Lexical Summary Tummim: Perfections Original Word: תֻּמִים Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Thummim Plural of tom; perfections, i.e. (techn.) One of the epithets of the objects in the high-priest's breastplate as an emblem of complete Truth -- Thummim. see HEBREW tom NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originprobably the same as tom, q.v. NASB Translation Thummim (5). Topical Lexicon Designation and Basic Concept Thummim (תֻּמִים) is consistently joined with the Urim to form the phrase “Urim and Thummim,” an ordained instrument by which the high priest sought specific guidance from the LORD for the covenant community. While exact mechanics remain unrevealed, the term itself conveys ideas of perfection, completeness, or truth, suggesting that the answers obtained were both flawless and righteous. Canonical Appearances 1. Exodus 28:30 introduces the Thummim as part of the high priest’s breastpiece of judgment, “so that Aaron may always bear the judgment of the Israelites over his heart before the LORD.” Function within the Priestly Service Placed over the high priest’s heart, the Thummim emphasized the mediatorial role of intercession and judgment. Inquiries appear to have been limited to critical covenantal decisions—warfare (1 Samuel 28:6 implies its use), tribal allotment, or leadership legitimacy. The mechanism—whether stones, lots, or shining facets—remains unspecified, underscoring that efficacy rested not in objects but in God’s direct response. Historical Development • Wilderness Period: As Israel journeyed from Sinai, the Thummim offered concrete assurance of divine presence amid formative national crises. Theological Significance 1. Revelation: The Thummim illustrates God’s gracious willingness to grant precise guidance, prefiguring the fuller revelation given in Christ, “in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge” (Colossians 2:3). Continuity into the New Covenant Prophetic anticipation looked toward a day when expert consultation with sacred objects would be surpassed by the outpoured Spirit (Joel 2:28). In the church age, guidance is granted through the completed canon of Scripture, the indwelling Spirit, and collective discernment (Acts 13:2). Thus, while the physical Thummim disappeared, its purpose is fulfilled as believers “test everything; hold fast to what is good” (1 Thessalonians 5:21). Practical Ministry Applications • Reliance on Divine Revelation: Leaders should seek God’s will in prayerful submission to Scripture rather than mere pragmatism. Summary Thummim served as a tangible assurance that the covenant people were never left to human wisdom alone. Though the object has passed from use, its legacy endures in the church’s confidence that God still guides with perfect truth. Forms and Transliterations הַתֻּמִּ֔ים הַתֻּמִּֽים׃ התמים התמים׃ וְתוּמִּֽים׃ וּלְתֻמִּֽים׃ ולתמים׃ ותומים׃ תֻּמֶּ֥יךָ תמיך hat·tum·mîm hattumMim hattummîm tum·me·ḵā tumMeicha tummeḵā ū·lə·ṯum·mîm uletumMim ūləṯummîm vetumMim wə·ṯūm·mîm wəṯūmmîmLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Exodus 28:30 HEB: הָאוּרִים֙ וְאֶת־ הַתֻּמִּ֔ים וְהָיוּ֙ עַל־ NAS: the Urim and the Thummim, and they shall be over KJV: the Urim and the Thummim; and they shall be upon Aaron's INT: of judgment the Urim and the Thummim become shall be over Leviticus 8:8 Deuteronomy 33:8 Ezra 2:63 Nehemiah 7:65 5 Occurrences |
    |