Topical Encyclopedia The Urim and Thummim, mysterious elements associated with the high priest's breastplate, played a significant role in the divinatory practices of ancient Israel. These objects are first mentioned in the context of the priestly garments described in the Book of Exodus. According to Exodus 28:30 , "Place the Urim and Thummim in the breastpiece of judgment, so that they will also be over Aaron’s heart whenever he comes before the LORD. Aaron will continually carry the means of judgment for the Israelites over his heart before the LORD."The Urim and Thummim were used to discern the will of God, particularly in matters of national importance. They were considered a direct means of divine communication, providing guidance to the leaders of Israel. However, their exact nature and method of operation remain subjects of speculation and debate among scholars and theologians. The absence of the Urim and Thummim in the Second Temple period is a notable point of interest. The Second Temple, constructed after the return from Babylonian exile, lacked several elements present in Solomon's Temple, including the Ark of the Covenant and the Urim and Thummim. This absence is highlighted in post-exilic texts and Jewish tradition, which suggest that the Second Temple did not possess the same level of divine presence or means of communication as the First Temple. Ezra 2:63 and Nehemiah 7:65 both reference the absence of the Urim and Thummim during the time of the returnees from Babylon. Ezra 2:63 states, "The governor ordered them not to eat the most holy things until there was a priest to consult the Urim and Thummim." This indicates that the Urim and Thummim were not available to provide divine guidance, and decisions regarding priestly matters were deferred until such means could be restored. The absence of the Urim and Thummim in the Second Temple period is often interpreted as a sign of the diminished spiritual state of Israel during this time. The prophetic voice, which had been a guiding force in earlier periods, was also largely silent during the Second Temple era, further emphasizing the lack of direct divine communication. Theological interpretations suggest that the absence of the Urim and Thummim points to a shift in how God communicated with His people. With the completion of the Hebrew Scriptures and the rise of the synagogue and rabbinic traditions, the focus moved from direct divine revelation through objects like the Urim and Thummim to the study and interpretation of the written Word. In summary, the Urim and Thummim were significant elements of the First Temple's religious practice, serving as a means of divine communication. Their absence in the Second Temple period reflects a broader transition in the spiritual life of Israel, from direct revelation to a reliance on the Scriptures and emerging religious traditions. Torrey's Topical Textbook Ezra 2:63And the Tirshatha said to them, that they should not eat of the most holy things, till there stood up a priest with Urim and with Thummim. Torrey's Topical Textbook Nehemiah 7:65 Library Interpretation of Prophecy. A Defence of the Doctrine of Justification, by Faith in Jesus ... 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 |
    |