Topical Encyclopedia The Urim and Thummim are mysterious elements mentioned in the Old Testament, associated with the high priest's breastplate and used for divination or decision-making. Their exact nature and appearance remain subjects of debate, but they are consistently linked to the priestly function and the divine guidance of Israel.Biblical References and Description The Urim and Thummim are first mentioned in the context of the high priest's garments. In Exodus 28:30, God instructs Moses: "Place the Urim and Thummim in the breastpiece of judgment, so that they will also be over Aaron’s heart whenever he enters the presence of the LORD. Thus Aaron will always bear the means of making decisions for the Israelites over his heart before the LORD." This passage indicates that the Urim and Thummim were integral to the high priest's role in seeking God's will. The terms "Urim" and "Thummim" are often translated as "lights" and "perfections," respectively, though their precise meanings are uncertain. They were likely objects used to discern God's guidance, possibly through casting lots or another form of divination. The Urim and Thummim were kept in the breastpiece of judgment, a sacred garment worn by the high priest, symbolizing their exclusive use by the priestly class. Priestly Function and Exclusivity The use of the Urim and Thummim was strictly limited to the high priest, underscoring the unique role of the priesthood in mediating between God and the people of Israel. In Numbers 27:21, God commands Moses regarding Joshua: "He shall stand before Eleazar the priest, who will obtain decisions for him by the judgment of the Urim before the LORD. At his command, he and the entire congregation of the Israelites will go out and come in." This passage highlights the exclusive authority of the priest to interpret the Urim and Thummim, emphasizing the divinely appointed structure of leadership and decision-making within Israel. The high priest, as the spiritual leader, was entrusted with the responsibility of seeking God's will on behalf of the nation. Historical and Theological Significance Throughout Israel's history, the Urim and Thummim served as a means of divine communication, particularly in times of uncertainty or crisis. In 1 Samuel 28:6, when Saul seeks guidance from the LORD, it is noted, "He inquired of the LORD, but the LORD did not answer him by dreams or Urim or prophets." This indicates that the Urim and Thummim were considered a legitimate and recognized method of divine inquiry. Theologically, the Urim and Thummim underscore the importance of seeking God's guidance through appointed means and the role of the priesthood in facilitating this process. They symbolize the need for divine wisdom in leadership and decision-making, reflecting a reliance on God's sovereignty and direction. Later References and Disappearance The Urim and Thummim are mentioned sporadically in later biblical texts, such as Ezra 2:63 and Nehemiah 7:65, where they are associated with the restoration of the priesthood after the Babylonian exile. However, their use and significance appear to diminish over time, and they are not mentioned in the New Testament. The disappearance of the Urim and Thummim from the biblical narrative may reflect changes in Israel's religious practices and the evolving role of prophecy and scripture as means of divine communication. Nonetheless, their presence in the Old Testament remains a testament to the unique and sacred role of the priesthood in ancient Israel. Nave's Topical Index Deuteronomy 33:8And of Levi he said, Let your Thummim and your Urim be with your holy one, whom you did prove at Massah, and with whom you did strive at the waters of Meribah; Nave's Topical Index Ezra 2:63 Nehemiah 7:65 Library An Awful Contrast Papal Infallibility Explained, and Tested by Tradition and ... Interpretation of Prophecy. Resources What were the Urim and Thummim? | GotQuestions.orgWhat was the significance of the ephod? | GotQuestions.org What was the significance of the priestly garments? | GotQuestions.org Urim: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Urim and Thummim in the Breastplate Urim and Thummim were Wanting in the Second Temple Urim and Thummim: Consulting God By Urim and Thummim: Eleazar to Ask Counsel for Joshua, After the Judgment of Urim and Thummim: God to be Consulted By Urim and Thummim: Illustrative of the Light and Perfection of Christ, the True Urim and Thummim: Israelites Consult Urim and Thummim: Only Priests Could Interpret Urim and Thummim: Placed in the Breastplate of the High Priest Urim and Thummim: Sometimes No Answer By, in Consequence of the Sin of Those Urim and Thummim: Withheld the Answer from King Saul Related Terms |
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