Numbers 27:21 (KJV) says, "And he shall stand before Eleazar the priest, who shall ask counsel for him after the judgment of Urim before the Lord: at his word shall they go out, and at his word they shall come in, both he, and all the children of Israel with him, even all the congregation."

This verse comes from the book of Numbers in the Old Testament and is part of a passage that describes the transfer of leadership from Moses to Joshua. This particular verse deals with the process of seeking God's counsel through the use of the Urim and Thummim, and the importance of obeying the word of the Lord. To fully understand the meaning and significance of this verse, it is important to delve into the context in which it is situated, explore the themes it encompasses, and analyze the symbolism it holds.

The book of Numbers recounts the journey of the Israelites from Mount Sinai to the borders of Canaan, the land that God promised to give them. Throughout their journey, the Israelites face numerous challenges and obstacles, and the leadership of Moses plays a critical role in guiding them and maintaining their unity and obedience to God. However, in Numbers 27, we see Moses preparing for his own death and grappling with the question of who will take over the leadership of the Israelites after his passing.

In verse 18, Moses approaches God and expresses his concern about the future leadership of the Israelites, asking God to appoint a leader who will guide the people and lead them in battle. In response, God tells Moses to appoint Joshua, the son of Nun, as his successor. This sets the stage for the transfer of leadership, and verse 21 outlines the process by which Joshua will seek counsel from God through the priest Eleazar and the Urim and Thummim.

The themes encompassed in Numbers 27:21 include divine guidance, obedience, and the role of leadership. The verse emphasizes the importance of seeking God's counsel before making decisions and the need to follow His word unquestioningly. It also highlights the authority and responsibility of the appointed leader, in this case, Joshua, to lead the Israelites according to the will of God.

The symbolism in this verse lies in the Urim and Thummim, which were objects used by the high priest to seek divine guidance and discern God's will. The Urim and Thummim were possibly stones or jewels that were kept in a breastplate worn by the priest, and their specific function is not fully known. However, it is clear from this verse that they were used to obtain a direct answer from God in matters of national importance. This indicates the importance of seeking divine guidance in decision-making and the recognition of God's ultimate authority in the affairs of the nation.

The transfer of leadership from Moses to Joshua also holds symbolic significance, as it represents the continuity of God's plan and the faithfulness of His promises to the Israelites. It underscores the orderly succession of leadership and the fulfillment of God's purposes through human agency.

In conclusion, Numbers 27:21 in the King James Version encapsulates significant themes related to divine guidance, obedience to God's word, and the role of leadership. It provides insight into the process of seeking God's counsel and the symbolism of the Urim and Thummim as a means of obtaining divine direction. The verse also symbolizes the continuity of God's plan and the faithful fulfillment of His promises. As such, it offers important lessons and principles for believers in understanding the will of God and the leadership responsibilities within the community of faith.