Matthew Poole and continuators on Numbers 27:21

21 And he shall stand before Eleazar the priest, who shall ask counsel for him , after the judgment of Urim before the LORD : at his word shall they go out, and at his word they shall come in, both he and all the children of Israel with him, even all the congregation.

When he requires him to do so, and in important and difficult matters. See Ios. 9. 14. Iudg. 1. 1. and 20. 18. 1 Sam. 23. 9.

Or, by or from the judgment, i. e. by seeking and receiving and communicating to him the judgment or sentence thereby given: or, by the judgment is here put defectively for, by the breast-plate of judgment, as it is called Exod. 28. 30. as the testimony is oft put for, the ark of the testimony. Or, concerning the judgment, or sentence, i. e. what the mind and will of God is in the matter. Or, after the manner or rite, for so the Hebrew word mishpat here used oft signifies.

Understand, and of Thummim, for these two generally go together, onely here, as also 1 Sam. 28. 6. Urim is synecdochically put for both Urim and Thummim. For the manner of this enquiry and answer see on Exod. 28. 30.

Ordinarily in the Tabernacle near the second vail setting his face to the Ark, or otherwise presenting himself as in Gods presence, as Abiathar did by Davids direction, 1 Sam. 23. 9. when they were both banished from the Ark.

(i. e.) The word of the Lord, last mentioned, delivered to him by the High-priest.

Marginal references: Exod. 28. 30.