He will stand before the priest Eleazar who will consult the Lord for him with the decision of the Urim. He and all the Israelites with him, even the entire community, will go out and come back in at his command.”
I proclaimed a fast by the Ahava River, so that we might humble ourselves before our God and ask him for a safe journey for us, our dependents, and all our possessions.
Then David inquired of the Lord: “Should I attack the Philistines? Will you hand them over to me? ” The Lord replied to David, “Attack, for I will certainly hand the Philistines over to you.”
and Phinehas son of Eleazar, son of Aaron, was serving before it. The Israelites asked, “Should we again fight against our brothers the Benjaminites or should we stop? ” The Lord answered, “Fight, because I will hand them over to you tomorrow.”
Some time later, David inquired of the Lord: “Should I go to one of the towns of Judah? ” The Lord answered him, “Go.” Then David asked, “Where should I go? ” “To Hebron,” the Lord replied.
They set out, went to Bethel, and inquired of God. The Israelites asked, “Who is to go first to fight for us against the Benjaminites? ” And the Lord answered, “Judah will be first.”
Place the Urim and Thummim in the breastpiece for decisions, so that they will also be over Aaron’s heart whenever he comes before the Lord. Aaron will continually carry the means of decisions for the Israelites over his heart before the Lord.
These wineskins were new when we filled them; but see, they are cracked. And these clothes and sandals of ours are worn out from the extremely long journey.”