Topical Bible: The High Priest: Duties of Enquiring of God by Urim and Thummim

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Topical Encyclopedia

The role of the High Priest in ancient Israel was multifaceted, encompassing religious, judicial, and intercessory duties. Among these responsibilities was the unique task of enquiring of God through the Urim and Thummim, sacred lots used for divine guidance. This practice is rooted in the belief that God directly communicated His will to His chosen people through these instruments.

Biblical Foundation

The Urim and Thummim are first mentioned in the context of the High Priest's garments. In Exodus 28:30 , God commands 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 highlights the Urim and Thummim as essential tools for decision-making, symbolically carried over the heart of the High Priest, signifying the weight and sincerity of the task.

Function and Use

The exact nature and appearance of the Urim and Thummim remain a mystery, as the Bible does not provide a detailed description. However, their function is clear: they were used to discern God's will in matters of national importance, particularly when direct revelation was sought. The High Priest, as the spiritual leader, was the only one authorized to use these sacred lots, emphasizing the sanctity and exclusivity of this divine communication.

Instances of their use are recorded in various biblical narratives. In Numbers 27:21 , God instructs 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 community of the Israelites will go out and come in." This passage underscores the Urim's role in guiding military and communal decisions, ensuring that the actions of Israel were aligned with divine will.

Historical Context

The use of the Urim and Thummim was particularly significant during periods of uncertainty or crisis. In 1 Samuel 28:6 , we read, "He inquired of the LORD, but the LORD did not answer him by dreams or Urim or prophets." This verse illustrates the expectation that God would provide guidance through these means, and the absence of such guidance was seen as a sign of divine displeasure or judgment.

Theological Significance

Theologically, the Urim and Thummim represent the direct involvement of God in the governance and spiritual direction of His people. They symbolize the belief that God is not distant but actively engaged in the affairs of His chosen nation. The High Priest, as the mediator, played a crucial role in facilitating this divine-human interaction, reinforcing the covenant relationship between God and Israel.

Cessation and Legacy

The use of the Urim and Thummim appears to have ceased after the Babylonian exile, as there is no mention of them in post-exilic texts. However, their legacy endures as a testament to the intimate and direct communication between God and His people during the formative years of Israel's history. The High Priest's duty to enquire of God through these means remains a profound example of the sacred responsibility entrusted to spiritual leaders in seeking divine guidance for their communities.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Samuel 23:9-12
And David knew that Saul secretly practiced mischief against him; and he said to Abiathar the priest, Bring here the ephod.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Samuel 30:7,8
And David said to Abiathar the priest, Ahimelech's son, I pray you, bring me here the ephod. And Abiathar brought thither the ephod to David.
Torrey's Topical Textbook