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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).
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