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.
Joshua must stand before Eleazar the priest, who will seek God's guidance for him using the Urim to determine the Lord's will. When the priest gives God's answer, Joshua and all the Israelites—the entire community—will follow those instructions about when to go into battle and when to return.
God is establishing that Joshua, as the new leader after Moses, must seek divine guidance through the priest before making major decisions for the nation.
📚 Historical Context
This verse comes from God's instructions about Joshua succeeding Moses as leader of Israel. The Urim (along with the Thummim) were sacred objects used by the high priest to determine God's will, likely stones or lots that gave yes/no answers to important questions. Unlike Moses who spoke directly with God, Joshua would need to go through the priest to receive divine guidance for leading the nation.
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