By Dallas E. James
Not all artifacts are dug out of the earth; some have passed through human hands unknown of their meaning, until the time of their discovery.
INTRODUCTION
The artifact that I have in my possession is a flat oval jasper stone covered on top with a sheet of gold. And on this golden floor springs up the Tree of Life, and in the tree is a Serpent. Next to this tree is the couchant positioned Lion of the tribe of Judah. There are also seven eyes on this stone, including the jeweled sapphire eyes of the Lion.
“For observe the (Urim-Thummim) stone that I have put before Joshua; upon this one (Urim-Thummim) stone will be (engraved) 7 eyes: behold, I will engrave the engraving of it, declares YHWH of Hosts, and I will remove the depravity of that land in one day.” Zechariah 3:9 UTV
The meaning of the symbols are given in the Holy Bible, and we must first examine the base of Jasper.
“and he carried me away in the Spirit to a mountain great and high, and did show to me the great city, the Holy Jerusalem, coming down out of the cosmos from Elohim,21:11 having the glory of Elohim, and her light is like a stone most precious, as a jasper stone clear as crystal,” Revelation 21:10,11 (UTV)
The meaning of the jasper then refers to the New Jerusalem and the street or “broad-place” of the city is made of pure gold (see Rev.21:21).
The Tree of Life was found in the earthly paradise that the heavenly New Jerusalem also represents.
“And out of the ground made YHWH Elohim to sprout every tree that is desirable to the sight, and pleasant for food; the Tree of Life also in the middle of the garden, and the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil.” Genesis 2:9 (UTV)
“in the middle of its broad place, and of the river on this side and on that, is a TREE OF LIFE, yielding 12 fruits, in each several month rendering its fruits, and the leaves of the tree are for the service of the nations;” Revelation 22:2 (UTV)
On the object I have is a tree growing on this street (broad place) of gold.
The serpent or snake is also found in the earthly paradise.
“Moreover the serpent was more crafty than any of the living creatures of the land that YHWH Elohim had fashioned. And he spoke to the woman, saying, Indeed has Elohim commanded, You shall not eat of every tree of the garden?” Genesis 3:1 (UTV)
The serpent representing Satan was additionally found in the heavenly paradise presenting himself before the very Throne of YHWH.
“Again there was a day when the sons of Elohim came to present themselves before YHWH, and Satan came also among them to present himself before YHWH.” Job 2:1 (UTV)
But much later in the Book of Revelation we find that he is cast out of heaven.
“and the great dragon was cast forth, the old serpent, who is called `Devil,' and `the Adversary,' who is leading astray the whole world. he was cast forth to the earth, and his messengers were cast forth with him.” Revelation 12:9 (UTV)
The largest and central symbol of the artifact is the golden Lion that is the symbol of the tribe of Judah and the kingly symbol of Jesus Christ.
“Judah is a lion's cub: from the prey, my son, have you come up: he has stooped and couched as a lion, or as a lioness, who will rouse him up?49:10 The Scepter will not be abolished from Judah, nor a governor of Elohim, until Shiloh come; and to him shall the cleansing of the people be.” Genesis 49:9,10 (UTV)
“But to the Son HE declares, Your Throne, O Elohim, is for the ages of the ages: a Scepter of Righteousness is the Scepter of your Kingdom.” Hebrews 1:8 (UTV)
The artifact I have is the Christ Stone of Scripture also known in ancient Israel as the Urim-Thummim. It is also the Holy Grail of legends and I want to give some quotes about the Holy Grail and it will become evident that the qualities that come up in the legend involve a stone, metal and a tree, all of which are the elements of the Christ Stone.
“A Stone
The story of the angels fighting in heaven gives us yet another theory about the Grail. The story tells how Lucifer (although this name is commonly used to represent the Devil now, at one time it had no such association and meant simply The Light Bringer) lead one third of the heavenly host in a revolt against God but that he was defeated. As Lucifer was cast down out of heaven, a large emerald fell from his crown. This emerald is said to have been the source of his power. It is interesting to note that the Grail has been depicted as a stone in the early Arthurian legends. It is this stone, fallen to earth, which has been suggested is the Grail.” The Theories of the Sangraal
“But what actually was the Grail? Authors of the middle ages carefully avoid any exact description. It is obvious that they had never seen the ‘holy object’ themselves. The two French writers describe it simply as a ‘handsome vessel’ or as a ‘metal bowl’, and Robert de Boron states that it is the very chalice used at the Last Supper. It is here that the christian influence on the Parsifal saga is most apparent. Wolfram von Eschenbach, on the other hand, is even more reticent. He writes simply:
‘It was a thing, called the Grail, that gave all earthly desires in abundance (And) The stone was also called the grail.’
Etymologically speaking, several derivations are to be found of the Grail concept. From the middle Latin gradalis and the French gradale, meaning ‘bowl’; from the Provencal grazaal which corresponds to the old Catalonian gresal, which can also be translated as ‘bowl’, ‘basin’, or ‘dish’, but also with the connotations of ‘milk-jug’, ‘pleasure’, ‘charity’, and ‘bread’; and from a Nordic version of the Parsifal tradition - and this strikes us as most significant - the grail is spoken of as an object known as the gangandi greidi which can be translated as ‘transformer of consumable material’.
Wolfram von Eschenbach speaks occasionally of a stone which he calls lapsit exillis. Philologically speaking, it has not yet been determined with certainty what is meant by this, however there is general agreement that lapsit is in fact a corruption of the word ‘lapis’, or ‘stone’. One author emphasizes that ‘a contributor to the formation of ‘lapsit’ is the Latin ‘lapsus’, as a word designating any ‘sliding downward movements, fall or dive’. In addition, lapsit exillis is also interpreted as lapis elixir, that is, ‘stone of the wise’, which agrees well with the miracle-working nature of the grail. Other derive it from lapis exilii (‘stone of the exile’), or lapis exulis (‘the stone that is found far from home’). Finally, there is another very interesting translation: lapis lapsus ex illis stellis, that is ‘the stone that came down from the stars’.” Quotes by Dr. Johannes Fiebag and Peter Fiebag Translated from the German by George T. Sassoon
“It would seem, then, that we have two specific things related to the Sang Real. First, we have the Relic, the Stone Vessel, the Stone from Heaven, the Agate Urn, and the Foundation Stone, which is to be the subject of another essay on the Stone and the Duranki. Then, we have the lineage -- 1.) of the family descended from the original source, a divine family on earth; and 2.) a lineage of initiates who are charged with the duty of representing and guarding the family and the relic.” Quoted from The Mountain of Salvation
“Lady Flavia Anderson presented a totally new theory about the Grail in her book "The Ancient Secret". In this book she claims that the Grail is a round ball of glass filled with water. This is held in a tree like stand. These she claims are the Jewish objects the Thummim and the Urim. These objects were made to light fires from the light of the sun. Her book shows how man has revered light in religion and fire made from direct sunlight, through a crystal or glass ball or the like, has long thought to be holy in some sense. Often perpetual fires were kept alight in Holy places by virgins using such methods. She also demonstrates how many metaphors for light and rays of light (such as the spear and the sword) appear time and again in Arthurian legend. Not only this but the Grail is often depicted as a stone and there is constant reference to a Grail tree. Further it was often women who were in charge of fires created from objects such as these and it is women who are depicted as Grail guardians in Arthurian legend. Undoubtedly such objects existed and it is likely that the Jews at the time of Solomon used such objects. The theory goes on to state that these objects were buried along with the Ark of the Covenant in a cave system somewhere in Jordan. Interestingly, the final sequences of Indiana Jones III are filmed in the ancient ruined city of Petra in Jordan and not in Egypt as is claimed in the film itself.” Quoted from The Theories of the Sangraal
There is another legend about the constellation Pleiades that relates to a serpent and the seven stars, or sisters in mythology. I believe this constellation also represents the Holy Grail too.
“The Rattling of the Pleiades. In his recent book, Gateway to Atlantis, Andrew Collins has amassed a collection of evidence that the civilization of Atlantis was destroyed by a tidal wave following the collision of a comet (known to geologists as the Carolina Bays comet), with the Earth, and that Cuba is a remnant of the landmass. The proximity of Cuba to Mesoamerica would explain the Aztec and Maya fascination with cataclysm. The Chilam Balam of Chumayel, Collins tells us, “spoke of an almighty cataclysm during which the ‘Great Serpent’ was ‘ravished from the heavens together with the rattles of its tail’ so that its ‘skin and pieces’ of its bones ‘fell here upon the Earth’”. The Calina Carib tribe in Surinam, South America, still have myths of a fiery serpent that came from the Pleiades and ‘brought the world to an end’ with ‘a great fire and a deluge’.” Quoted from Beyond 2012, page 6
The Christ Stone or Urim-Thummim then was “a pure stone exiled from paradise”. It must have been divinely guided through a maze of human hands until the end times when it would finally be rediscovered for the world to see. The symbolism in this object takes us from the Garden of Eden in the earthly paradise to the heavenly paradise of the New Jerusalem in the Book of Revelation. A number of years ago I had written a short study that showed that the Bible had indicated earthly life in the universe. This was around the time that planets were being discovered for the first time. I remember someone with a NASA e-mail address requesting my study. The punch line in the study was a word translated “orchard”.
"How that he was caught into paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter." II Corinthians 12:4 (KJV)
This "paradise" is also identified in verse two as the "third heaven". And "paradise" is defined as a living garden, orchard, forest or park. The Bible right here demonstrates life exists elsewhere in our universe. The possibility is even put forward in the Scared Scriptures that a man was taken from earth and somehow transported to this "paradise". Of course no man as ever ascended to God's Throne save Jesus Christ.” Quoted from The Stargate Discovery
An interesting addition to this information is contained in the jasper gemstone that also proves a LIVING TREE outside our own solar system existed. This is because it literally takes a tree and water to form jasper.
“Silica dissolves in water that is alkaline (the opposite of acid) and precipitates where water is acidic. So the silica, from the ash and via the water precipitated in the wood of the trees. The mineral in these fossils is quartz. The very red quartz in some of the wood is a type of quartz called Jasper.”
One of the reasons then that the Urim-Thummim is so important is that it is not only an object that was crafted by deity but that it is a stone that has come out of paradise itself. For further study on the subject of Paradise I highly recommend the book titled, History of Paradise – The Garden of Eden in Myth & Tradition by Jean Delumeau [ISBN 0-252-06880-7] translated into English from the work of a French professor.
I have wondered why did this important artifact fall into my hands and I have an interesting theory why it has made its way to Seattle, Washington. The object was given to my Canadian mother over fifty years ago. The man that gave it to her must have recognized her bloodline from her surname. My mother had some French Huguenot ancestry and her maiden name was Goostrey. The Huguenots created a secret religious organization called “Keepers of the Sacred Secret” much has been written of them concerning the Holy Grail. I found an interesting quote in a book titled, Pirates & The Lost Templar Fleet The Secret Naval War Between the Knights Templar & the Vatican by David Hatcher Childress.
