Urim and Thummim
Priestly GarmentsMeaning: “Lights and Perfections”
God’s appointed means of guidance before the prophets and the written Word.
The sacred lots kept in the high priest’s breastplate, used to discern the will of God.
What It Was
The Urim and Thummim were placed in the breastplate of judgment, over Aaron’s heart, “when he goeth in before the LORD” (Exodus 28:30). Through them Israel’s leaders inquired of God for decisions (Numbers 27:21).
Biblical Significance & Symbolism
They represent God’s gracious provision of guidance for his people. When Saul found that “the LORD answered him not, neither by dreams, nor by Urim, nor by prophets” (1 Samuel 28:6), it signalled his rejection. After the exile their loss was mourned (Ezra 2:63), pointing forward to the perfect revelation in Christ and Scripture.
Timeline
Placed in the high priest’s breastplate of judgment
Scripture References
7 versesExodus1 verse
Exodus 28:30
And thou shalt put in the breastplate of judgment the Urim and the Thummim; and they shall be upon Aaron's heart, when he goeth in before the LORD: and Aaron shall bear the judgment of the children of Israel upon his heart before the LORD continually.
Leviticus1 verse
Leviticus 8:8
And he put the breastplate upon him: also he put in the breastplate the Urim and the Thummim.
Numbers1 verse
Numbers 27:21
And he shall stand before Eleazar the priest, who shall ask counsel for him after the judgment of Urim before the LORD: at his word shall they go out, and at his word they shall come in, both he, and all the children of Israel with him, even all the congregation.
Deuteronomy1 verse
Deuteronomy 33:8
And of Levi he said, Let thy Thummim and thy Urim be with thy holy one, whom thou didst prove at Massah, and with whom thou didst strive at the waters of Meribah;
1 Samuel1 verse
1 Samuel 28:6
And when Saul enquired of the LORD, the LORD answered him not, neither by dreams, nor by Urim, nor by prophets.
Ezra1 verse
Ezra 2:63
And the Tirshatha said unto them, that they should not eat of the most holy things, till there stood up a priest with Urim and with Thummim. Tirshatha: or, governor
Nehemiah1 verse
Nehemiah 7:65
And the Tirshatha said unto them, that they should not eat of the most holy things, till there stood up a priest with Urim and Thummim. the Tirshatha: or, the governor
Topics & Symbolism
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Frequently asked about Urim and Thummim
What was Urim and Thummim in the Bible?
The sacred lots kept in the high priest’s breastplate, used to discern the will of God.
What does Urim and Thummim symbolize?
God’s appointed means of guidance before the prophets and the written Word.
What does the name Urim and Thummim mean?
The name Urim and Thummim means “Lights and Perfections”.
Where was Urim and Thummim kept?
Urim and Thummim was kept at In the breastplate of the high priest.
Where is Urim and Thummim first mentioned in the Bible?
Urim and Thummim is first mentioned in Exodus 28:30.
How often is Urim and Thummim mentioned in the Bible?
Urim and Thummim is mentioned in 7 verses across 7 books: Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy, 1 Samuel, Ezra, Nehemiah.
What were the Urim and Thummim used for?
They were kept in the high priest’s breastplate and used to discern God’s will on national decisions (Numbers 27:21).
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