This is the first exhaustive study of the Urim and Thummim since 1824, and in this book Van Dam sets out to rectify that lack of attention. He investigates all of the biblical data concerning this enigmatic oracular means of high-priestly revelation and its connection, in the historical books of the Old Testament, with the common phrase "to enquire of Yahweh/God." After surveying the history of interpretation and the treatment of the terms in the various versions and translations, Van Dam examines the implications of similar oracular devices and priestly dress within the larger cultural context of the ancient Near East. He places the Urim and Thummim within the context of divine revelation and human inquiry and the corollary probibition of divination in ancient Israel. He concludes that the breastpiece functioned as a pouch to hold the Urim and Thummim, which therefore clearly were tangible objects. Van Dam traces the use of this oracular instrument through the early monarchy under David-from the time of Joshua through the early monarchy under David-and its apparent disappearance by the time of the "classical" prophets, where a shift to primarily verbal oracles occurs. Concurrent with his study of the history of the oracle, Van Dam interacts with current discussion on the nature and process of God's revelation to humankind.

Synopsis: Ours is a time of rapid cultural change with new economic challenges. People look to their governments for leadership and solutions. But what can and should government do to meet the difficulties that beset a nation? What can citizens expect from their elected representatives? What is reasonable? And what should citizens do? What are their responsibilities?This book addresses such fundamental issues through the eyes of Scripture and against the backdrop of North America's dual heritage of Christianity and humanism. Government, politics, and the Bible do not seem like a good mix. But as this book aims to show, the Bible has much wisdom to teach us about the place and role of government and its citizens. Biblical principles work because God knows how his world and his servant governments are supposed to function. After all, he ordained the governing authorities, and the principles enunciated in his Word are timeless and remain practical.This book introduces fundamental biblical principles that apply to government and politics. The intent is to inform and to motivate the reader to get involved where possible in the political processes of the day. Our legislators need the input and help from their knowledgable Christian constituents.Endorsements: "This book is a clear, crisp, and comprehensive introduction to the fundamentals of law, politics, and society viewed in biblical perspective. It is a natural for the college and Sunday school classroom, and for any person of faith interested in probing the wisdom of the Reformed Christian tradition."-John Witte Jr.Emory University"With this volume, church leaders and members alike hold in their hands a solid and satisfying primer providing Christian perspective and principles for social responsibility in today's world. This work will be especially useful for study groups and personal reflection, and from it every follower of Jesus Christ will receive helpful biblical orientation to issues that affect all of us who are citizens of Christ's kingdom seeking to live under his authority in all of life. Warmly recommended "-Nelson D. Kloosterman Worldview Resources InternationalAuthor Biography: Cornelis Van Dam (ThD, Theological University of Kampen) is Emeritus Professor of Old Testament at the Canadian Reformed Theological Seminary in Hamilton, Ontario. He is the author of The Elder: Today's Ministry Rooted in all of Scripture (2009).