“Both Bradley and Sinclair claim that Canada was settled as a direct result of the Holy Grail being taken there. Sinclair and the Templars were attempting to create the prophesied "New Jerusalem" in the New World. The French explorer and founder of the Quebec colony Samuel de Champlain (1567-1635) was a secret agent for the Grail Dynasty, says Bradley, and the Grail was moved to Montreal just before Nova Scotia was attacked by the British Admiral Sedgewick in 1654. A mysterious secret society called the Compagnie du Saint Sacrement carried the Grail to Montreal. Its whereabouts today are unknown, according to Bradley. The many indications that Montreal was purpose-built by the Templars to be their holy city is discussed in detail in Francine Bernier's book The Templars' Legacy in Montreal, the New Jerusalem. The fascinating concept of the Knights Templar taking the Holy Grail to the New World in order to found the New Jerusalem takes us directly into Atlantis studies. It is possible that the exploits and aspirations of Prince Henry influenced Sir Francis Bacon who, around the year 1600, published his unfinished utopian romance entitled The New Atlantis.”
My Canadian mother’s maiden name is interesting because the name traces back to an earlier name in her family line named Godric. The name “means ‘power of god’, derived from Old English god combined with ric ‘power, rule’. This name became rarely used after the Norman conquest.” In modern times the name became Goodrich among others.
I believe whoever it was that gave the object to my mother must have known she was from this bloodline of the “Keepers of the Sacred Secret”. And so I am now telling the story of the Holy Grail and to make it publicly known in the world. You see, in the Bible the “mystery” is not a mystery at all, the word translates as the “hidden thing”. And the only thing that was hidden in the Old Testament was the Urim- Thummim that was hidden behind the breastplate of the high priest of Israel. But in the end times notice what the New Testament says is to happen.
“And for me, that a Word may be given to me, that I may open my mouth publicly, to make known the Hidden Thing [Urim-Thummim] of the Good News,” Ephesians 6:19 (UTV)
“Even the Hidden Thing [Urim-Thummim] that has been concealed from the ages and from generations, but now is exposed to view for his saints:1:27 To whom Elohim would make known what is the riches of the glory of this Hidden Thing [Urim-Thummim] among the Gentiles; which is CHRIST IN YOU, THE HOPE OF GLORY:” Colossians 1:26,27 (UTV)
Review of Book – The Ancient Secret
The Ancient Secret – In Search Of The Holy Grail by Flavia Anderson
Copyright 1953 by Victor Gollancz Ltd. Printed in Great Britain by Richard Clay and Company. Ltd., Bungay,Suffolk
There was a second printing of the book in 1955 and this book is still obtainable through used and rare bookstores. This book provides essential clues and evidence that the Holy Grail is the Urim-Thummim as well as providing a description of the object itself given in a composite of clues and documents. I list below some key quotes from the book,
[Page 28] “There he fashions a tree of gold and precious stones over the Grail to cover (i.e. hide) it, and prays before it every morning”
[Page 44] “In a cluster of stars was it written, the name, nor their lore shall fail.”
[Page 66] “ From the flaming tree fire, self made, spat out wonderful sparks, and the glow devoured the tree all around, but consumed it not. A snake writhed round the tree. Now let us look at the illustration of a Babylonian seal in Professor S. H. Langdon’s Semitic Mythology (Fig. 2). The stylized form of a tree should be noted, and particularly the suggestion of a jeweled centre; also whorl-shaped knops on the stem.”
[Page 68] “And this is a most important point, for, as will be presently shown, the crystal was referred to as the “fruit” of the golden tree.”
[Page 69] “Thus the miniature tree of Isis, of Glasir, of the Golden Bough, and perhaps of the Golden Fleece all point towards the existence of a small golden tree…. he makes a tree of gold and precious stones round or over the Grail:”
[Page 93] “The Queste tells us it was made from the Tree of Life, but this refers to the wood, …but has nevertheless been known throughout history as the Clach Dearg: The Red Stone.”
[Page 101] “…which again bears out the tradition that some engraving of characters was figured on the gold setting of the Grail-stone.”
[Page 135] “It is extremely interesting to find here the Grail is associated with antediluvian times, and that it is decorated with the usual serpent.”
[Page 138] “The tree is guarded by the Wood-snake, who can be overcome by the Mistleeteinn which slew Baldr.”
[Page162] “…for it is here that we shall find some clues to the identity of the Fish which was figured upon the golden setting of the Grail…the symbolism in which a great High Priest takes a fish from the water and draws out the “gold” within it.”
[Page 165] “- that the golden ring which held the crystal lens in place was engraved with the endless serpent on the side where the lens was flat,…”
[Page 191] “…and other French authorities to realize that the story of the Quest of the Holy Grail had a Celtic and pre-Christian origin, for there is too great a similarity for it to be accidental.”
[Page 198] “So far the Grail legend has been shown to have at least three possible links with ancient Jewish history…. Mr A. E. Waite in his book The Hidden Church of the Holy Grail has suggested that the legend originated in the fact that at Jewish family feasts for a circumcision a seat is always placed empty and ready for the return of the prophet Elijah. I think it would be more true to say that Elijah’s seat can be associated with the empty place at the Round Table…”
[Page 205] “We have seen that an old German manuscript claims that Urim and Thummim (Perfect Light) was a crystal set in gold:”
[Page 206] “But, as in the case of Helen and Deirdre, the princess may have brought with her as dowry the jewel of the goddess Isis…. In so far as the Church is the passive instrument under God’s hand, being like Isis ‘capable of all genesis’, she can claim that the Song of Solomon was written in her honour…”
[Page 208] ‘When, however, we turn back the pages of history to the days of Moses, the Grail legend is blazened forth with a clarity which seems to me astonishing.”
[Page 213] “ When it is remembered how over and over again in the legends and folk-tales which we have studied, the light from the Grail or apple of Idunn is referred to as the ambrosia of the gods, the food of immortals, the sustenance of the spirit…does it at all astonish us that ‘manna’ is the symbolic term for light, and that the golden pot is the pedestal and setting of the crystal: which jewel could either be worn by the High Priest’s breastplate, or taken out and set firmly in its little ‘tree’ for the purpose of igniting a fire.”
[Page 214] “Was the golden tree of the Israelites similar to the one in the illustration of the Babylonian seal on page 66 (Fig. 2)?
[Page 216] “We cannot be certain of just how the crystal and the candlestick were combined, but we do know one thing about the candlestick: it was representative of an almond tree…. That the crystal was in some way connected with the branched candlestick, and at the same time was the Urim worn on the breast of the High Priest, seems to fit the case, and could perhaps be explained by a jewel being interchangeable in different (page 217) settings. My reason for supposing the Urim to be a crystal and Thummim a reflective bowl lies not only in the names- ‘perfect light’- and the German manuscript illustrated on page 70…”
[Page 221] “Can we turn back the pages of history any further? In what country did the ritual of the crystal originate? Did Abraham bring it out of Ur into Egypt?”
[Page 222] “If however, we dare to turn back the page to the very beginning of time, the picture suddenly clarifies. Archaeologists have long been wondering what is the mystery behind the very early Chaldean drawings of a man, woman, a tree and a serpent.”
[Page 223] “As man learnt to make a little golden tree to enclose a crystal, he thought of the Tempter who had accomplished his Fall as the serpent surrounding the jewel, and he called the crystal an apple.”
[Page 254] “The inference to be drawn from all these legends is that some of the monks, perhaps the office bearers, had preserved a knowledge of the old mystery. If so, the talisman would have been a treasure of great price, for it was the link – possible bridge of approach – between Jewry and Christendom. In it might lie the hope of Israel, the Lame-King, and of such a rediscovery by Jewry of its own secrets as would set it on a common road with Christendom to the advantage of both…”
[Page 255] “But if both Jews and Christians should find a crystal, thus proving my theory, then we must not fail- as the neophyte of the Grail legend failed- to ask what is the significance of such a discovery, and what are the secret words of the Grail.”
THE URIM THUMMIM
NAS Ezra 2:63 "And the governor said to them that they should not eat from the most holy things until a priest stood up with Urim and Thummim."
Anyone who has surveyed this subject will know that the majority of scholarly opinion has no clue what the Urim-Thummim (UT) is. Most have speculated that the UT were two objects which were cast as lots, but the excellent and all exhaustive book, "The Urim and Thummim - A Means of Revelation in Ancient Israel" by Cornelis Van Dam [ISBN 0-931464-83-8], shows the weight of the evidence favors it as one object. A summary quote on page 230 informs us,
"According to my theory and interpretation of the biblical evidence respecting the identity of the UT, the UT probably consisted of a single gem, and the name can best be understood as 'perfect light'. A miraculous light verified that the message given by the high priest was indeed from God. Teraphim may have involved light divination and thus have been an attractive surrogate UT (and an analogous ancient Near Eastern divinatory method)."
Our first encounter with the UT is in Exodus where we are told this object is to be put "in the breastplate" of the High Priest. The Ephod (Ex.28:4), which we will discuss later, was a type of "waistcoat" which had a front and back to it (without sleeves) and tied with a strap at the waist. It was over this garment that the breastplate of the High Priest was attached.
KJV Exodus 28:30 "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."
We must take note that the UT had to be a small object to fit inside the breastplate of the High Priest. All the objects of clothing for the priesthood are described and identified in Scripture, except for the UT. When we consult the Masoretic Text of the original Bible there is a noteworthy absence of the UT, or its fabrication. E.W. Bullinger confirms this in his note on Exodus 28:30 in his "Companion Bible" which reads in part,
"30 Urim and Thummim. No command of God to make these. Only told to put (nathan, to give) them in the breastplate, i.e. into the bag of the breastplate (cp.v.26 and 16, also ch.39.9 and 19)."
So far (at this point), it can be known that the UT was a small object, and that it was not made with all the other items for the priesthood. The next point to study is why this UT is described using two terms. The basic definition of the word Urim is "lights", and Thummim is defined as "perfections" (see Thayer BDB). In the Septuagint (LXX) of Ezra and Nehemiah, a most literal definition for Urim arises from the particle form of "photizo" meaning to shine or give light. Both of these words are in the plural form that has been the cause of conjecture over being two objects instead of one. There is another explanation to this that will unite with all the internal Biblical evidence I am going to present. This is simply that the UT is one object but that it has a plurality to it, such as a stone and metal object. James Strong further discusses the concept of a single oracle,
"The plural form of both words does not necessarily imply that there were many of each kind of object, nor even that the two were distinct articles; but rather according to a frequent Hebrew idiom, these peculiarities of the phrase express as follows: emphasis or quantity; and the duplication, attribution or quality. Thus a free translation would be full light as to amount and perfect as to kind, i.e., complete illumination; in modern terminology, a definite oracle…" [The Tabernacle of Israel - Its Structure and Symbolism (Kregal) by James Strong, pp.110- 111]
The UT could well be described as intensive plurals and can thus be translated with a singular meaning (see Ezekiel 19:11). This would apply itself quite well to objects that are connected with the office of the High Priest. This is all summed up very well when we consider these two words as a case of hendiadys. Note what Webster's Dictionary (Second Edition) says of the definition of a hendiadys,
"hendiadys - n.Gram. Expression of an idea by two nouns connected by and, instead of by a noun and an adjunct (we drink from cups and gold, for golden cups)."
