Book of Exodus - Chapter 28 - Verse 30
Meaning
Within the context of the Old Testament, the verse "And thou shalt put in the breastplate of judgment the Urim and the Thummim; and they shall be upon Aaron's heart, when he goeth in before the LORD: and Aaron shall bear the judgment of the children of Israel upon his heart before the LORD continually" (Exodus 28:30) refers to a specific directive given to Moses regarding the attire of his brother Aaron, the high priest of Israel. The Urim and Thummim were objects placed in the breastplate of judgment, which Aaron wore as part of his priestly garments. These objects were believed to be stones or markings used to discern God's will or make decisions on important matters. When Aaron went before the Lord to seek guidance or make judgments on behalf of the people of Israel, the Urim and Thummim on his breastplate symbolized his role as the intermediary between the people and God. By bearing the judgment of the children of Israel upon his heart, Aaron carried the weight of their decisions and actions into the presence of the Lord, emphasizing the importance of seeking divine wisdom and guidance in matters of judgment and leadership.
Theological Overview
In this verse from the book of Exodus, Aaron, the high priest of Israel, is instructed to wear a breastplate of judgment that contains the Urim and Thummim. The Urim and Thummim were objects used for casting lots to determine God's will on important matters. The Urim and Thummim were considered a means of divine communication, providing guidance and direction to the people of Israel. By placing the Urim and Thummim on his heart, Aaron symbolically carries the judgment of the children of Israel before the Lord continuously. This act emphasizes the importance of seeking God's wisdom and guidance in matters of judgment and decision-making. Through the use of the Urim and Thummim, Aaron served as a mediator between the people of Israel and God, ensuring that justice and righteousness were upheld in the community. This verse highlights the significance of seeking God's will and following His guidance in all aspects of life.