Urim

The Urim is presented as an instrument of priestly consultation through which Eleazar is to seek judgment before the LORD for Joshua. Its role links Israel’s movements under its new leader to divine direction, while the text leaves its appearance and operation unspecified.

Role in Joshua’s Appointment

When Moses is instructed to appoint Joshua as his successor, the LORD directs that Joshua stand before Eleazar the priest and the congregation. Moses is to lay a hand on Joshua, commission him publicly, and transfer some of his authority so that the congregation will heed him.

The arrangement distinguishes leadership from priestly consultation: Joshua leads the people out and brings them in, while Eleazar stands before the LORD and inquires for him by the judgment of the Urim. The answer is to guide when Joshua and the Israelites go out or come in.

Function and Limits of the Description

The Urim is named only in connection with this procedure. The passage establishes its function as a means of judgment sought by the priest on behalf of the leader and the people, but gives no account of its shape, material, or the way an answer is delivered.

Its placement in the succession scene makes consultation part of the stated framework for Joshua’s authority: the people are to follow his leadership, while decisions about their movements remain associated with inquiry before the LORD.