What we find when this is taken into consideration is that UT quite clearly gives the meaning of "perfect light", "perfect illumination" or "unerrable revelation". We also have an error in the Septuagint text for I Samuel 14:41 when compared with the Masoretic text where MT separates the casting of lots with the UT, and the LXX confuses both as the same. Note clearly the differences,
"Then Saul said, 'O Lord, God of Israel, why have you not answered your servant this day? If the guilt is in me or in Jonathan my son, O Lord, God of Israel, give Urim; and if you indicate that it is in the people of Israel, give Thummim.' And Jonathan and Saul were taken, but the people escaped." I Sam14:41 (LXX)
"Then Saul 'said to all Israel, 'You shall be on one side, and I and Jonathan my son shall be on the other side.' And the people said to Saul, 'Do what seems good to you.' Then Saul said to Yahweh, 'O God of Israel, give truth.' And Jonathan and Saul were taken by lot but the people were escaped. Then Saul said, 'Cast the lot between me and my son Jonathan,' And Jonathan was taken.," I Samuel 14"40-42 (MT)
It is stated in the Scriptures (concerning this account), that God did not answer Saul by the UT that day (verse 37), so Saul resorted to the casting of lots instead. The casting of lots (see Lev.16:8) should always be viewed as distinct from the function of the UT. While the use of lots can only give a yes or no answer, we find one instance when the UT was consulted where a whole conversation took place.
KJV 2 Samuel 2:1 "And it came to pass after this, that David enquired of the LORD, saying, Shall I go up into any of the cities of Judah? And the LORD said unto him, Go up. And David said, Whither shall I go up? And he said, Unto Hebron."
This inquiry was clearly by UT as the casting of lots could not yield such a detailed answer as is accounted in this verse. Another point is that the term "teraphim" has been used in the Bible to describe an illegitimate UT (in association with an Ephod) such as in Judges 17:5. The context however in Hosea 3:4.5 shows that this teraphim is the authorized UT again making its appearance in the last days, after many centuries of being absent.
"4 For the children of Israel shall abide many days without a king, and without a prince, and without a sacrifice, and without an image, and without an ephod, and without teraphim:
5 Afterward shall the children of Israel return, and seek the LORD their God, and David their king; and shall fear the LORD and his goodness in the latter days." KJV Hosea 3:4,5
This is very interesting because the illegitimate UT were called teraphim which is understood as an image, in other words, one object as opposite to two. This is another confirmation that the UT was a singular object. According to the Creator God any substitute for the one and only UT were put into the class of objects forbidden, such as the idols of the heathen. The Bible however always tells us the Truth on any given subject, and both the UT and teraphim were the same class of objects, both served as oracles but only the UT had divine approval attributed to it. In Fausset's Bible Dictionary under the heading of Teraphim we read, "The Syriac teraph means 'to inquire of an oracle'." The Bible of course informs us that any duplication of the UT would fall into the category of divination that was strictly forbidden of God (compare Deut.18:10 with Eze.13:7). It is also interesting that Abraham’s father Terah was a Sumerian oracle priest and that there is a Sumero-Assyrian inscription that mentions two stones, ABAN RAME (stone of Love) and ABAN LARAME (stone of hate). This identifies with the jasper and sapphire.
We are now reaching a point in this study that the identifying factors that are currently known are reaching an end, but there is more, much more to be revealed from within the Biblical record that has been overlooked for centuries!. The next item to explore is whether the UT was a gemstone. Augustine, in Quaestiones Exodi 117 comments "it was a stone whose colour would change…" and Innocent III wrote, "Now this was called the breastpiece of judgment because a stone was there by whose splendor they discerned that God was merciful to them". Calvin in his sermon on I Samuel 28:1-7 said,
"…the Urim was a conspicuous stone in the priestly dress, brilliant with a certain extraordinary light as even the word itself, which means brilliance, makes known. And this brightness of the stone was a sign of the prophecy to be received as necessity required, just as when God himself flashes in darkness in whom alone is all perfection and completeness."
The “lapis lazuli” associated with the Holy Grail was known in ancient times as sapphire (see Pliny – stone sprinkled with specks of gold). And while the UT is essentially dual in being a stone and metal object, it is also a fact the two stones exist within the object, the jasper and the sapphire eyes.
The Dead Sea Scrolls also suggest this stone may have been an agate in a commentary on Isa.54:11,12,
"I will make as agate all your pinnacles" (4QpIsad)
Now we come to the Scripture that has been overlooked for centuries which gives us a detailed description of the UT.
KJV Zechariah 3:9 "For behold the stone that I have laid before Joshua; upon one stone shall be seven eyes: behold, I will engrave the graving thereof, saith the LORD of hosts, and I will remove the iniquity of that land in one day."
The very first identifying feature is that this is ONE STONE, not two or twelve, and the second factor is that on this stone is a (metal) engraving. And the third factor is having this engraved by the Lord of hosts Himself! This last point ties in perfectly with the omission of the UT being fabricated by the Israelites. This combination of metal and stone also accounts for the plurality factor of this one priestly oracle. It has been misleading in the King James Version to translate "plummet" in Zech.4:10, instead of using the same word "stone" as used in Zechariah 3:9. Both are the exact same original Hebrew word (Strongs #068) and both are speaking of the UT!
KJV Zechariah 4:10 "For who hath despised the day of small things? for they shall rejoice, and shall see the plummet (stone) in the hand of Zerubbabel with those seven; they are the eyes of the LORD, which run to and fro through the whole earth."
It is also noteworthy that in the original 1611 Edition of the King James Version we have a note from the translators for the plummet of verse 10 which says,
"Heb. stone of tinne" (Gaelic – tree)
Here we have the idea of a stone with a tree, of course the misleading fact here of the plummet imagery which has completely blinded the eyes to the proper identity of the UT in the pages of the Holy Scriptures!
The object I have is a red-banded jasper (blood red with a touch of blue). It is approximately two by two and one half centimeters diameter, and is in the shape of a flat oval. Its height from base to top is about three centimeters and on top of this stone is a gold base on which stand a couchant Lion, a Serpent and a Tree. There are a total of seven dots (eyes) engraved on this object, two eyes of the Lion, two on the Tree and three on the Serpent and all of this is wrought in pure gold that was verified by acid testing. The two eyes of the Lion are made of sapphires or possibly another gemstone and shine with a flashing brightness when put to light. Whether by coincidence or design, I don’t know which, the strata of the stone shows a perfectly clear number seven. The engraving work is of exceptional beauty and this whole design fits the description perfectly in Zechariah. The choice of symbols is also of prime importance here. The Lion is the tribal emblem of the tribe of Judah, and is usually shown in a couchant position. Note what W.H.Bennett says in his book, "Symbols of our Celto-Saxon Heritage", page 79,.
"…the emblem of the tribe of Judah was a Lion, usually shown in a couchant position…it is interesting to note that the Jewish people still retain in their heraldry a rampant Lion."
The Tree symbol can either represent the Tree of Life or other BRANCH symbolism found in other parts of the Divine Word, and the Serpent of course is a symbol of Satan the Devil. Thus this object presents us with a perfect imagery that is mentioned in the Dead Sea Scrolls as the Sons of Light and the Sons of Darkness, the classic good and evil. The seven eyes of course can refer to the seven eyes of the Lord that can also be the seven angels of the seven churches in the last days. Even in "The International Standard Bible Encyclopaedia" under the article on UT we read an alternate or additional symbolic meaning of these two terms,
"…it appears to the present writer that if UT are antonyms, and Urim means 'light,' it is by no means difficult to connect Thummim with darkness, inasmuch as there is a host of Heb stems based on the root -tm, all indicating concealing, closing up, and even darkness… This explanation would make UT mean 'illuminated' and 'dark' (cf Gaster in Hastings, ERE, IV,813)
We also have some of the Dead Sea Scrolls showing us this symbolism of the UT.
"He shall make you mighty by His Holy Name, so that you shall be as a LION among the BEASTS of the FOREST" The Dead Sea Scrolls - A New Translation by Wise, Abegg & Cook pp.150 (1Q28b,1QSb Col.5)
In this same translation of the DDS we read about the UT as "Tongues of Fire" on page 178 and 1Q29 Frag.1 in part reads, "…the stone, just as [the Lord commanded…] [and your Urim (?).shall come forth] with him, with tongues of fire… " The tongue on the Gold Lion I have is fully extended, as in an attacking position, ready to devour as fire does.
This “tongue of fire” is shown to be located between two gemstones on the UT in the book of Enoch. The tongue of the lion has the gemstone eyes above and the jasper base below.
“4And he translated my spirit into the heaven of heavens, and I saw there as it were a structure built of crystals, and between those crystals tongues of living fire. 5And my spirit saw the girdle which girt that house of fire. And on its four sides were streams full of living fire, and they girt that house.” Enoch 71:4,5 (UTV)
The revelation the Holy Scriptures give us on the central stone of Scripture relates directly to the prime symbol of the UT. This "stone of the priesthood" is given much attention in both the Old and New Testament. The fact that the UT carries itself over into the NT is noteworthy.
KJV 1 Peter 2:4 "To whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious, 5 Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ. 6 Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded. 7 Unto you therefore which believe he is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner, 8 And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed."
And all glory should be given to Christ Jesus who is our High Priest and Shepherd who is THE STONE of Israel symbolically represented in the UT.
KJV Genesis 49:24 "But his bow abode in strength, and the arms of his hands were made strong by the hands of the mighty God of Jacob; (from thence is the shepherd, the stone of Israel:)"
KJV Ephesians 2:20 "And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;"
KJV Isaiah 28:16 "Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD, Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner stone, a sure foundation: he that believeth shall not make haste."
There is also a strong constellation legend/biblical link that brings the feminine aspect of deity mentioned in the Bible into play. This is the Wisdom (Sophia) of the seven stars of the Pleiades star group. In the book of Revelation the seven stars of the Pleiades are the seven assemblies, but the last one (Laodicean) is faint and dying just as with one star of the seven is faint and barely visible in the Pleiades star group. In his book, The Witness of the Stars, page 121 Bullinger says the name Pleiades means, “congregation of the judge or ruler”. This star group is also located in the shoulder of the Bull in the constellation Taurus and the “key of David” is also laid upon the shoulder. This relates back to the High Priest of Israel carrying the UT next to his heart under the breastplate.
TRACKING THE URIM-THUMMIM THROUGH HISTORY
Now that we have established some basic identity as to what the UT is, we can now track its movement through time to its present location in Seattle, Washington, USA, as well as see its eventual destination back to Jerusalem.
KJV Daniel 2:34 Thou sawest till that a stone was cut out without hands, which smote the image upon his feet that were of iron and clay, and brake them to pieces.
This is a most interesting verse as we have reference to a stone cut "without hands". This implies that it was Divinely made as does Zechariah 3:9 and these two verses point back to the time of its origin which was not listed in the priestly and tabernacle instructions of all the items to be made. This "Christ- Stone" is the one that becomes the Chief Corner Stone The UT of course as we can see is the legitimate physical representation of this great spiritual reality. This stone then makes it journeys through time from its mysterious appearance and is given to Aaron, who places it on his heart in the breastplate of the High Priestly garments. From the time of Aaron to the time of the prophet Samuel the UT was passed down the family lines of the Priests to the time of the High Priest Eli. What happened at this juncture in history is very important to note. This is because the UT only worked "its miracle" if it was in the hands to those authorized by God to have it. We find that the priestly family of Eli had been disqualified for officially serving in the Priesthood.
