Charles Ellicott Commentary Joshua 22:13

"And the children of Israel sent unto the children of Reuben, and to the children of Gad, and to the half-tribe of Manasseh, into the land of Gilead, Phinehas the son of Eleazar the priest," — Joshua 22:13 (ASV)

Phinehas ... and (14) ten princes. — According to the constitution established by Moses, a government by priests and judges. Phinehas in particular was well suited to the office of “defender of the faith” .