Deuteronomy 1:23
And the saying pleased me well: and I took twelve men of you, one of a tribe:
Original Language Analysis
וַיִּיטַ֥ב
pleased me well
H3190
וַיִּיטַ֥ב
pleased me well
Strong's:
H3190
Word #:
1 of 11
to be (causative) make well, literally (sound, beautiful) or figuratively (happy, successful, right)
בְּעֵינַ֖י
H5869
בְּעֵינַ֖י
Strong's:
H5869
Word #:
2 of 11
an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)
הַדָּבָ֑ר
And the saying
H1697
הַדָּבָ֑ר
And the saying
Strong's:
H1697
Word #:
3 of 11
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
וָֽאֶקַּ֤ח
and I took
H3947
וָֽאֶקַּ֤ח
and I took
Strong's:
H3947
Word #:
4 of 11
to take (in the widest variety of applications)
מִכֶּם֙
H4480
מִכֶּם֙
Strong's:
H4480
Word #:
5 of 11
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses
עָשָׂ֣ר
H6240
עָשָׂ֣ר
Strong's:
H6240
Word #:
7 of 11
ten (only in combination), i.e., -teen; also (ordinal) -teenth
אֲנָשִׁ֔ים
men
H582
אֲנָשִׁ֔ים
men
Strong's:
H582
Word #:
8 of 11
properly, a mortal (and thus differing from the more dignified h0120); hence, a man in general (singly or collectively)
אִ֥ישׁ
of a tribe
H376
אִ֥ישׁ
of a tribe
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
9 of 11
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
Historical Context
Moses' approval here wasn't necessarily wrong—God often allows intermediate steps in human decision-making. However, the disaster that followed (Numbers 13-14) shows that human wisdom, even when well-intentioned, must be subordinate to faith in God's word.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you distinguish between God's perfect will and His permissive will?
- When have seemingly good plans failed because they lacked faith at their foundation?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Moses' statement 'the saying pleased me well' shows his approval of the reconnaissance plan, yet this approval didn't guarantee God's blessing on the outcome. Even good leaders can endorse plans that God permits but doesn't prefer. The selection of 'twelve men, one of a tribe' demonstrates fair representation but couldn't compensate for lack of faith—structure without trust is inadequate.