Verses 12-13 report the fulfillment of the agreement described in 1.12-15 (see also Deut 3.18-20). Verse 12 of Good News Translation has a complex structure. As Moses had told them to do represents a flashback which in some languages may be better introduced at the beginning of the verse. For example, “Moses had told the men of the tribes of Reuben and Gad and of the half tribe of Manasseh to cross ahead of the rest of the people. So they did this. They got themselves ready for battle and crossed ahead of the rest of the people.” For ready for battle see the similar expression in 1.14.

Quoted with permission from Bratcher, Robert G. and Newman, Barclay M. A Handbook on Joshua. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 1983. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .