You cant interprete the Bible as an ordinary Book, it has too many cultural influence of the time.

So by saying "12" it doesnt means 11+1 people, it means "a complete group of people".

so 12 times 12 times 1000, means a really truly complete group of people.

I dont think you believe me.

but..

think again, if you read the authentic Bible as it was written, would you understand it?

could it be, that too many cultural influence of the time it was written has anything to do with it?

cya!