Definition: 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.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this biblical passage. It's a really interesting and symbolic description of a crucial moment in the Old Testament. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse describes a special situation where God is about to reveal something very important – a judgment – to Aaron, the high priest. It’s saying that Aaron needs to be protected and prepared for this judgment by wearing two special items on his heart. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “And thou shalt put in the breastplate of judgment…” : This is a fancy way of saying “a protective shield” or “a measure of protection.” It’s not just any kind of armor; it’s judgment armor. “…the Urim and the Thummim” : These are two specific objects: Urim: This is a special stone, often described as a prism. It was believed to be able to reveal hidden truths – like the true nature of something. Think of it as a magnifying glass for truth. Thummim: These were small, engraved metal plates. Each plate had a specific symbol or word that held significance and could be used to interpret what was being revealed. “And they shall be upon Aaron’s heart…” : This means these items must be placed on Aaron's chest (his heart). It’s not just about wearing them; it’s about being within his heart – absorbing the truth. “…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.” : This is the key part. It means that when Aaron enters the temple, he will be burdened with a responsibility – a judgment – about the Israelites. He must carry this judgment constantly within him. It’s not just a fleeting thought; it's something he must live with and act upon. What does this all mean? The verse describes a period of intense spiritual preparation for a significant event. It suggests that God is about to: Reveal a serious truth: The “judgment” isn’t just a simple mistake or transgression; it's something profound and difficult to understand. Demand accountability: Aaron needs to be aware of this judgment so he can handle it responsibly. Prepare for consequences: The verse implies that the Israelites are about to face serious repercussions from this judgment, requiring careful consideration and action. In short, it’s a symbolic representation of God’s revealing of truth and assigning accountability to a leader. Important Note: This is a complex passage in Hebrew scripture. It's often interpreted symbolically and requires a deeper understanding of Old Testament context. --- Do you want me to: Explain this passage further, perhaps with a specific example? Discuss the symbolic meaning of the Urim and Thummim in more detail? Provide a simpler explanation for why this verse is significant?