Joshua 3:12

Now therefore take you twelve men out of the tribes of Israel, out of every tribe a man.

Now therefore take {H3947} you twelve {H8147}{H6240} men {H376} out of the tribes {H7626} of Israel {H3478}, out of every {H259} tribe {H7626} a man {H376}.

Now choose yourselves twelve men out of the tribes of Isra'el, one man for each tribe.

Now choose twelve men from the tribes of Israel, one from each tribe.

Now therefore take you twelve men out of the tribes of Israel, for every tribe a man.

Commentary

Joshua 3:12 (KJV) records a specific instruction given by Joshua to the Israelites as they stood on the brink of entering the Promised Land. This seemingly simple command is crucial for understanding the events that immediately follow and the deeper theological significance of their journey.

Context

This verse is situated within the dramatic narrative of Israel’s preparations to cross the Jordan River. After forty years of wandering in the wilderness, the new generation, led by Joshua, was poised to claim their inheritance. God had already promised to exalt Joshua in the eyes of all Israel as Moses' successor. The instructions given in the preceding verses (Joshua 3:1-11) detail how the priests bearing the Ark of the Covenant would lead the way, and the waters of the Jordan would miraculously part. Verse 12 serves as a preparatory command, setting the stage for the significant act of remembrance that would follow the crossing.

Key Themes

  • Divine Instruction and Obedience: The verse highlights Joshua's direct command, which is in turn based on God's instructions to him. It underscores the theme of Israel's obedience to divine leadership as a prerequisite for experiencing God's miraculous provision.
  • Representation and Unity: By selecting "a man out of every tribe," God ensured that all twelve tribes of Israel were equally represented and participated in this pivotal moment. This fostered a sense of collective identity and shared experience in the fulfillment of God's covenant promises.
  • Memorials and Remembrance: While not explicitly stated in this verse, the subsequent chapter (Joshua 4) reveals that these twelve men were specifically chosen to take twelve stones from the middle of the Jordan to establish a lasting memorial. This act was designed to remind future generations of God's mighty hand in parting the waters and bringing them into the land.
  • Preparation for God's Work: The selection of these men was a critical step in the logistical and spiritual preparation for a monumental event. It demonstrates that while God performs miracles, He often works through human agency and requires careful planning and obedience from His people.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew phrase for "take you" is קְחוּ (qechu), an imperative verb, emphasizing the direct and authoritative nature of Joshua's command. The specification of "twelve men" (שְׁנֵים עָשָׂר אֲנָשִׁים, *shneim asar anashim*) directly relates to the twelve tribes of Israel, a foundational element of their national identity and covenant relationship with God. The number twelve holds significant symbolic weight throughout Scripture, often representing governmental perfection or completeness.

Practical Application

Joshua 3:12 offers several insights for believers today:

  • God Uses Specific People: Just as God called out specific individuals for a task, He continues to call believers to participate in His work. There is a place for everyone in the body of Christ, and each contribution is valued.
  • The Power of Unity: The selection of men from every tribe highlights the importance of unity and collective action in accomplishing God's purposes. When the church works together, its impact is multiplied.
  • Remembering God's Faithfulness: The purpose of the twelve men was to help create a memorial. We, too, should find ways to remember and celebrate God's past faithfulness in our lives and in the life of the church. This builds faith for future challenges, much like the stone of Ebenezer.
  • Preparation and Readiness: God often requires us to take practical steps of preparation and obedience before He reveals His mighty hand. This verse reminds us that faith often involves action and readiness to follow divine instruction.
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Cross-References

  • Joshua 4:2 (5 votes)

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

  • Joshua 4:4 (3 votes)

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

  • Joshua 4:9 (3 votes)

    And Joshua set up twelve stones in the midst of Jordan, in the place where the feet of the priests which bare the ark of the covenant stood: and they are there unto this day.