highlighting Joshua's decisive leadership and the immediate execution of God's will.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Joshua 4:4 serves as a foundational text for understanding the importance of divine command, faithful leadership, and the perpetuity of God's covenant promises. The selection of these twelve men for a memorial act underscores the biblical principle that God's mighty deeds are not meant to be forgotten but are to be intentionally remembered and passed down through generations. This act of remembrance fosters corporate identity, reinforces faith, and provides a tangible link between God's past faithfulness and His ongoing presence. It illustrates how God uses human agents, specifically chosen and prepared, to accomplish His purposes and to ensure that His redemptive history is preserved and proclaimed. The unity of the tribes in this act foreshadows the future unity of God's people in worship and mission.

* [Deuteronomy 6:6-7](/deuteronomy/6-6 "Deuteronomy 6:6-7 - Teaching the Law to Children")
* [Psalm 78:4](/psalm/78-4 "Psalm 78:4 - Passing on God's Deeds to the Next Generation")
* [Isaiah 43:18-19](/isaiah/43-18 "Isaiah 43:18-19 - Remembering God's New Works")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Joshua 4:4 offers profound insights for contemporary believers regarding leadership, remembrance, and the passing on of faith. Joshua's immediate and precise obedience to God's specific instruction serves as a powerful model for spiritual leaders today, emphasizing the necessity of listening intently to divine directives and acting upon them without hesitation or deviation. Furthermore, the verse highlights the enduring importance of establishing "memorials" in our own lives and communities—not necessarily physical stones, but practices, traditions, and testimonies that help us remember God's faithfulness. Whether it's through personal journaling, family devotions, or corporate worship, intentionally recounting God's past works fortifies our faith in His present and future promises. This act of remembering is crucial for ensuring that the story of God's redemptive work is not lost but is actively transmitted to the next generation, equipping them to trust and obey Him, just as the Israelites were taught through the twelve stones.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life is God calling you to immediate and precise obedience, mirroring Joshua's response?**
* **What "memorials" (practices, stories, traditions) do you currently have in place to remember God's faithfulness in your life or in your community? How can you strengthen them?**
* **How are you intentionally passing on the story of God's works and character to the next generation, whether in your family, church, or broader sphere of influence?**

### FAQ
**Who were these "prepared" men, and what does their selection imply about leadership in Israel?**

Answer: The text does not explicitly name the twelve men, but the phrase "whom he had prepared" (Hebrew, *kûn*) suggests they were not randomly chosen. This implies Joshua had either pre-selected individuals known for their character, faithfulness, or leadership qualities, or that God Himself had providentially set them apart for this specific task. Their selection, one from each tribe, underscores the principle of representative leadership within Israel. It shows that significant national acts required the participation and endorsement of the entire community through its designated leaders. This method of selection ensured unity, shared responsibility, and a collective witness to God's mighty acts, reinforcing the idea that leadership in Israel was often tied to tribal identity and the collective well-being of the nation, as seen in the appointment of elders and judges throughout their history ([Exodus 18:25](/exodus/18-25 "Exodus 18:25 - Appointment of Judges") and [Numbers 1:4](/numbers/1-4 "Numbers 1:4 - Leaders from Each Tribe")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Joshua 4:4, with its emphasis on chosen leadership, divine command, and the establishment of a memorial for future generations, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment. Just as Joshua called and prepared twelve men to bear witness to God's miraculous entry into the Promised Land, Jesus, the greater Joshua, called and prepared twelve disciples to bear witness to His greater work of salvation and the inauguration of the new covenant. These disciples, like the men in Joshua, were chosen not by random chance but by divine intention, being "prepared" by Christ's teaching and example to be His apostles, foundational stones of the new spiritual Israel ([Ephesians 2:20](/ephesians/2-20 "Ephesians 2:20 - Apostles and Prophets as Foundation")). The crossing of the Jordan, a new beginning for Israel, foreshadows the spiritual new birth and entry into God's kingdom through Christ, where believers are led by the ultimate Shepherd into a spiritual inheritance far greater than Canaan ([1 Peter 1:3-4](/1_peter/1-3 "1 Peter 1:3-4 - A Living Hope and Inheritance")). The memorial stones served as a tangible reminder of God's faithfulness to His covenant, and in Christ, we have the ultimate memorial: the Lord's Supper, where we "proclaim the Lord's death until he comes" ([1 Corinthians 11:26](/1_corinthians/11-26 "1 Corinthians 11:26 - Proclaiming the Lord's Death")). Thus, Joshua 4:4 points forward to Christ's perfect leadership, His selection of those who would carry His message, and the enduring spiritual memorials He instituted to ensure His redemptive work is remembered and proclaimed through all generations until His glorious return.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Joshua 4:2

Take you twelve men out of the people, out of every tribe a man,

Mark 3:14

And he ordained twelve, that they should be with him, and that he might send them forth to preach,

Mark 3:19

And Judas Iscariot, which also betrayed him: and they went into an house.