KJV 1 Samuel 2:30 "Wherefore the LORD God of Israel saith, I said indeed that thy house, and the house of thy father, should walk before me for ever: but now the LORD saith, Be it far from me; for them that honour me I will honour, and they that despise me shall be lightly esteemed. 31 Behold, the days come, that I will cut off thine arm, and the arm of thy father's house, that there shall not be an old man in thine house. 32 And thou shalt see an enemy in my habitation, in all the wealth which God shall give Israel: and there shall not be an old man in thine house for ever. 33 And the man of thine, whom I shall not cut off from mine altar, shall be to consume thine eyes, and to grieve thine heart: and all the increase of thine house shall die in the flower of their age. 34 And this shall be a sign unto thee, that shall come upon thy two sons, on Hophni and Phinehas; in one day they shall die both of them."
KJV 1 Samuel 3:14 And therefore I have sworn unto the house of Eli, that the iniquity of Eli's house shall not be purged with sacrifice nor offering for ever.
This was a very pivotal time in the history of Israel when there was a new shift from the priesthood to the time of the prophets, who then carried many of the messages of God to the people in the absence of a viable and functioning priesthood. Notice that at the death of Eli the Scriptures say, "the glory is departed Israel",
KJV 1 Samuel 4:20 And about the time of her death the women that stood by her said unto her, Fear not; for thou hast born a son. But she answered not, neither did she regard it. 21 And she named the child Ichabod, saying, The glory is departed from Israel: because the ark of God was taken, and because of her father in law and her husband.
Many think that this departure only refers to the Ark in the hands of the Philistines. That of course is true but there is another important aspect to this story and it regards the UT and the priesthood. At the death of Eli what happened to the UT? It was not until much later that God finally fulfilled His prophecy when Solomon thrust Abiathar from the priesthood.
KJV 1 Kings 2:27 "So Solomon thrust out Abiathar from being priest unto the LORD; that he might fulfil the word of the LORD, which he spake concerning the house of Eli in Shiloh."
Remember that God said the glory departed Israel, but the Ark was departed Israel for only seven months (see I Sam.6:1). Yet Abiathar was not thrust out of the priesthood until the time of Solomon. This is a very important point to study because from the time of the death of Eli the UT did not function in the hands of an unauthorized priest. So what did God do? We find David taking control of the Ephod (with UT) from Abiathar.
KJV 1 Samuel 30:7 "And David said to Abiathar the priest, Ahimelech's son, I pray thee, bring me hither the ephod. And Abiathar brought thither the ephod to David."
What we find is that the glory of Israel had departed from the family of Eli and Abiathar was not or could not use the UT to inquire of the Lord. So we find it very clearly stated that David inquired of the Lord The ephod is used as a general reference and would have included the breastplate and UT for "inquiring" of the Lord.
KJV 1 Samuel 30:8 "And David enquired at the LORD, saying, Shall I pursue after this troop? shall I overtake them? And he answered him, Pursue: for thou shalt surely overtake them, and without fail recover all."
A further clue the Bible gives is that the glory of God had now shifted from Eli's house to David when we find David doing things that had formerly only been reserved for the priesthood
KJV Mark 2:26 "How he went into the house of God in the days of Abiathar the high priest, and did eat the shewbread, which is not lawful to eat but for the priests, and gave also to them which were with him?"
The "Rock" of Israel, when properly understood is the UT, the prime symbol (Holy Grail) of all Israel
NJB Habakkuk 1:"12 Surely you, Yahweh, are from ancient times, my holy God, who never dies! Yahweh, you have appointed him to execute judgement; O Rock, you have set him firm to punish."
Now notice the following verses, in this new light, for they reveal much. The UT (Rock) spoke to David!
KJV 2 Samuel 23:"1 Now these be the last words of David. David the son of Jesse said, and the man who was raised up on high, the anointed of the God of Jacob, and the sweet psalmist of Israel, said, 2 The Spirit of the LORD spake by me, and his word was in my tongue. 3 The God of Israel said, the Rock of Israel spake to me, He that ruleth over men must be just, ruling in the fear of God. 4 And he shall be as the light of the morning, when the sun riseth, even a morning without clouds; as the tender grass springing out of the earth by clear shining after rain. 5 Although my house be not so with God; yet he hath made with me an everlasting covenant, ordered in all things, and sure: for this is all my salvation, and all my desire, although he make it not to grow. 6 But the sons of Belial shall be all of them as thorns thrust away, because they cannot be taken with hands:"
What a mystery has been revealed in these "last words" of David. He was "the anointed", and this word can mean both "king and priest", for he was a temporary custodian of that office until he had properly restored it. We then see that the Spirit "spake by me "and his word was "in my tongue". Then it is revealed in relation to "the Rock of Israel spake to me". After this it goes on to describe its light (associated with UT) and then David makes an admission "Although my house be not so with God". This admission is that the rights of the UT belonged to the priesthood but that God had made an exception to this rule concerning David. David of course knew very well the penalty for sin that had befallen the house of Eli. In addition, he also knew quite well the penalty for sin in usurping the rights of the priesthood when Saul had taken it upon himself to sacrifice, before Samuel had arrived to carry out this priestly function. Note too that Samuel as a prophet was also filling in for the disbanded priesthood family of Eli. This was a great transitional period in the history of Israel and the possession of rights to the UT was very much involved. And even though God gave David special priestly rights he was the one King of Israel most instrumental in restoring the priesthood back to its proper place in the life of Israel. God determined that the line of the family of Zadok from that point on would be the descendant to carry on the duties of the High Priesthood, and have ultimate possession of the UT. Notice here as we backtrack in this story some more clues in the Scriptures to the movement of the UT.
KJV 1 Samuel 20:19 And when thou hast stayed three days, then thou shalt go down quickly, and come to the place where thou didst hide thyself when the business was in hand, and shalt remain by the stone Ezel.
I also submit that this "stone Ezel" is another reference to the location of the UT for we find Strong's Dictionary definition of Ezel (#0237) is, "1) a memorial stone between Ramah and Nob". Ramah of course was the city of the birthplace of Samuel and Nob was a Levitical city. The UT of course would have been in the possession of the priests, and perhaps Samuel, after the death of Eli, until its procurement by David for transfer to the family of Zadok. Coming back to Hosea 3:4 the reference is clear that Israel would pass through a very long period of time without the UT until the "latter days". This verse when read together with our opening verse in Ezra 2:63 makes a strong case that the UT would pass many hands until the "latter days" when a descendant of Zadok would find that it is in his possession. We are given a prophecy however in the verse that precedes the description of the UT as the one stone with seven eyes.
KJV Zechariah 3:8 "Hear now, O Joshua the high priest, thou, and thy fellows that sit before thee: for they are men wondered at: for, behold, I will bring forth my servant the BRANCH."
These are later in Zech.4:14 referred to as the two anointed ones, which is a clear reference to the two witnesses.
KJV Revelation 11:3 "And I will give power unto my two witnesses, and they shall prophesy a thousand two hundred and threescore days, clothed in sackcloth".
One of these witnesses will be Elijah of the book of Malachi that will be the one to restore all things (including the UT). Having now understood how David had a right to the UT, and that it was prophesied to make its way into the hands of a descendant of Zadok in the latter days, we now have another description of the UT that will now make perfect sense!
KJV Revelation 3:7 "And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write; These things saith he that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David, he that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth; 8 I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name."
We now have a perfectly proper definition of the UT in the term "Key of David". Strongs Dictionary (#4668) for the word "key' can properly be rendered, "opening instrument". This is the UT (when in the possession of the chosen one of God) that yields "perfect revelation", and the complete illumination of "Perfect Light. This is another reason why the UT, having an association with David, can also be called "the key of David. We also have another prophecy that shows a further identification for the "my servant" of Zechariah 3:8
KJV Isaiah 22:20 "And it shall come to pass in that day, that I will call my servant Eliakim the son of Hilkiah: 21 And I will clothe him with thy robe, and strengthen him with thy girdle, and I will commit thy government into his hand: and he shall be a father to the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and to the house of Judah. 22 And the key of the house of David will I lay upon his shoulder; so he shall open, and none shall shut; and he shall shut, and none shall open."
Note that the key is laid on the shoulder (next to the heart). This obviously is the place where the UT is kept with the High Priest. We also see in this verse that a reversal of situations takes place from the days when David took temporary control. We see that this High Priest of the last days (clothed with the robes of the priesthood) will have the government committed into his hands. So in this, while we have had King David in temporary control of the UT, we find this High Priest given a temporary custody of the government of Israel. This Shepherd of Israel, the Eliakim as a peg nailed in a safe place is also referred to as the "one shepherd".
NIV Ecclesiastes 12:11 "The words of the wise are like goads, their collected sayings like firmly embedded nails-- given by one Shepherd."
The imagery of these words sound very much like the type of infallible revelation that the UT in the hands of God's anointed would produce.
NRS Malachi 3:1 "See, I am sending my messenger to prepare the way before me, and the Lord whom you seek will suddenly come to his temple. The messenger of the covenant in whom you delight-- indeed, he is coming, says the LORD of hosts."
The UT will eventually make its way to Israel when a High Priest and Shepherd will guide the people, but this stone will be a trouble for many of the unrighteous.
KJV Zechariah 12:3 "And in that day will I make Jerusalem a burdensome stone for all people: all that burden themselves with it shall be cut in pieces, though all the people of the earth be gathered together against it."
The UT has had a long absence since the time that is was last spoken of in the Bible, yet the prophecies tell us of its reappearance in the latter days. My knowledge of the UT comes from my mother that had it given to her as a gift over fifty years ago. They lived in Sacramento, the Del Paso Heights community, and that is where the UT first made its reappearance. After the death of my mother it was given to me by my father and I have had it ever since. As a young child I would always find myself looking at this object and trying to figure out what it was and it is only now, almost fifty years later that its identity has become fully known. My view is that this object is either the actual UT or is a surrogate. A raw photograph of the UT can be viewed at,
To summarize, the identification of the UT can be broken down into the following points,
To summarize its passage through history to today,
Update Note - June 4, 2001
This object has now been appraised from a qualified appraiser [GG, GIA, ISA] who has appeared on the Antiques Roadshow. I will quote here some of his findings,
"This is a rare form of 'Judicia Zionist Art' we know this because of several clues.
1) The Lion is awakening with tongue out.
2) The jasper is the stone of Judia
3) The lion with red eyes is the historic symbol of Judia
4) The tree of life is behind the lion.
5) The Hebrew on the branch is part of the prayer of return.
"…The bench marks may have been removed so the piece would escape Nazi melts as it would be considered base metal…The damage to the jasper is expected for such an item of this kind. It is very rare and has several markets.
a) Jewerly only
b) Zionist pre-Israel statehood
This is an important political statement and would be of great value to collectors of Zionist gold-work that is very rare due to the Holocaust. Protect this piece and treasure it an early example of a master goldsmith's dream of a homeland for the Jewish people someday… "
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Appraisal ID: |
101AP19o890 |
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Completion Date: |
Fri Jun 1 21:14:49 2001 |
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Description/Title |
Zionist Object d'Art |
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Effective Date: |
June 1, 2001 |
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Estimated Fair Market Value Range (US$): |
from $1,200 to $3,500 |
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Private Party/No intent to sell at this time; determine background and fair market value |
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Category: |
Jewelry,_Clocks_and_Watches: Jewelry: Gold |
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Images: |
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Appraiser: |
Alan Winston Smith |
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Appraisers Title: |
GG[GIA]ISA, appraiser on Antiques Roadshow [Austin, Tex triage' 2000] |
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unknown based on karat of gold for clue
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none found except for Hebrew on limb
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Hebrew on limb of tree
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1 1/2 inches high x 1 inch wide x 1 1/8 inches long
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good for type and age of item
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created in late 1890's - early 1920's
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This
is a rare form of "Judicia Zionist Art" we know this because of
several clues.
