The Urim and Thummim are mysterious objects mentioned in the Bible, associated with the priestly garments of the High Priest of Israel. They are primarily known for their role in divination or decision-making, as ordained by God. The Urim and Thummim were placed in the breastplate of judgment, also known as the breastplate of decision, worn by the High Priest when he entered the presence of the Lord.

Biblical References

The primary biblical references to the Urim and Thummim are found in the books of Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy, 1 Samuel, and Ezra. 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 carry the means of making decisions for the Israelites over his heart before the LORD."

The Urim and Thummim are also mentioned in Leviticus 8:8 during the consecration of Aaron and his sons: "Then he put the breastpiece on him and placed the Urim and Thummim in the breastpiece."

Function and Purpose

The exact nature and appearance of the Urim and Thummim are not described in detail in the Scriptures, leading to much speculation among scholars and theologians. However, their primary function was to serve as a divine means of communication and decision-making. They were used to discern the will of God in situations where human wisdom was insufficient.

In Numbers 27:21 , the Urim is mentioned in the context of Joshua's leadership: "He is to stand before Eleazar the priest, who will obtain decisions for him by inquiring of the Urim before the LORD. At his command, the whole community of the Israelites will go out, and at his command, they will come in."

Historical and Theological Significance

The Urim and Thummim hold significant historical and theological importance in the context of ancient Israelite worship and governance. They symbolize the direct guidance of God in the affairs of His people, ensuring that decisions were made according to His divine will. The presence of the Urim and Thummim in the breastplate of the High Priest underscores the role of the priesthood as mediators between God and the Israelites.

In 1 Samuel 28:6 , King Saul's inability to receive guidance through the Urim highlights the seriousness of divine silence: "He inquired of the LORD, but the LORD did not answer him by dreams or Urim or prophets."

Later References and Disappearance

The Urim and Thummim are mentioned in the post-exilic period in Ezra 2:63 and Nehemiah 7:65, where the governor instructs certain priests to refrain from eating the most holy food until a priest could consult the Urim and Thummim. This indicates that the practice of using the Urim and Thummim continued, at least in principle, after the Babylonian exile.

However, the Urim and Thummim eventually disappear from the biblical narrative, and their use is not recorded in the New Testament. Their absence in later Jewish history and Christian writings suggests that their function was specific to the Old Covenant and the Levitical priesthood.

Symbolism and Interpretation

The Urim and Thummim are often interpreted symbolically as representing light and perfection, or revelation and truth. They serve as a reminder of God's sovereignty and His willingness to guide His people through appointed means. The High Priest's role in using the Urim and Thummim emphasizes the importance of seeking divine guidance and the sacred responsibility of spiritual leadership.Exodus 28:30
And you shall put in the breastplate of judgment the Urim and the Thummim; and they shall be on Aaron's heart, when he goes in before the LORD: and Aaron shall bear the judgment of the children of Israel on his heart before the LORD continually.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Leviticus 8:8
And he put the breastplate on him: also he put in the breastplate the Urim and the Thummim.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

The Testament of Levi Concerning the Priesthood and Arrogance.
... The seventh placed on my head a diadem of priesthood, and filled my hands with ... The
logion, or logeion, is the breastplate, with the Urim and Thummim. ...
/.../iii the testament of levi concerning.htm

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Urim: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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