What does Joshua 3:12 mean?

Now therefore take you twelve men out of the tribes of Israel, out of every tribe a man. Joshua 3:12

Explanation

Joshua 3:12 commands the leader of the Israelites, Joshua, to select twelve men from the twelve tribes of Israel, one from each tribe. This verse is situated in the narrative where the Israelites are preparing to cross the Jordan River into the Promised Land, and Joshua is providing instructions for this significant event. The act of selecting one man from each tribe is symbolic, representing the unity and collective participation of the entire Israelite community in the act of entering the land God has promised to them. It also reflects a sense of shared responsibility and collective identity among the tribes.

Historical Context

The verse is set during the period of the Israelite conquest of Canaan, which follows their exodus from Egypt and years of wandering in the desert. Joshua succeeds Moses as the leader of the Israelites after Moses’ death. This period is believed to be in the late Bronze Age, around the 13th century BCE, although the historicity of the conquest narrative is a subject of scholarly debate. The selection of twelve men prefaces a miraculous event, the crossing of the Jordan River, which echoes the prior crossing of the Red Sea under Moses, marking a new chapter in Israel’s history.

Theological Insights

From a theological perspective, the verse showcases God’s continued guidance and support for His chosen people. The number twelve represents the twelve tribes of Israel, a significant motif throughout the Bible that signifies God’s promise to Abraham and the establishment of Israel as God’s covenant people. This moment can be seen as a covenant renewal, reminiscent of the twelve stones set as a memorial after the crossing (as mentioned in later verses), which signifies the stones’ witness to the pact between God and Israel.

Practical Applications

In practical terms, this verse can have multiple applications:

• It can serve as a reminder of the importance of unity and representation within a community. Each tribe having a representative reflects the idea that big decisions or actions benefit from the input and agreement of all parties involved, much like a diverse committee.
• The act of selecting responsible and trustworthy members to represent the community can be seen as a precursor to modern practices of selecting representatives or leaders for important tasks.

Cross-References

• Joshua 4:2-3: “Take you twelve men out of the people, out of every tribe a man, And command ye them, saying, Take you hence out of the midst of Jordan, out of the place where the priests’ feet stood firm, twelve stones, and ye shall carry them over with you…”
• Exodus 28:21: “…And the stones shall be with the names of the children of Israel, twelve, according to their names, like the engravings of a signet; every one with his name shall they be according to the twelve tribes.”
• Revelation 21:12-14: Describes the New Jerusalem with twelve gates named after the tribes of Israel and twelve foundations named after the apostles.

Language Study

• “Twelve” (Hebrew: שְׁנֵים עָשָׂר, shnayim asar) – Symbolically represents the completeness and unity of Israel as a nation.
• “Men” (Hebrew: אֲנָשִׁים, anashim) – Could imply not just males but people of standing or leaders within the tribes.
• “Tribes of Israel” (Hebrew: שִׁבְטֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל, shivtei Yisra’el) – Indicates the broader collective of the descendants of Jacob (also known as Israel).
• “Every tribe a man” (Hebrew: מִכָּל־שֵׁבֶט אִישׁ אֶחָד, mikol-shevet ish echad) – Emphasizes the selection of one person from each segment of the community, reinforcing the themes of representation and inclusivity.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The idea of selecting representatives from a community is not unique to the Israelite tradition. In other ancient cultures, such as those of the Mesopotamian region or ancient Greece, selection of representatives for tribal or civic duties was common. For instance, the ancient Greek practice of choosing individuals by lot to serve in governmental roles has parallels to the selection of representatives in this biblical context.

Scientific Perspectives

The verse itself does not directly engage with scientific matters. However, the subsequent crossing of the Jordan River, which these twelve men were involved in, presents natural phenomena that might intersect with geography and hydrology. For example, scientists and historians might study the Jordan River’s historic water levels or explore the natural conditions that could have contributed to the river stopping at flood stage, looking for natural explanations alongside the biblical miracles.

Commentaries

Various biblical commentaries offer insights into Joshua 3:12:

• Matthew Henry’s Commentary emphasizes the significance of Divine Providence in the crossing of the Jordan River. He sees the appointment of the twelve men as preparatory to the miracle that was to occur.
• The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges notes that the selection of the twelve men is related to setting up a monument of twelve stones in the river, each representing a tribe.
• The Pulpit Commentary discusses the symbolism of the twelve men and how their actions would serve as a lasting reminder to future generations of what God has done for Israel.