1) the lion is awaking with tongue out
2) the jasper is the stone of Judia
3) The lion with red eyes is the historic symbol of Judia
4) The tree of life is behind the lion
5) the Hebrew on the branch is part of the prayer of return
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The
origin of this piece will depend on the karat of the gold. If it is 18 karat
then the piece may be European. The
bench marks may have been removed so the piece would escape
Zazi melts as it would be considered base metal.
If the karat of the gold is 14 karat then the piece was American. If the karat
is less than 10 karat then the piece was created in Canada. I do not think it
was made in England as there would be benchmarks and be at least 18 karat gold.
A lot of European pieces were made of 18 karat without benchmarks in Poland,
Austria, and some in France. Benchmarks would have been removed if the owners
were Jews fleeing the Nazis. The damage to the jusper base is expected for such
an item of this kind. It is very rare and has several markets.
a) Jewelry only = $1,200 in current condition
b) Zionist pre-Israel statehood = $3,500 plus
this is an important poltical statement and would be of great value to
collectors of Zionist goldwork which is very rare due to the Holocaust. Protect
this piece and treasure it as an early example of a master goldsmith's dream of
a homeland for the Jewish People someday....
|
Finding
the karat of the item will help to identify its origins. Check between the lion
and the branch for a hidden
benchmark. if one can be found and verified this piece could be worth
considerably more than our conservative estimates.
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This
is an online appraisal report prepared on and with the above-indicated
effective date. This appraisal has been conducted on the client’s behalf at the
request of AppraiseItNet.com, Inc. who forwarded me information provided by the
client regarding the property that is the subject of this appraisal report. Due
to anonymity, this appraiser may be uaware of the identity of the client, but
assumes the client to be a private party.
By agreement between AppraiseItNet.com, Inc. (the appraisal management company)
and the client, the scope of work for this appraisal assignment has been
limited to providing an estimate of market value for the function of
contemplated sale or purchase, or personal planning. This appraisal is invalid
if used for any other function (such as for obtaining insurance, estate
settlement or for income tax purposes). This is a restricted-use appraisal
report that can be used only by the client and no one else. The appraiser’s
opinions and conclusions set forth in this report cannot be understood properly
by anyone other than the client without additional information in the appraiser’s
work file.
Value conclusions are based only on client-provided written descriptions and
photographic or digital images of the property, and not on a personal
inspection of the property by the appraiser. Accordingly, this appraisal makes
use of extraordinary assumptions, any one of which if inaccurate could render
the value conclusions inaccurate. I have determined that the appraisal process
to be performed is not so limited that the appraisal assignment results would
tend to mislead the client. Furthermore, the client is aware that the resulting
value conclusions may be less reliable than had the item been personally
inspected. For greater reliability and for appraisal functions other than
contemplated sale or purchase, or personal planning, it is suggested that the
client submit the item to a qualified appraiser for personal inspection.
This appraisal report offers an opinion of market value that is defined as the
most probable amount of money a buyer would pay and a seller would receive for
an item within an identified market. I have used what I consider to be the most
common market for the subject property, and assumed a willing buyer and a
willing seller, neither being under any compulsion to buy or to sell and both
having reasonable knowledge of all relevant facts. Values given do not take
into account expenses that might be incurred in selling or purchasing the
property such as sales commissions, finder’s fees, shipping, photography, or
insurance costs.
In this appraisal, value has been established by the sales comparison approach.
This method of valuation involves comparison of the property with similar items
which have sold within the market that I considered most common for the subject
property, and makes use of data obtained from examples of that market including
sales at retail stores and live/online auctions, price guides, opinions of
other experts, or other personal observations. Unless otherwise noted, markets
explored appeared to be balanced and stable.
The condition of the item being appraised is assumed to be as described by the
client and from what is readily apparent from examination of the image(s)
provided. Unless otherwise stated, the appraisal is based only on the readily
apparent identity of the item appraised. No further guarantee of authenticity,
genuineness, attribution or authorship is represented, or possible, without
physical inspection of the property.
For appraisals being done for contemplated sale, the appraised value is based
upon the whole interest and possessory interest of the client, undiminished by
any liens, fractional interests or any other form of encumbrance or alienation.
However, this appraisal is not an indication or certificate of title or
ownership. The identification of the interest of the client has been represented
to me by the client and no injury or investigation will be made nor is any
opinion to be given as to the truth of such representation.
The value conclusions expressed herein are based on the appraiser’s best
judgment and opinion and are not a representation or warranty that the items
will realize those values if offered for sale at auction or otherwise. The
values expressed are based on current information on the date the appraisal was
made.
I certify that to the best of my knowledge and belief:
1. Statements of fact contained in this report are true and
correct.
2. The reported analyses, opinions, and conclusions are
limited only by the reported extraordinary assumptions and limiting conditions,
and are my personal, impartial, and unbiased professional analyses, opinions,
and conclusions. I have no undisclosed past, present or contemplated future
financial interest in the property that is the subject of this report, and no
undisclosed personal interest with respect to the parties involved.
3. I have no bias with respect to the property that is the
subject of this report or to the parties involved with this assignment.
4. My engagement in this assignment was not contingent upon
developing or reporting predetermined results.
5. My compensation for this appraisal is not contingent
upon the development or reporting of a predetermined value or direction in
value that favors the cause of the client, the amount of the value opinion, the
attainment of a stipulated result, or the occurrence of a subsequent event
directly related to the intended use of this appraisal.
6. Unless noted elsewhere, no one provided significant
professional assistance to the person signing this report.
7. My inspection of the property that is the subject of
this appraisal was limited to client-provided descriptions and digital images
and/or photographs.
8. This appraisal has been prepared in conformity with The
Appraisal Foundation’s Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice
(USPAP), and with the Appraisal Report Writing Standards and Code of Ethics of
the professional society to which I am affiliated, the International Society of
Appraisers, American Society of Appraisers, and/or Appraisers Association of
America.
With the exception of the client, possession of this report, or its copy, does
not carry with it the right of publication, nor may this report be used for any
purpose by anyone other than the client without previous written consent. If
this report is reproduced, copied or otherwise used, it must be done so in its
entirety, including all documents and attachments. Furthermore, no change to
this appraisal shall be made by anyone other than myself.
Should, in conjunction with this appraisal, additional services of the
appraiser be requested by the client, their agent or attorney, or the courts
(such as for added time researching for other value purposes, pretrial
conferences, court appearances, court preparations, etc.), compensation for
same shall be at the customary hourly rate charged by the appraiser at that
time and shall be paid by the client immediately upon receipt of a statement
for said work.
I regard all information concerning this appraisal as confidential. I retain a
copy of this document, along with my original notes, and I will not allow
others to have access to these records unless so ordered by a court of law.
Alan Winston Smith
GG[GIA]ISA, appraiser on Antiques Roadshow [Austin, Tex triage' 2000]
CHAPTER TWO – The Mystery of Christ
Throughout the ages and up to this present era, the great symbolic meaning of the Urim-Thummim (UT) of the Scriptures has not been properly comprehended. This however was no accident as this knowledge was not to be revealed until the end times. This revelation first was made known by Jesus Christ in the form of parables but was later expounded on in detail by the Apostle Paul who placed this subject as akin to the very Gospel of Christ itself! But these words have been concealed in all of our Bible translations, which for the most part choose general as opposed to specific word choices, and have given us a Holy Bible watered down from its original composition. My current work on translating the Bible however has recovered and restored this prime doctrine, which is none other than "the Mystery of Christ".
"Because I would not have you to be ignorant brethren, of this Hidden Thing [Urim-Thummim}, unless you should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fullness of the Gentiles is come in." Romans 11:25 (UTV)
The UT is mentioned only six times in most of our common Torah translations, but there are SEVEN of these listings in my book, The Alpha Parchments [ISBN 0-595-09961-0], the missing verse being,
"But his bow abode in strength, and the arms of his hands were made strong by the hands of the Mighty Elohim of Jacob; (from there comes the Shepherd with the Urim- Thummim stone of Israel!)" Genesis 49:24 (UTV)
This verse is also a prophecy that in the last days a "shepherd" would arise with the restored knowledge of the UT. And what is even more remarkable is that a particular Greek word translated "male janitor" (see Thayers #2377) shows us that Christ would raise such an individual from such humble beginnings in the Last Days.
"Truly, truly, I say to you, He that does not enter by the door into the sheepfold, but climbs up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber. But he that enters in by means of an Open Door [Urim-Thummim] is the shepherd of the sheep. To him the male janitor opens; and the sheep hear His voice: and He calls his own sheep by name, and leads them out. And when He puts out his own sheep, He goes before them, and the sheep follow Him: for they know His Voice." John 10:1-5 (UTV)
The UT is the prime symbol of the Holy Scriptures that has been neglected for centuries by Biblical scholars and laity alike. In fact it has been neglected since the Apostle Paul last spoke of it! The UT is the symbol of Jesus Christ that brings together and connects the Old and New Testaments of the Bible. It was introduced among the Mosaic administration and theocracy as hidden behind the breastplate of Israel's High Priest. There are different levels of symbolism that the UT has in the Bible and we must review these now. First of all, the Supreme God, our Father (YHWH Elohim) is pictured carrying Christ next to His heart symbolized as the UT.
John 1:18 (UTV) " No man has seen Elohim at anytime (except the only begotten Son), that is in the bosom of a garment [symbolized as the Urim-Thummim] of the Father, HE (YHWH Elohim) has the Divine Oracle [symbolized as (Christ) through the Urim-Thummim]."
From this prime symbolic meaning we next have Christ as the Chief High Priest carrying the UT (symbolized as the Body of Christ) His chosen Elect, carried near to His heart.
"To whom coming, as unto a living stone [Urim-Thummim], rejected indeed of men, but chosen of Elohim, and prized,2:5 You also, as lively stones [Urim- Thummim], are built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to Elohim by Jesus Christ.2:6 Therefore also it is contained in the Scripture, See, I place in Zion an outmost corner stone [Urim- Thummim] , picked out by Elohim, prized: and he that is persuaded on Him will not be put to shame.2:7 Unto you therefore that believe He is prized: but to them that are disobedient, the stone that the restorers rejected, the same appears in history as the head of the internal corner [secret place of the Urim-Thummim],2:8 And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of snaring to them that strike against the Word, refusing to believe, to which also they were set.2:9 But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a sacred association, a people for Elohim's own possession; that you should publish the goodness of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous Light:2:10 Who in former times were not a group, but at present are the group of Elohim: that had not obtained mercy, but at present have obtained mercy." I Peter 2:4-10 (UTV)
The third level of symbolism is that the each of God's Elect individually carry the UT near each of our hearts.
