Bible Dictionary
Thummim
The Thummim, used with the Urim by Israel’s high priest, was a divinely appointed means of receiving God’s direction and judgment. Its precise form and method of use are unknown, and it was apparently no longer present after the exile.
Definition
The Thummim was associated with the Urim in the high priest’s breastpiece. Together they constituted a divinely given means by which God supplied direction and counsel to Israel.
Biblical Usage
The Urim and Thummim were consulted when Israel required divine decision or guidance. Their precise method of operation is unknown, and they were apparently no longer seen after the return from captivity.
Historical Background
They were probably material objects distinct from the breastplate but added to it. They may have been kept in the breastplate’s bag and were probably lost when Nebuchadnezzar destroyed the temple.
Scripture References
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Easton's Bible Dictionary
Perfection (LXX., “truth;” Vulg., “veritas”), Ex. 28:30; Deut. 33:8; Judg. 1:1; 20:18; 1 Sam. 14:3, 18; 23:9; 2 Sam. 21:1. What the “Urim and Thummim” were cannot be determined with any certainty. All we certainly know is that they were a certain divinely-given means by which God imparted, through the high priest, direction and counsel to Israel when these were needed. The method by which this was done can be only a matter of mere conjecture. They were apparently material objects, quite distinct from the breastplate, but something added to it after all the stones had been set in it, something in addition to the breastplate and its jewels. They may have been, as some suppose, two small images, like the teraphim (comp. Judg. 17:5; 18:14, 17, 20; Hos. 3:4), which were kept in the bag of the breastplate, by which, in some unknown way, the high priest could give forth his divinely imparted decision when consulted. They were probably lost at the destruction of the temple by Nebuchadnezzar. They were never seen after the return from captivity.
Smith's Bible Dictionary
[Urim And Thummim AND THUMMIM]
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>thum'-im. See URIM AND THUMMIM.</p>