Definition: And he shall stand before Eleazar the priest, who shall ask [counsel] for him after the judgment of Urim before the LORD: at his word shall they go out, and at his word they shall come in, [both] he, and all the children of Israel with him, even all the congregation.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Numbers 27:21. It's a really important passage about how God will handle a situation involving the Israelites before they face a difficult decision – specifically, before the judgment at the Tabernacle. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Core Idea: God is going to actively involve the entire Israelite community in a serious discussion and process of choosing a leader or making a crucial decision. It's not just a casual conversation; it’s a deeply involved, participatory process. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “And he shall stand before Eleazar the priest…” : This refers to a specific priest – likely one of the high priests – who is designated as the intermediary between God and the people. He's positioned to lead this conversation. “…who shall ask [counsel] for him after the judgment of Urim…” : “Urim” is a Hebrew word that means "wisdom" or "insight." The priest will be asked to seek guidance, advice, and understanding after the judgment – which is a significant moment in God’s plan. It's about getting a deep, thoughtful perspective. “at his word shall they go out, and at his word they shall come in…” : This is a powerful metaphor. It means that the people will actively participate in the decision-making process. When God speaks, they will respond – both by going out to express their opinions and by coming back to listen and consider the advice. “[both] he, and all the children of Israel with him…” : This highlights the collective nature of this process. It’s not just about one priest; it's about everyone in Israel – every single person – participating. It emphasizes that this isn’t a solitary decision; it’s a communal one. “even all the congregation” : This underscores the importance and scope of the involvement. The entire assembly, from the lowest members to the highest officials, is included. In essence, this verse describes a carefully orchestrated process where God actively engages with the Israelites to help them understand what they need to decide. It’s about ensuring they are guided by wisdom and understanding before making a significant choice. Why is this important? It shows that God wants to be involved in the decisions of his people, and he doesn't want to leave them to their own devices without guidance. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of this verse? Discuss its significance within the context of the Old Testament? Give a real-world example of how this principle applies today?