"Of which I became a servant, according to the administration of Elohim that is given to me for you, to complete the Word of Elohim;1:26 Even the Hidden Thing [Urim-Thummim] that has been concealed from the ages and from generations, but now is exposed to view for his saints:1:27 To whom Elohim would make known what is the riches of the glory of this Hidden Thing [Urim-Thummim] among the Gentiles; which is CHRIST IN YOU, THE HOPE OF GLORY:" Colossians 1:25-27 (UTV)
We also see that the Apostle Paul was to complete the Word of Elohim that involved none other than the subject of the UT. This object of course was first introduced in Genesis but later introduced to the Levitical Priesthood under Moses. And while it had its history with the Mosaic legislation that was to "pass away", it was not part and parcel of that administration, but was mysteriously introduced to it. The object itself was not made from the pattern of things given to Moses as part of that Theocracy. But these are the "first principles" of the UT as it related to the Mosaic Theocracy.
"Because by now you should be teachers, but you have need that one teach you again what are THE FIRST PRINCIPLES OF THE DIVINE ORACLE [URIM-THUMMIM] OF ELOHIM; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat." Hebrews 5:12 (UTV)
The entire plan of salvation for the human race was given to us through the Mosaic Theocracy and Jesus Christ was in the center of it all, symbolized as the UT. And while the UT was hidden behind the breastplate of the High Priest, it was also to be later exposed to view, in the same way as the veil to the Holy of Holies was torn in two at the death of Christ. This was the first time Christ was revealed to the world (not just Israel) as our Savior and King. The UT is the connecting thread that ties together all the information of the Bible into one connected story.
"And without controversy aged is the Hidden Thing [Urim-Thummim] of reverence: Elohim was exposed to view in the flesh, rendered righteous in the Spirit, seen of angels, heralded to the Gentiles, believed on in the world, raised up in glory." I Timothy 3:16 (UTV)
But this major revelation of Christianity that is the essence of the very Gospel of Christ, being the Mystery of Christ heralded by the Apostle Paul has not been heralded until now. But the discovery, history and symbolism of the UT has now been made known. The remainder of this study is simply a chronological listing of verses from the "Alpha and Omega" portions of the Bible which are the Torah and the New Testament. These verses are now translated as the "Urim-Thummim Version". Verses for Review,
Torah
Gen.49:24 But his bow abode in strength, and the arms of his hands were made strong by the hands of the Mighty Elohim of Jacob; (from there comes the Shepherd with the Urim- Thummim stone of Israel!)
Ex.28:30 You will put in the breastplate of judgment the Urim-Thummim, and it will be in [the doubled pouch of the breastplate near] Aaron's heart, when he goes in before YHWH, and Aaron will bear the judgment of the children of Israel on his heart before YHWH continually.
Lev.8:8 Then he put the breastplate on him and also set in the breastplate the Urim-Thummim.
Num.27:21 Then he will stand before Eleazar the priest, who will ask counsel for him after the judgment of Urim- [Thummim] before YHWH. At his word will they go out and at his word they will come in, he and all the children of Israel with him, even the entire nation.
Num.31:6 And Moses dismissed them to the war, 1000 of them from every tribe with Phinehas the son of Eleazar the priest, with the Holy Object [Urim-Thummim] and the trumpets to blow in his hand.
Deut.17:9 And you will come to the priests the Levites, and to the judge that will be in those days and inquire [by Urim-Thummim], and they will show you the sentence of judgment.
Deut.33:8 And of Levi he said, Let your Thummim- Urim be with your Holy One, whom you did test at Massah, and with whom you did contend with at the waters of Meribah.
New Testament
Mat.16:19 And I will give to you the opening instrument [Urim-Thummim] of the Kingdom of the Cosmos: and whatever you will bind on earth will be bound in the cosmos: and whatever you will loose on earth will be loosed in the cosmos.
Mat.21:42 Jesus said to them, Did you never read in the Scriptures, The small stone (Urim-Thummim) that the restorers rejected, this same [Urim-Thummim] appears in history as the cornerstone of the secret place [or internal corner]: this is the LORD's coming on the stage of [world history], and this is causing amazement joined with terror in our eyes?
Mark 4:11 And he replied to them, Unto you it is given to know the Hidden Thing [Urim-Thummim] of the Kingdom of Elohim: but to them that are outside, all these things are done in parables
Mark 12:10 And have you not read this Scripture; The (Urim-Thummim) stone that the restorers rejected is become the head of the internal corner [secret place in the breastplate of the High Priest]:12:11 This was the LORD coming on the stage of world history, and it is causing amazement joined with terror in our eyes?
Luke 19:40 But He answered and said to them, I tell you that, if these should hold their peace, the stone [Urim- Thummim] would immediately cry out.
Luke 20:17 Then He observed them and said, What is this then that is written, The stone (Urim Thummim) that the restorers rejected, the same appears in history as the head of the secret place (internal corner)[breastplate of the High Priest]?20:18 Whoever will fall upon that (Urim Thummim) stone will be shattered; but on whoever it will fall, it will grind him to powder:
John 1:18 No man has seen Elohim at anytime (except the only begotten Son), that is in the bosom of a garment [symbolized as the Urim-Thummim] of the Father, HE (YHWH Elohim) has the Divine Oracle [symbolized as (Christ) through the Urim-Thummim].
John 10:1 Truly, truly, I say to you, He that does not enter by the door into the sheepfold, but climbs up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber.10:2 But he that enters in by means of an Open Door [Urim-Thummim] is the shepherd of the sheep.10:3 To him the male janitor opens; and the sheep hear His voice: and He calls his own sheep by name, and leads them out.10:4 And when He puts out his own sheep, He goes before them, and the sheep follow Him: for they know His Voice.
See Also Mark 13:34 Because the Son of Man is as a man taking a far journey, who left his house, and gave authority to his slaves, and to everyone their work, and ordered the male janitor to watch.13:35 Watch you therefore: for you know not when the master of the house arrives, at sunset, or at noon, or at the cock-crowing, or in the morning:13:36 If he comes suddenly he must not find you sleeping.13:37 And what I say to you I say to all, Watch.
John 10:7 Then Jesus said to them again, Truly, truly, I say to you, I am the Open Door [Urim-Thummim] of the sheep.10:8 All that ever came before me are thieves and robbers: but the sheep did not hear them.10:9 I am the Open Door [Urim-Thummim]: by me if anyone enters in, they will be saved, and will go in and out, and find pasture.
John 4:11 This is the small stone [Urim-Thummim] that was despised utterly of you rebuilders, that has appeared in history as the Christ (Head) of the Secret Place (internal corner).
John 7:38 This is He, that was in the ekklesia in the uninhabited place with the Angel that spoke to him at Mount Sinai, and with our fathers: who received the lively Divine Oracle [Urim-Thummim] to give to us:
I Pet.2:4 To whom coming, as unto a living stone [Urim-Thummim], rejected indeed of men, but chosen of Elohim, and prized,2:5 You also, as lively stones [Urim- Thummim], are built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to Elohim by Jesus Christ.2:6 Therefore also it is contained in the Scripture, See, I place in Zion an outmost corner stone [Urim- Thummim] , picked out by Elohim, prized: and he that is persuaded on Him will not be put to shame.2:7 Unto you therefore that believe He is prized: but to them that are disobedient, the stone that the restorers rejected, the same appears in history as the head of the internal corner [secret place of the Urim-Thummim],2:8 And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of snaring to them that strike against the Word, refusing to believe, to which also they were set.2:9 But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a sacred association, a people for Elohim's own possession; that you should publish the goodness of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous Light:2:10 Who in former times were not a group, but at present are the group of Elohim: that had not obtained mercy, but at present have obtained mercy.
I Pet.4:11 If anyone speaks, let him speak as The Divine Oracle [Urim-Thummim] of Elohim. If anyone serves, let them do it with the ability that Elohim supplies: that Elohim in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be judgment and dominion for the ages of ages. Amen.
Rom.3:2 Much every way: chiefly, because that to them was entrusted The Divine Oracle Law. [Urim-Thummim] of Elohim.
Rom.9:32 Therefore because they sought it not by Faith, but as it were by the works of the For they stumbled at that stone [Urim-Thummim];9:33 As it is written, Behold, I lay in Zion a stone [Urim-Thummim] and rock of offense: and whoever believes on Him will not be ashamed.
Rom.11:25 Because I would not have you to be ignorant brethren, of this Hidden Thing [Urim-Thummim}, unless you should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fullness of the Gentiles is come in.
Rom.16:25 Now to him that is of power to establish you according to my Good News, and the heralding of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the Hidden Thing [Urim- Thummim], that was kept concealed since the world began,16:26 But now is made visible, and by the Scriptures of the Prophets, according to the commandment of the Age-Lasting Elohim, made known to all nations for the obedience of Faith:16:27 To Elohim, the only Wise (Sophos), is glory through Jesus Christ for the ages. Amen.
I Cor.2:7 But we speak the Wisdom (Sophia) of Elohim in the Hidden Thing [Urim-Thummim], even the Concealed [thing], that Elohim foreordained before the world to our glory:
I Cor.4:1 Let a man so account of us, as of the servants of Christ, and stewards of the Hidden Thing [Urim- Thummim] of Elohim.
I Cor.10:4 And all did drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual stone [Urim-Thummim] that followed them: and that stone [Urim-Thummim] was Christ.
I Cor.13:2 And though I have the Gift of Prophecy, and understand the special Hidden Thing [Urim-Thummim], and all Knowledge; and though I have all Faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not Love, I am nothing.
I Cor.15:51 Behold, I show you the Hidden Thing [Urim-Thummim]; We will not all sleep, but we will all be transformed,
Eph.1:9 Having made known to us the Hidden Thing [Urim-Thummim] of His will, according to His good pleasure that He has exposed to view in Himself:
Eph.2:20 And are built upon the foundation of the Apostles and Prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the corner foundation stone [Urim-Thummim];
Eph.3:3 How that by revelation He made known to me the Hidden Thing [Urim-Thummim]; (as I wrote before in few words,3:4 Whereby, when you read, you may understand my knowledge in the Hidden Thing [Urim-Thummim] of Christ)
Eph.5:32 This is the aged Hidden Thing [Urim- Thummim]: but I point towards Christ and the ekklesia.
Eph.6:19 And for me, that a Word may be given to me, that I may open my mouth publicly, to make known the Hidden Thing [Urim-Thummim] of the Good News,
Col.1:26 Even the Hidden Thing [Urim-Thummim] that has been concealed from the ages and from generations, but now is exposed to view for his saints:1:27 To whom Elohim would make known what is the riches of the glory of this Hidden Thing [Urim-Thummim] among the Gentiles; which is CHRIST IN YOU, THE HOPE OF GLORY:
Col.2:2 That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in brotherly love, and to all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the correct knowledge of the Hidden Thing [Urim-Thummim] of Elohim, and of the Father, and Christ;2:3 In whom are hidden all the treasures of Wisdom (Sophia) and knowledge.
Col.4:3 And to offer prayers also for us, that Elohim would open to us an open door of utterance, to speak about the Hidden Thing [Urim-Thummim] of Christ, for which I am also in bonds:
Heb.5:12 Because by now you should be teachers, but you have need that one teach you again what are THE FIRST PRINCIPLES OF THE DIVINE ORACLE [URIM-THUMMIM] OF ELOHIM; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat.
I Tim.3:9 Possessing the Hidden Thing [Urim- Thummim] of the Faith in a cleansed conscience.
