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Book of Joshua - Chapter 4 - Verse 2

4:2
Take you twelve men out of the people, out of every tribe a man,

Meaning

When the verse instructs to "Take you twelve men out of the people, out of every tribe a man," it is referring to an event in the Bible where twelve men were chosen to represent each of the twelve tribes of Israel. This verse highlights the importance of unity and representation within the community. By selecting one man from every tribe, it ensured that all members of the community were included and had a voice in decision-making processes. This act of selecting twelve men also symbolizes the twelve tribes coming together as one united group, demonstrating the strength and solidarity that can be achieved through collaboration and diversity. Overall, this verse serves as a reminder of the significance of inclusion, representation, and unity within a community, traits that are essential for fostering cooperation and harmony among its members.

Theological Overview

In this verse from the book of Joshua, the command is given to select twelve men, one from each tribe, to represent the people of Israel. This action of choosing twelve men is significant in the context of the Bible as it mirrors the twelve tribes of Israel who are descendants of the twelve sons of Jacob. The number twelve is a recurring theme throughout scripture, symbolizing completeness and unity. By selecting a representative from each tribe, it establishes a sense of unity and solidarity among the people as they prepare for the next phase of their journey. This act not only emphasizes the importance of unity within the community of believers but also highlights the diversity and unique contributions that each individual can bring. The theological interpretation of this verse can be seen as a reminder of the importance of coming together as one body, despite our differences, to fulfill God's purposes.

American Standard Version

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