Compare the Urim and Thummim with other biblical methods of seeking God's will. \Setting the Scene: Exodus 28:30 and the High Priest’s Breastpiece\ “Place the Urim and the Thummim in the breastpiece of judgment, so that they may be over Aaron’s heart whenever he enters the presence of the LORD. Thus Aaron will always bear the judgment of the Israelites over his heart before the LORD.” (Exodus 28:30) \What Were the Urim and Thummim?\ • Two physical objects, stored inside the high priest’s breastpiece. • Their Hebrew names suggest “lights” (Urim) and “perfections” (Thummim). • God used them to render a yes/no or true/false decision when the nation faced questions too weighty for human wisdom. • Examples: – Numbers 27:21—Joshua was to “stand before Eleazar the priest, who shall inquire for him by the judgment of the Urim before the LORD.” – 1 Samuel 30:7-8—David asked the LORD, “Shall I pursue this raiding party?” and “He answered, ‘Pursue…’ ” \How Did the High Priest Use Them?\ 1. The people or king presented a specific, binary question. 2. The high priest stood before the LORD—often at the tabernacle/temple. 3. He drew out, cast, or otherwise manipulated the Urim and Thummim. 4. God sovereignly guided the outcome, giving an unmistakable judgment. \Other God-Given Channels of Guidance in Scripture\ • Casting Lots (apart from Urim/Thummim) – Joshua 18:10—“Joshua cast lots for them… in Shiloh before the LORD.” – Proverbs 16:33—“The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the LORD.” – Acts 1:26—the apostles chose Matthias “and the lot fell to Matthias.” • Prophets Speaking Directly – 2 Kings 20:1—Isaiah tells Hezekiah, “Thus says the LORD.” – Hosea, Amos, Jeremiah, and many others delivered God’s words verbatim. • Dreams and Visions – Genesis 37; 40–41—Joseph’s prophetic dreams. – Daniel 2 and 7—night visions revealing future kingdoms. – Acts 16:9—Paul’s Macedonian vision directing mission strategy. • Audible Voice / Theophany – Exodus 3:4—God speaks to Moses from the burning bush. – 1 Samuel 3:4—“The LORD called to Samuel.” – Matthew 3:17—the Father’s voice at Jesus’ baptism. • Angelic Messages – Judges 13:3—angel announces Samson’s birth. – Luke 1:11-19—Gabriel instructs Zechariah. • Signs and Fleeces – Judges 6:36-40—Gideon’s fleece: dew on fleece, then dry fleece. – 2 Kings 20:9-11—shadow reversing on Ahaz’s stairway. • Providential Circumstances – Esther 4:14—“For such a time as this.” – Acts 8:26-40—Philip “happens” upon the Ethiopian eunuch at just the right moment. • Inner Witness of the Spirit (New-Covenant promise) – Romans 8:14—“All who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.” \Key Similarities\ • God Himself initiates every method; human instruments only facilitate. • Each requires faith that the LORD’s answer is certain and trustworthy. • The outcome cannot be manipulated when approached reverently. \Key Differences\ • Scope—Urim/Thummim served national leadership; dreams could be personal; prophets addressed both. • Frequency—Urim/Thummim appear sparingly; prophetic words saturate Israel’s history. • Mediator—Urim/Thummim demanded the high priest; lots required no priestly breastpiece; the Spirit now indwells every believer. • Precision—Urim/Thummim gave binary responses; prophets and visions could unveil detailed narratives. \Why Multiple Means?\ • To display God’s sovereignty in diverse settings—wilderness, palace, exile, early church. • To underscore His relational character—speaking through objects, people, nature, even animals (Numbers 22:28). • To prevent any single office or method from becoming an idol; the focus remains on the living God. \Relevance for Believers Today\ • Hebrews 1:1-2—“In the past God spoke to our fathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days He has spoken to us by His Son.” Christ is the perfect, final revelation. • We possess the completed Scriptures, “breathed out by God” (2 Timothy 3:16), sufficient for “every good work.” • The Holy Spirit guides through Scripture, prayer, godly counsel, and providential doors, eliminating the need for sacred lots or priestly stones. • Nevertheless, the Urim and Thummim remind us that God delights to give clear direction when His people seek Him humbly and obediently. |
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