יהושע, פרק ג׳, פסוק י״ב

As the Israelites prepare to cross the Jordan River, a command is given to select a unique delegation from among the people. This choice is designed to ready a specific group of men for the upcoming miracle surrounding the Ark of the Covenant.

One approach views this selection primarily as a preparation for the near future. The men are chosen and placed on standby, even though their specific mission is not yet revealed to them. It is only after the entire nation has safely crossed the river that they will be given their actual physical task of lifting the memorial stones out of the riverbed [רש״י, רד״ק, ביאור שטיינזלץ].

At the same time, this delegation serves a crucial role during the crossing itself. Because the miracle is centered around the Ark of the Covenant, these selected men are positioned close to it. This allows them to witness firsthand how the waters of the Jordan are cut off the very moment the priests step into the river. By choosing exactly one leader from each tribe, each man acts as a direct representative for his people. His position near the Ark is considered as if his entire tribe is standing right there, watching the miracle of God unfold [מצודת דוד, מלבי״ם].