Definition: And the Tirshatha said unto them, that they should not eat of the most holy things, till there stood [up] a priest with Urim and Thummim.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Nehemiah. It’s a really important part of understanding how religious purity was maintained in ancient Israel. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse describes a strict rule about handling sacred items – specifically, most holy things – to prevent contamination and maintain the purity of God’s presence. It’s essentially saying, “Don't touch these things unless you have someone who is specially trained and can help protect them.” Let’s unpack it: “The Tirshatha”: This refers to a specific person named Tirshatha. He was a leader or official in the Jewish community. “said unto them…”: He spoke directly to the people. “that they should not eat of the most holy things…” – This is the core instruction. "Most holy things" refers to items considered particularly sacred, like oil, incense, bread, or other gifts used in worship and rituals. It means not to handle them carelessly or with disrespect. “until there stood [up] a priest with Urim and Thummim.” – This is the key part! The Tirshatha instructed the people to have someone designated as a special “priest” who possessed two tools: Urim: This was a special stone or tablet that allowed them to see the truth of things, like a clear vision. It helped them understand what was right and wrong. Thummim: This was a device used for counting and interpreting symbols. It helped them understand the meaning behind things. So, what does this mean practically? It meant that when someone needed to handle these sacred items, they must have someone who was specifically trained in understanding their significance and guarding them from any contamination or disrespect. It was a system of protection and oversight designed to keep the holiness of God’s presence intact. Why is this important? This practice was crucial for maintaining the purity of the temple and the religious life of the Jewish people. It emphasized respect, responsibility, and careful handling – all essential in their faith. --- In short: The verse establishes a rule about protecting sacred objects by having trained individuals oversee them to prevent any contamination or disrespect. It was a safeguard against impurity and a way to honor God's presence. Do you want me to: Explain the historical context of this verse? Discuss the significance of Urim and Thummim in more detail?