Numbers 27:21
He shall stand before Eleazar the priest, who will seek counsel for him before the LORD by the judgment of the Urim. At his command, he and all the Israelites with him--the entire congregation--will go out and come in."
He shall stand before Eleazar the priest
This phrase indicates the transfer of leadership from Moses to Joshua, highlighting the role of Eleazar, the high priest, in this process. Eleazar, son of Aaron, represents the priestly authority and spiritual guidance necessary for the Israelites. The standing before the priest signifies respect and acknowledgment of the priestly office, which serves as a mediator between God and the people.

who will seek counsel for him before the LORD
This emphasizes the importance of divine guidance in leadership decisions. Seeking counsel before the LORD underscores the theocratic nature of Israel's governance, where decisions are made not solely based on human wisdom but through divine revelation. This practice reflects the dependence on God for direction, a theme prevalent throughout the Old Testament.

by the judgment of the Urim
The Urim, along with the Thummim, were sacred lots used by the high priest to discern God's will. Their exact nature is unknown, but they were likely stones or objects kept in the breastplate of the high priest. The use of the Urim signifies a direct and tangible method of receiving God's guidance, highlighting the seriousness and sacredness of the decision-making process.

At his command, he and all the Israelites with him
This phrase indicates the authority given to Joshua as the leader of Israel. His command is not just personal but extends to the entire nation, showing the unity and collective movement of the people under God's appointed leader. It reflects the hierarchical structure of leadership, with Joshua as the military and administrative head.

the entire congregation
The term "congregation" refers to the whole assembly of Israel, emphasizing the communal aspect of their journey and mission. It highlights the unity and collective identity of the Israelites as God's chosen people, bound together by covenant and purpose.

will go out and come in
This expression is a Hebrew idiom for conducting daily affairs, including military campaigns and community activities. It signifies the comprehensive scope of Joshua's leadership, covering all aspects of life. This phrase also implies protection and provision, as going out and coming in safely is a sign of God's blessing and presence with His people.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Eleazar the Priest
The son of Aaron, Eleazar served as the high priest after Aaron's death. He played a crucial role in seeking God's guidance for the Israelites.

2. Urim
A divinely ordained tool used by the high priest to discern God's will. The Urim, along with the Thummim, was used for making decisions and seeking divine guidance.

3. The LORD
The covenant name of God, Yahweh, who is the ultimate authority and guide for the Israelites.

4. The Congregation of the Israelites
The collective body of the Israelite people, who were to follow the guidance received through Eleazar and the Urim.

5. Joshua
Although not directly mentioned in this verse, Joshua is the leader who is to stand before Eleazar to receive God's guidance for leading the people.
Teaching Points
Divine Guidance
God provides specific means for His people to seek His will. In the Old Testament, this was through the Urim and Thummim; today, it is through prayer, Scripture, and the Holy Spirit.

Role of Spiritual Leaders
Just as Eleazar was instrumental in guiding the Israelites, spiritual leaders today are called to seek God's will and guide their congregations accordingly.

Community Obedience
The Israelites were to act as a community in obedience to God's direction. Similarly, the church today is called to unity and collective obedience to God's guidance.

Faith in God's Sovereignty
Trusting in God's decisions, even when they come through human intermediaries, reflects faith in His sovereignty and wisdom.

Seeking God's Will
Believers are encouraged to actively seek God's will in their lives, trusting that He will provide guidance through His appointed means.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the role of Eleazar in seeking God's guidance through the Urim compare to the role of spiritual leaders today?

2. In what ways can we seek God's guidance in our personal lives, and how does this reflect the principles seen in Numbers 27:21?

3. How does the concept of community obedience in this passage apply to the modern church?

4. What are some practical ways we can demonstrate trust in God's sovereignty when making decisions?

5. How do other scriptures, such as Proverbs 3:5-6, reinforce the importance of seeking and trusting in God's guidance?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Exodus 28:30
This verse describes the Urim and Thummim being placed in the breastpiece of judgment, highlighting their role in decision-making.

