Urim and Thummim
The Sacred Oracular Instruments of Divine Revelation
Description and Mystery
The Urim and Thummim are among the most mysterious objects in biblical tradition. Housed within the High Priest's breastplate (choshen), they served as sacred instruments for seeking divine guidance on matters of national importance. Despite their prominence in Scripture, their exact nature and method of operation remain unknown.
The Hebrew words are usually translated as "Lights and Perfections" or "Revelation and Truth," suggesting their function as illuminators of divine will. They were consulted on matters such as whether to go to war, who was guilty of a crime, or how to proceed in moments of national crisis.
Theories About Their Nature:
- Sacred Lots: Two objects cast to receive yes/no answers from God
- Stones: Precious stones that illuminated with divine light
- Inscribed Objects: Bearing divine names or letters that spelled answers
- The Breastplate Itself: The twelve gemstones that lit up to spell words
- Dual Nature: Two separate objects representing positive/negative responses
Biblical Function and Use
Installation and Context
The Urim and Thummim were placed in the breastplate of judgment worn by the High Priest, which was set with twelve precious stones representing the tribes of Israel. The breastplate was worn over the heart, symbolizing that the priest bore Israel before God.
— Exodus 28:30 (ESV)
Notable Biblical Consultations
- Joshua's Leadership: Joshua was to stand before Eleazar who would inquire by Urim (Numbers 27:21)
- Saul's Failed Inquiry: God did not answer Saul through Urim before his final battle (1 Samuel 28:6)
- David's Inquiries: David used them to seek guidance about pursuing enemies (1 Samuel 23:9-12)
- Post-Exilic Hope: After the exile, priests awaited one with Urim and Thummim to settle disputes (Ezra 2:63)
Cessation of Use
Jewish tradition holds that the Urim and Thummim ceased to function after the First Temple period, being among the five things that the Second Temple lacked. The means of direct divine communication through these objects was lost, and prophecy shifted to other forms.
Theological Significance
The Urim and Thummim represented God's willingness to communicate with His people and guide national decisions. Unlike pagan divination, which sought to manipulate divine forces, the Urim and Thummim were gifts from God, operating within the context of covenant relationship and used only by designated priests for legitimate purposes.
Their presence in the breastplate placed them literally over the High Priest's heart, symbolizing that divine guidance comes through proper channels, mediated by appointed leadership, and received with a heart devoted to God's purposes.
Related Articles
Bibliography
- Van Dam, Cornelis. The Urim and Thummim: A Means of Revelation in Ancient Israel. Eisenbrauns, 1997.
- Haran, Menahem. Temples and Temple-Service in Ancient Israel. Eisenbrauns, 1985.
- Robertson, O. Palmer. "The Urim and Thummim." Westminster Theological Journal, 1976.