Book of Ezra - Chapter 2 - Verse 63
Meaning
When the Tirshatha instructed the people not to eat of the most holy things until a priest with Urim and Thummim arose, he was referring to the practice of using the Urim and Thummim as a means of seeking divine guidance. The Urim and Thummim were special objects used by priests in ancient Israel to discern God's will in important matters. They were believed to be able to provide yes or no answers from God when questions were asked. By requiring a priest with Urim and Thummim to be present before the people could partake of the most holy things, the Tirshatha was ensuring that they followed God's instructions and received His blessing before consuming the sacred offerings. This verse highlights the importance of seeking God's guidance and following His commands in all aspects of life, including even the most mundane activities such as eating.
Theological Overview
In the book of Nehemiah, we find the Tirshatha instructing the people not to eat of the most holy things until a priest with Urim and Thummim is present. The mention of Urim and Thummim in this verse refers to a method used in ancient Israel to communicate with God and discern His will. The precise nature of Urim and Thummim is not explicitly described in the Bible, but they were likely objects that the high priest used to receive divine guidance, possibly by casting lots or using them as oracles. The presence of a priest with Urim and Thummim was crucial for making decisions regarding sacred matters, ensuring that the people followed God's will in matters of great importance. This verse underscores the significance of seeking divine guidance and following proper protocol in matters of faith and worship, highlighting the importance of obedience and reverence in the practice of religion.