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 priestThis phrase emphasizes the importance of spiritual leadership and guidance in the life of the Israelites. Eleazar, the son of Aaron, represents the continuation of the priestly line and the role of the priest as an intermediary between God and His people. The Hebrew root for "stand" (עָמַד, 'amad) implies a position of readiness and respect, indicating that Joshua, the leader, must approach with humility and reverence. This highlights the necessity of seeking divine guidance through established spiritual authorities. who will obtain decisions for him by inquiring of the Urim before the LORD At his command he and the entire congregation of the Israelites will go out and come in Persons / Places / Events 1. Eleazar the PriestThe 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 GuidanceGod 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 28:30This 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.
People Aaron, Eleazar, Hepher, Hoglah, Israelites, Joseph, Joshua, Korah, Machir, Mahlah, Manasseh, Milcah, Moses, Noah, Nun, Tirzah, ZelophehadPlaces Abarim, Jericho, Kadesh-barnea, Meribah, ZinTopics Assembly, Command, Community, Company, Congregation, Counsel, Decisions, Directions, Eleazar, Elea'zar, Entire, Inquire, Inquiring, Israelites, Judgment, Lights, Moreover, Obtain, Priest, Sons, Stand, Standeth, UrimDictionary of Bible Themes Numbers 27:21 1403 God, revelation Library The First Blast of the TrumpetThe 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 . Paul's Departure and Crown; The Fifth Commandment Numbers Links Numbers 27:21 NIVNumbers 27:21 NLT Numbers 27:21 ESV Numbers 27:21 NASB Numbers 27:21 KJV Numbers 27:21 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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