URIM AND THUMMIM

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What exactly were the Urim and the Thummim?

The Urim and the Thummim were objects kept in the breast-piece of the High Priest and was used to discern the will of God by the High Priest. The Urim is mentioned seven times (Exodus 28:30; Lev. 8:8; Num 27:21; Deu 33:8; 1 Sa 28:6; Ezra 2:63; Neh 7:65), and the Thummim 5 times (Exo 28:30; Lev 8:8; Deu 33:8; Ezra 2:63; Neh 7:65). While the Urim and Thummim are mentioned in the OT they are never particularly described. Some have suggested they were stones used in a manner similar to casting lots. Thus, one would indicate a "yes" and the other would indicate a "no." However, this assumes they were some type of stone, and that there were only two. Others have suggested that because the words Urim and Thummim are in the plural form, there could have been multiple objects for each. Interestingly, the names אוּרִים (urim)  תֻּמִים (tumim) begin with the first and last letter of the Hebrew alphabet, Aleph א and Taw ת. Thus, some have suggested that there may have been an item for each letter of the Hebrew alphabet. Each Hebrew word contains a three root consonant. Thus, three letters chosen by lot could then form the root of a Hebrew word which would indicate the answer to the question. Since the Urim and the Thummim is said to be worn on the "breastpiece of Judgment" (Exod 28:30; Lev 8:8), it would make since that these objects were small in size. Ultimately, we can only speculate as to the exact details of these mysterious objects. However, we can conclude that they were used for some form of revelation from God.

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