I Tim.3:16 And without controversy aged is the Hidden Thing [Urim-Thummim] of reverence: Elohim was exposed to view in the flesh, rendered righteous in the Spirit, seen of angels, heralded to the Gentiles, believed on in the world, raised up in glory.
Rev.3:7 (YLT) And to the messenger of the assembly in Philadelphia write: These things says he who is holy, he who is true, he who is having the KEY OF DAVID, he who is opening and no one does shut, and he shuts and no one does open!
Enoch 18:6 (UTV) 6 of the angels. I saw at the end of the earth the firmament of the heaven above. And I proceeded and saw a place which burns day and night, where there are seven mountains of magnificent stones (Urim-Thummim)
Enoch 62:6,7(UTV) 6 And the kings and the mighty and all who possess the earth shall bless and glorify and extol him who rules over all, who was hidden (Urim-Thummim). 7 For from the beginning the Son of Man was hidden (Urim-Thummim), And the Most High preserved him in the presence of His might, And revealed him to the elect.”
CHAPTER THREE – Divine Authority
The big question for Christians today is where can one go to find a reliable source of authority. Even the Holy Bible has come under scrutiny as the experts in the fields of biblical research attempt to "peg down" the Truth. But there is another way that is revealed in the Bible itself that clearly answers the method Elohim has chosen to dispense of his Divine Authority to earth. This is a specific means of revelation in which people can locate a specific area on earth in which a Divine Linkup has been established coming from Elohim. This a unique link that Elohim established in the past and has now again established in the Last Days. This is apart from any personal revelation that Elohim may deem to give any of his Elect or Chosen. Whatever is given to an individual can only be proved authentic by the individual themselves, it is simply a matter between that individual and Elohim. A person of course may wish to share such inspirations, dreams, visions or whatever is revealed personally with others, and people can then study and judge for themselves if such revelations accord with the Word of Elohim. That of course is the yardstick each of us has personally been given.
"To the Law and to the Testimony: if they speak not according to this Word, it is because there is no dawn in them." Isaiah 8:20 (UTV)
The means of this special Divine Authority is the Urim-Thummim and there is a security factor that makes this linkup valid. It is simply that Elohim will only dispatch his Divine Authority to earth if the Urim-Thummim is in the possession of an authorized descendant of Aaron. The High Priest Eli in ancient Israel was of course a descendant of Aaron but later Elohim disqualified him from authority. From that time until the High Priest Zadok a temporary custodianship of this authority was given to the prophets and King David himself.
"Now these are the last words of David. David the son of Jesse said, and the man who was raised up on high, the anointed of the Elohim of Jacob, and the sweet psalmist of Israel revealed,23:2 The Spirit of YHWH spoke by me (through Urim-Thummim), and his Word was in my tongue.23:3 The Elohim of Israel avowed, the Rock (Urim-Thummim) of Israel spoke to me, He that reigns over mankind must be righteous, ruling in the fear of Elohim.23:4 And he will be as the light of the morning, when the sun rises, even a morning without clouds; as the tender grass springing out of the earth by clear shining after rain.23:5 Although my house is not so with Elohim [pertaining to the priesthood]; still He has made with me an Age-Lasting Covenant [like the Covenant of Levi], ordered in all things, and certain: because this is all my salvation, and all my desire, will he not make it grow.23:6 But the sons of Belial will be all of them as thorns thrust away, because they cannot be taken with hands:" II Samuel 23:1-6 (UTV)
There was a dual authority factor, the Kingship of Israel was to reside with the tribe of Judah but the priesthood authority was to reside with the tribe of Levi. King Saul was disqualified from his authority when he offered sacrifice that was only reserved for the priesthood authority. But after Eli was disqualified from authority, a temporary custodianship was given to King David until he had restored the priesthood authority under Zadok. As time passed not much was heard of the priesthood and the Urim-Thummim but we see more of Elohim's authority coming from the Prophets. The thread or storyline of the priesthood and the Urim-Thummim does not end here though as it is again addressed in the times of restoration of Ezra-Nehemiah. Note that the priests that were not on the register would not be able to serve until such time as a priest AROSE with Urim-Thummim!
"These desired their register among those that were reckoned by genealogy, but they were not found: therefore were they, as defiled, put from the priesthood.2:63 And the Tirshatha (governor) said to them, that they should not eat of the Most Holy things, until there stood up a priest with the Urim- Thummim." Ezra 2:62,63 (UTV)
This was in fact a prophecy that the Urim-Thummim was to pass through a long period of time until it would appear again in history. Elohim never discarded his chosen method of dispensing Divine Authority.
In the book of Zechariah we are taken prophetically to the Last Days when a Joshua type of priest stands with a stone with seven eyes. This is none other than the Urim-Thummim making its appearance in the End-Times.
"This is what YHWH of Hosts declares; If you will walk in my ways, and if you will observe my charge, then you will also govern my house, and will also guard my courts, and I will give you places to walk among these that stand by.3:8 Hear, I pray you, Joshua, the High Priest, you and your companions sitting before you, (For men of type they are,) For lo, I am bringing in my slave the Branch.3:9 For observe the (Urim-Thummim) stone that I have put before Joshua; upon this one (Urim-Thummim) stone will be (engraved) 7 eyes: behold, I will engrave the engraving of it, declares YHWH of Hosts, and I will remove the depravity of that land in one day." Zechariah 3:7-9 (UTV)
Here we have a reversal of conditions from former times as we now see a priest given a temporary custodianship of the government until such time as the Kingship of David is restored. This "Branch" figure of prophecy is none other than the Elijah of Malachi who also is described under other titles such as "my messenger" and is a "shepherd of Israel". There is also a prophecy to follow concerning the symbol of the peg that also identifies this High Priest of the Last Days.
"And now for a little space grace has been shown from YHWH Elohim, to leave us a remnant to escape, and to give us a peg in his Holy Place, that our Elohim may lighten our eyes, and give us a little reviving in our bondage." Ezra 9:8 (UTV)
"My nostrils flared against the shepherds and I punished the goats: because YHWH of Hosts has visited his flock the House of Judah, and has made them as his goodly horse in the battle.10:4 From him is a Cornerstone (Urim-Thummim), From him a nail (tent peg), from him a battle-bow, from him goes out every oppressor together." Haggai 10:3,4 (UTV)
"This is what Adonai YHWH of Hosts declares, Come now to this steward [elected official], even to Shebna that is over the house, and say,22:16 What are you doing here and who are your descendants here that you have cut yourself a tomb here, as he that cuts himself out a tomb up high, and that cuts out a residence for himself in a rock (stronghold of YHWH)? 22:17 Look, YHWH is about to hurl you headlong, O strong one. And he is about to grasp you securely in his strength.22:18 He will violently turn and toss you like a ball into a large region and there will you die, and there the chariots of your glory will be the shame of your master's house.22:19 And I will drive you from your garrison, and from your official post will he pull you down.22:20 And it will come about in those times that I will call out and commission my slave Eliakim (Elohim sets up) the son of Hilkiah:22:21 And I will clothe him with your tunic, and strengthen him with your girdle (of the High Priest), and I will bestow your government into his hand: and he will be a father to the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and to the House of Judah.22:22 And the opening instrument (Urim-Thummim) having been with the House of David will I consecrate upon his shoulder; so that he will open, and none will shut; and he will shut, and none will open.22:23 And I will drive him as a peg in the Established Place; and he will be for a glorious throne to his father (Levi's) house.22:24 And they will hang upon him all the glory of his father (Levi's) house, the descendants and the offshoot, all vessels of small quantity, from the vessels of cups, even to all the articles of musical instruments.22:25 In that day, declares YHWH of Hosts, will the peg that is driven in the Established Place be removed, and be cut down and fall; and the load that was upon it will be cut off, because YHWH has commanded it." Isaiah 22:15-25 (UTV)
Note also,
"And to the messenger of the assembly in Philadelphia write: These things says he who is Holy, he who is true, he who is having the KEY OF DAVID, he who is opening and no one does shut, and he shuts and no one does open!" Revelation 3:7
"Inasmuch as you saw that the [Urim- Thummim] stone was cut out of the mountain without hands, and that it broke in pieces the iron, the bronze, the clay, the silver, and the gold. The great Elohim has made known to the king what will come to pass hereafter: and the dream is certain, and its interpretation sure." Daniel 2:45 (UTV)
As we can see, all of these prophecies thread together to describe the one End-Time High Priest. Another point of interest is that John of Baptist was a descendant of Zadok and was actually the High Priest that prepared the way of Christ. So in the Last Days another descendant of Zadok appears that prepares the way for the Second Advent of Christ. That is why there is a little play on words over the duality of Elijah, the Elijah then, as opposed to the one to come.
"And if you are willing to accept it, he is Elijah, the one destined to come." John 11:14 (UTV)
The peg symbol also reveals another interesting aspect of prophecy and that is the prophesied return of the Pillar of Cloud-mass and Fire that was associated with the authority of the Tabernacle.
"And in that day 7 women will take hold of one man saying, we will eat our own food and wear our own clothing: only let us be called by your name, to take away our disgrace.4:2 In that day will the Branch of YHWH be beautiful and abundant, and the fruit of the land will be excellent and beautiful for them that are the escaped remnant of Israel.4:3 And it will come to pass that those that are left in Zion, and they that remain in Jerusalem, will be called Sacred, even everyone that is recorded among the living in Jerusalem.4:4 When Adonai will have washed away the excrement from the daughters of Zion, and will have purged the blood of Jerusalem from its center, by the Spirit of Judgment and by the Spirit of Burning.4:5 Then YHWH will create upon every living place of Mount Zion, and upon her assemblies, a cloud-mass and smoke by day, and the bright flame of supernatural fire by night: because upon all the glory will be a canopy of divine protection.4:6 And there will be a Tabernacle for a shade in the daytime from the heat, and for a place of refuge, and for a place of shelter from thunderstorm and rain." Isaiah 4:1-6 (UTV)
One should read carefully all the book of Malachi as it relates to events of the Last Days and also Zechariah chapters 12-14. Chapter fourteen of course leads us right up to the return of Messiah. Note carefully in Zechariah 13:7 that the shepherd of Israel is killed and this also accords with the branch being cut down. This is to allow for the final Antichrist that Jesus Christ will destroy at his Second Coming. After Christ has returned we then see that the "peg" of Divine Authority will not be removed.
"Look on Zion, the city of the Appointed Place: your eyes will see Jerusalem a quiet habitation, a Tabernacle that will not be taken down; not one of its pegs will ever be removed, neither will any of its cords be pulled away." Isaiah 33:20 (UTV)
“and immediately I was in the Spirit, and lo, a throne was set in the heaven, and upon the throne is one sitting,4:3 and he who is sitting was in sight like a (URIM-THUMMIM) STONE, JASPER and SARDINE (SAPPHIRE or RUBY): and IRIS (GODDESS OF THE RAINBOW) was round the throne in sight like an emerald.” Revelation 4:2,3 (UTV)
Most translations choose to HIDE the proper name Iris (and its meaning) and just use the English word “rainbow” in the above verses. But in doing so they have missed vital knowledge that the author of Revelation intended! Because when we see its true meaning in entirety we NOW have a description of the Urim Thummim. Notice the elements of the UT,
1) Throne set in heaven – Gold floor represents heavenly New Jerusalem
2) One who is sitting – Lion represents royal authority of Christ
3) Jasper Stone – One of the foundation stones of the New Jerusalem
4) Sapphire or Ruby – Eyes of the Lion
5) Goddess of the Rainbow (Iris) – The Seven eyes representing the seven stars (Pleiades)
These verses in Revelation also match the description of the stone given in the book of Zechariah,
“For observe the (Urim-Thummim) stone that I have put before Joshua; upon this one (Urim-Thummim) stone will be (engraved) 7 eyes: behold, I will engrave the engraving of it, declares YHWH of Hosts, and I will remove the depravity of that land in one day.” Zechariah 3:9 (UTV)
The Song of Solomon also represents the wisdom and the seven stars (bands),
Return, return, O Shulamite (the Peaceful); return, return, that we may look upon you. What will you behold in the Shulamite (the Peaceful)? As it were the dance of the [seven] bands [Pleiades].
