Customs & Culture
Urim and Thummim and Priestly Decisions
The Urim and Thummim were sacred objects associated with the high priest and used in seeking decisions from God, although Scripture never clearly explains their physical form.
Primary Scripture
Historical and Cultural Background
They were kept with the high-priestly breastpiece and used to obtain divine guidance in certain matters. The texts reveal their purpose more clearly than their mechanism and distinguish this authorized priestly inquiry from condemned pagan divination.
Biblical Examples
Key biblical examples include Exodus 28:30; Leviticus 8:8; Numbers 27:21; 1 Samuel 28:6; Ezra 2:63; Nehemiah 7:65.
Biblical Significance
The practice clarifies references to seeking divine decisions through the priesthood while demonstrating the limits of modern reconstruction.
Common Misconceptions
Claims that they were definitely colored stones, dice, glowing gems, or objects bearing particular words go beyond the evidence.
Historical Setting and Evidence
Culture: Israelite
Period: Exodus and Wilderness, Conquest and Judges, United Monarchy, Persian Period
Evidence: Well Attested
Interpretive Importance: Major
Their existence and priestly function are well attested biblically; their physical form and exact procedure remain uncertain.