1 Samuel 28:6
Illustrates a time when Saul sought guidance from the LORD through the Urim, showing its continued use in Israel's history.

Proverbs 3:5-6
Encourages believers to trust in the LORD for guidance, paralleling the reliance on divine direction seen in Numbers 27:21.
Preparing for the EndD. Young Numbers 27:12-23
A Model Ordination ServiceW. Jones.Numbers 27:16-23
The God of the Spirits of All FleshS. Thodey.Numbers 27:16-23
The Spiritual Leaders of MenHomilistNumbers 27:16-23
The Qualifications for the Public Service of GodE.S. Prout Numbers 27:18-21
The Solicitude Relieved by the Appointment of JoshuaD. Young Numbers 27:18-23
People
Aaron, Eleazar, Hepher, Hoglah, Israelites, Joseph, Joshua, Korah, Machir, Mahlah, Manasseh, Milcah, Moses, Noah, Nun, Tirzah, Zelophehad
Places
Abarim, Jericho, Kadesh-barnea, Meribah, Zin
Topics
Assembly, Command, Community, Company, Congregation, Counsel, Decisions, Directions, Eleazar, Elea'zar, Entire, Inquire, Inquiring, Israelites, Judgment, Lights, Moreover, Obtain, Priest, Sons, Stand, Standeth, Urim
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Numbers 27:21

     1403   God, revelation
     4912   chance
     7377   high priest, OT
     7392   lots, casting of
     7734   leaders, spiritual
     8128   guidance, receiving

Numbers 27:18-21

     8648   enquiring of God

Numbers 27:18-23

     7372   hands, laying on

Library
The First Blast of the Trumpet
The English Scholar's Library etc. No. 2. The First Blast of the Trumpet &c. 1558. The English Scholar's Library of Old and Modern Works. No. 2. The First Blast of the Trumpet &c. 1558. Edited by EDWARD ARBER, F.S.A., etc., LECTURER IN ENGLISH LITERATURE, ETC., UNIVERSITY COLLEGE, LONDON. SOUTHGATE, LONDON, N. 15 August 1878. No. 2. (All rights reserved.) CONTENTS. Bibliography vii-viii Introduction
John Knox—The First Blast of the Trumpet

Epistle xxviii. To Augustine, Bishop of the Angli .
To Augustine, Bishop of the Angli [136] . Gregory to Augustine, &c. Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men of good will (Luke ii. 14); because a grain of wheat, falling into the earth, has died, that it might not reign in heaven alone; even He by whose death we live, by whose weakness we are made strong, by whose suffering we are rescued from suffering, through whose love we seek in Britain for brethren whom we knew not, by whose gift we find those whom without knowing them we sought.
Saint Gregory the Great—the Epistles of Saint Gregory the Great

Paul's Departure and Crown;
OR, AN EXPOSITION UPON 2 TIM. IV. 6-8 ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR How great and glorious is the Christian's ultimate destiny--a kingdom and a crown! Surely it hath not entered into the heart of man to conceive what ear never heard, nor mortal eye ever saw? the mansions of the blest--the realms of glory--'a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory.' For whom can so precious an inheritance be intended? How are those treated in this world who are entitled to so glorious, so exalted, so eternal,
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

The Fifth Commandment
Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee.' Exod 20: 12. Having done with the first table, I am next to speak of the duties of the second table. The commandments may be likened to Jacob's ladder: the first table respects God, and is the top of the ladder that reaches to heaven; the second respects superiors and inferiors, and is the foot of the ladder that rests on the earth. By the first table, we walk religiously towards God; by
Thomas Watson—The Ten Commandments

Numbers
Like the last part of Exodus, and the whole of Leviticus, the first part of Numbers, i.-x. 28--so called,[1] rather inappropriately, from the census in i., iii., (iv.), xxvi.--is unmistakably priestly in its interests and language. Beginning with a census of the men of war (i.) and the order of the camp (ii.), it devotes specific attention to the Levites, their numbers and duties (iii., iv.). Then follow laws for the exclusion of the unclean, v. 1-4, for determining the manner and amount of restitution
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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