There are seven women mentioned in the book of Isaiah that also relate to these “seven”,
“And in that day 7 women will take hold of one man saying, we will eat our own food and wear our own clothing: only let us be called by your name, to take away our disgrace.4:2 In that day will the Branch of YHWH be beautiful and abundant, and the fruit of the land will be excellent and beautiful for them that are the escaped remnant of Israel.” Isaiah 4:1,2 (UTV)
These seven women relate to the one man being Christ and these women wish to be called “Christians”. We also have seven women for Queen Esther (Esther 2:9). Now we see the same theme in the book of Proverbs,
“Wisdom has built her house, she has hewn out her 7 pillars:9:2 She has slaughtered her animals; she has mixed her wines; she has also furnished her table.9:3 She has sent out her maidens: she called out upon the Elevated Place of the city,” Proverbs 9:1-3 (UTV)
SOLOMON AND THE SHULAMITE (Wisdom Personified)
The reign of King Solomon represents the apex of development and peace for the nation of ancient Israel. Not only was Solomon the benefactor of his father's conquests but he also received special blessings from God Himself. He had everything going for him yet the Bible records his life ended in disfavor with God. Solomon's kingdom, God told him, would be torn apart and all he had accomplished would come to nothing. But why did Solomon fail when he had been given every advantage, and what lessons can we learn from his mistakes? This remains one of the greatest untold stories of the Scriptures today, but the answers have been in your own Bible for centuries.
Solomon began to reign over Israel while his father David was still alive during the last days of his life. David instructed his son to be strong and keep the charge of the Lord, to follow in the steps of God's ways, and if he did so, David's throne would continue without fail. God appeared to Solomon in a dream and asked him what He should give him. Solomon responded that he wanted an understanding heart.
"Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart to judge thy people, that I may discern between good and bad: for who is able to judge this thy so great a people? I Kings 3:9 (KJV)
God responded with favor and gave Solomon a "wise and understanding heart" in addition to riches and wealth that he had not asked for.
"And God gave Solomon wisdom and understanding exceeding much, and largeness of heart, even as the sand that is on the sea shore." I Kings 4:29 (KJV)
We must note here that Solomon only asked for understanding but God gave him both "wisdom" and "understanding". And while both of these words share the same meaning there are also differences that will yield much light. In fact God makes it clear that He doubled Solomon's understanding by giving him "wisdom". A close study of this word will give us some new ground for study. Not only is this word defined as "wisdom, experience, shrewdness but "chokmah" (Strongs #2451) also has some other meanings we will now explore. Vines Expository Dictionary says, "...Like chakam the word chokmah can refer to technical skills or special abilities in fashioning something. The first occurrence of chokmah is in Exodus 28:3 'And thou shalt speak unto all that are wisehearted, whom I have filled with the spirit of wisdom, that they may make Aaron's garments to consecrate him, that he may minister unto me in the priest's office.'" These activities of fashioning garments are done well by women of skill. Notice how the virtuous woman of Proverbs is found doing such pursuits.
"She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands...She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff...She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple...She maketh fine linen..." Proverbs 31:13,19,22,24 (KJV)
In the Brown-Driver-Briggs-Gesenius Hebrew-English Lexicon we find further personification of "wisdom" as we will also find in the Scriptures themselves as this story unfolds. On page 315, 3b we read, "the divine wisdom is personified: she was begotten before all things to be the architect and counselor of God in the creation (Pr.8:22,23); she builds a palace and spreads a feast for those who will receive her instruction (Pr.9:1-3); she teaches in public places...by her discipline simple become wise, rulers rule wisely, and those seeking her are richly rewarded (Pr.8:14)...". Vines Expository Dictionary also concurs with this view of "wisdom". "...Even wisdom is personified in Proverbs. Chokmah as a person stands for that divine perfection of wisdom which is manifested in God's creative acts...". What we are going to discover then is that SOLOMON WAS GIVEN WISDOM IN THE PERSONIFICATION OF THE SHULAMITE WOMAN, BUT SOLOMON REJECTED HER FOR OTHERS! Scholars repeatedly point out that the word "god" is not to be found in the Song of Solomon but their emphasis over one literal point shows us how ignorant God declares these men to be (I Cor.1:20). Actually "God" is very much personified in the Shulamite woman in the Song of Solomon and this book of the Bible gives us much insight into what God gave Solomon. This Wisdom personified as a feminine counterpart to God is also revealed in Proverbs 8:22 to 9:18.
"I was beside the master craftsman, delighting him day after day, ever at play in his presence, at play everywhere on the earth, delighting to be with the children of men." Proverbs 8:30,31 (NJB)
We know from the end of the story of Solomon's life that he continually made the wrong choices in the women he selected. He married Pharaoh's daughter (I Kings 3:1) and other heathen women who eventually turned this great man's heart.
"But king Solomon loved many strange women, together with the daughter of Pharaoh, women of the Moabites, Ammonites, Edomites, Zidonians, and Hittites; Of the nations concerning which the Lord said unto the children of Israel, Ye shall not go in to them, neither shall they come in unto you: for surely they will turn away your heart after other gods: Solomon clave unto these in love." I Kings 11:1,2 (KJV)
The Shulamite woman however was part of the blessing God had given Solomon.
“Return, return, O Shulamite (the Peaceful); return, return, that we may look upon you. What will you behold in the Shulamite (the Peaceful)? As it were the dance of the [seven] bands [Pleiades].” Song of Solomon 6:13 (UTV)
From Peloubet's Bible Dictionary, page 626, more light is cast on who this Shulamite woman was. "The Shulamite, one of the personages in the poem of Solomon's Song 6:13. the name denotes a woman belonging to a place called Shulem, which is probably the same as Shunem...Shunem (two resting places), one of the cities allotted to the tribe of Issachar. Jos.19:18...". What we find then is that God blessed Solomon with this Shulamite woman who was most likely an Israelite from the tribe of Issachar. This tribe was given its characteristic blessing as a heavily laden ass representative of blessings.
"Issachar is a strong ass couching down between two burdens:" Genesis 49:14 (KJV)
Such then was the heritage of the Shulamite woman. The setting for the Song of Solomon was in the springtime when the newness of life blossomed forth. This springtime setting of newness of life and purity is symbolic of the pure Wisdom that can only come from God.
"But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy." James 3:17 (KJV)
Indeed what God gave Solomon was a virtuous woman from a specially blessed tribe of Israel heavily laden with blessing! Had Solomon continued to embrace this "Wisdom" he would not have fallen from the favor of God. God gave Solomon everything he needed to succeed. It was however his own choice to embrace the "bad wisdom" that eventually led to his downfall.
"This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish." James 3:15 (KJV)
The personification of both good and bad wisdom was very much embodied in the women of Solomon's life. A virtuous woman will do a man good all the days of his life whereas an evil woman will do him harm.
"It is better to dwell in a corner of the housetop, than with a brawling woman in a wide house." Proverbs 21:9 (KJV)
"She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life." Proverbs 31:12 (KJV)
The influence of this Shulamite woman surely shows up in the prayer and righteous acts of Solomon, for it was in the beginning, the springtime of his life, that Wisdom's good fruit was brought forth. Notice Solomon's heart when his love for the Shulamite was strong.
"And Solomon loved the Lord, walking in the statutes of David his father: only he sacrificed and burnt incense in high places." I Kings 3:3
"And Yahweh said unto him - I have heard thy prayer and thy supplication wherewith thou hast made supplication before me, I have hallowed this house which thou hast built, to put my name there unto times age-abiding,- and my eyes and my heart shall be there continually." I Kings 9:3 (Rotherham)
It is heartbreaking to see how Solomon left a perfect Wisdom personified by the Shulamite woman who would have done him good all the days of his life. One should carefully read all of Solomon's prayer in I Kings, chapter eight to see a man whose heart was fully devoted, in Love to God. This was the time of the influence of Godly Wisdom.
"No mention shall be made of coral, or of pearls; for the price of wisdom is above rubies." Job 28:18 (KJV)
It must also be noted that the word for wisdom in the New Testament is Sophia (Strongs #4678).
"But wisdom is justified of all HER children." Luke 7:35 (KJV)
"But we speak of the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory:" I Corinthians 2:7 (KJV)
"That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him:" Ephesians 1:17 (KJV)
"In whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge." Colossians 2:3 (KJV)
"O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out!" Romans 11:33 (KJV)
Wisdom is also personified in the book of Ruth and in the inspired order (of the order of the books) Ruth follows after the Song of Solomon! Wisdom begins in the springtime and concludes at the Fall harvest in Ruth!
Solomon made a choice not to follow the precepts of God and listened to his foreign wives instead of the Shulamite that God gave him.
"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do his commandments: his praise endureth for ever (for the age)." Psalms 111:10 (KJV)
But Solomon did not do God's commandments but let the evil wisdom of his foreign wives turn his heart from God. If he had remained in faithful Love to the Shulamite and had put away his foreign wives, his heart would have remained true. But all these things were written for our example and learning so as not to turn ourselves from the Living God, to whom He has made so great and precious promises. If we will remain faithful and embrace Wisdom we shall never suffer the fate of Solomon. The Refiner's Fire of I Corinthians 3:10-15 shows all (including Solomon), that our own works DO determine our rewards but that our salvation is secure in Christ.
"If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: BUT HE HIMSELF SHALL BE SAVED; yet so as by fire." I Corinthians 3:15 (KJV)
Solomon is not listed in the Faith Chapter of Hebrews eleven as a result of his choices in life. God gave him every opportunity but the final choice remained his. Had he fully embraced his Shulamite wife he would most likely have been listed with his father David in Hebrews and would have reigned with him during the coming Milliennial rule and for the ages beyond until the final resurrection of all humanity to life (I Cor.15:24). But instead, this man who once prayed the great prayer will suffer great and grevious loss.
"I summon heaven and earth to witness against you this day: I offer you the choice of life or death, blessing or curse. Choose life and you and your descendants will live; love the Lord your God, obey him, and length of days on the soil which the Lord swore to give to your forefathers, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob." Deuteronomy 30:19 (REB)
"For we have become sharers in the Messiah, provided, however, that we hold firmly to the conviction we began with, right through until the goal is reached." Hebrews 3:14 (JNTP)
“But, as in the case of Helen and Deirdre, the princess may have brought with her as dowry the jewel of the goddess Isis…. In so far as the Church is the passive instrument under God’s hand, being like Isis ‘capable of all genesis’, she can claim that the Song of Solomon was written in her honour…”
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Copyright 2007 Dallas E. James