King James Bible
"And the saying pleased me well: and I took twelve men of you, one of a tribe:"
Moses recalls his approval of the people's suggestion to send scouts into Canaan before entering. This democratic moment shows Moses valuing the congregation's input, though the narrative will reveal how human wisdom can lead to disaster when it supersedes divine command. Moses personally selects the reconnaissance team, emphasizing his direct involvement and responsibility in the decision. The phrase underscores the representative nature of the mission—these aren't random volunteers but chosen leaders. Each tribe contributes exactly one representative, ensuring equal participation and shared accountability across Israel. This tribal structure reinforces the covenant community's unity while foreshadowing how the scouts' divided report will fracture that same unity.