The Urim and Thummim are mysterious objects mentioned in the Old Testament, associated with the high priest's breastplate and used for divination or decision-making. Their exact nature and function have been the subject of much scholarly debate and theological reflection.

Biblical References

The Urim and Thummim are first mentioned in the context of the priestly garments described in the Book of Exodus. 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 carry the means of making decisions for the Israelites over his heart before the LORD."

Further references to the Urim and Thummim appear in Leviticus 8:8, Numbers 27:21, Deuteronomy 33:8, 1 Samuel 28:6, Ezra 2:63, and Nehemiah 7:65. These passages highlight their role in seeking divine guidance, particularly in matters of national importance or priestly duties.

Function and Use

The Urim and Thummim were integral to the high priest's breastplate, also known as the breastpiece of judgment. This breastplate was part of the sacred vestments worn by the high priest when entering the Holy of Holies. The Urim and Thummim were used to discern God's will, especially in situations requiring divine judgment or guidance.

In Numbers 27:21 , the process is described: "He is to 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 indicates that the Urim and Thummim were a means of receiving direct communication from God, often through the high priest.

Nature and Composition

The exact nature and composition of the Urim and Thummim remain unknown. The terms "Urim" and "Thummim" are often translated as "lights" and "perfections," respectively, though their precise meanings are uncertain. Some scholars suggest they may have been stones or objects placed within the breastplate, while others propose they were inscribed lots or tokens used in casting lots.

Despite the lack of detailed description, the Urim and Thummim were considered sacred instruments, symbolizing the divine authority and guidance bestowed upon the high priest. Their use underscores the importance of seeking God's will in the governance and spiritual leadership of Israel.

Theological Significance

The Urim and Thummim hold significant theological implications, representing the belief in God's active involvement in the affairs of His people. They emphasize the necessity of divine guidance in decision-making and the reliance on God's wisdom rather than human understanding.

In the broader biblical narrative, the Urim and Thummim foreshadow the ultimate revelation of God's will through Jesus Christ, the true High Priest. As Hebrews 1:1-2 states, "On many past occasions and in many different ways, God spoke to our fathers through the prophets. But in these last days, He has spoken to us by His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, and through whom He made the universe."

The Urim and Thummim, while enigmatic, serve as a testament to the enduring principle of seeking divine direction and the assurance that God provides guidance to those who earnestly seek Him.Urim and Thummin

Lights and perfections, or light and truth; a divinely appointed means of "inquiring of the Lord," its name being expressive perhaps of the truth of his revelations. It would appear, though not certainly, to have been made known to the Jews at some time prior to its first mention in Scripture, Exodus 28:30. It had some connection with the high-priest's breastplate, Le 8:8, and perhaps is to be understood as present when the ephod is mentioned, being worn on the outside of it, Numbers 27:21 1 Samuel 23:9,11 2 Samuel 2:1.

It is spoken of in the following additional passages, De 33:8 Joshua 7:6,15 1 Samuel 28:6; and last of all in Ezra 2:63 Nehemiah 7:65. Some think it was the precious stones on the sacred breastplate, which made known the divine will by casting an extraordinary luster. Compare Exodus 39:8-14 Le 8:8. Others assert that they were the words Manifestation and Truth, written upon two precious stones, or upon a plate of gold. Various in fact are the conjectures upon this subject, and Moses has nowhere spoken of the Urim and Thummim in such terms as to remove the obscurity. When this oracle was to be used in inquiring of the Lord, if at Jerusalem, the high-priest put on his robes, and going into the Holy Place, stood before the curtain that separated the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place; then, turning his face directly towards the ark and the mercy-seat, upon which the divine presence rested, he proposed the subject respecting which he desired "light and truth." See BREASTPLATE.

The Third
... Besides these stones there were the stones of the "Urim and Thummin," of
which little or nothing is known. These may have "white ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bullinger/commentary on revelation/the third.htm

Retiring Before the Sanhedrin's Decree.
... In earlier, better days the high priest had represented the divine headship of the
nation, and through him, by means of the Urim and Thummin, the inspired ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/xciv retiring before the sanhedrins.htm

The Best Beloved
... How charming to view him as a priest, with the Urim and Thummin, wearing
the names of his people bejewelled on his breastplate! ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 24 1878/the best beloved.htm

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