DeepSummary
Dr. Doug Bookman explains the concept of the Urim and Thummim, which were stones used by the high priest to communicate with God during the theocratic period of ancient Israel. He argues that they were distinct from the binary 'sacred lot' and could convey specific messages from God. Bookman describes his theory that the stones would supernaturally glow when the priest unfolded the ephod garment, indicating God was speaking.
Bookman discusses the historical context, explaining that for around 800 years, from the Exodus until the Babylonian exile, God physically reigned over Israel through the glory cloud. The Urim and Thummim served as a means for leaders like Moses, Joshua, and the kings to inquire of God and receive instructions. However, its use declined after the sin of David and Bathsheba, as prophets became more prominent.
Bookman highlights the significance of this theocratic arrangement, where God ruled as King over Israel. The Urim and Thummim allowed direct communication between the human leaders and God, reinforcing the covenant relationship. Its supernatural nature ensured the messages could not be counterfeited.
Key Episodes Takeaways
- The Urim and Thummim were stones used by the high priest to receive divine communication and instructions from God during the theocratic period of ancient Israel.
- They were distinct from the binary 'sacred lot' and could convey specific, detailed messages from God beyond just 'yes or no' answers.
- Bookman theorizes the stones would supernaturally glow when God was speaking through them, distinguishing the communication as from God.
- The Urim and Thummim facilitated direct communication between human leaders like kings and God, who physically reigned over Israel during this 800-year period.
- Their use declined after the sin of David and Bathsheba, as prophets became a more prominent means of divine communication.
- The Urim and Thummim reinforced the unique theocratic covenant relationship between God as King, the high priest, the human ruler, and the people.
- Their supernatural, non-counterfeitable nature was key to authenticating the messages as truly from God.
- Bookman argues the Urim and Thummim embodied this remarkable theocratic arrangement in a tangible way.
Top Episodes Quotes
- “Remember, though, the wind in the trees, and then attack. Well, you're going to flip a lot of coins.“ by Doug Bookman
- “It's God putting his seal. That's a good parallel.“ by Doug Bookman
- “The whole business of the theocracy, or I say the business, what's so much underappreciated, if not high handedly tonight, is that God was really physically ruling in Israel.“ by Doug Bookman
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Episode Information
Blurry Creatures
Blurry Creatures
6/27/24