Overview
The Bible addresses urim and thummim across 10 verses, drawn from the Old Testament. These passages cluster most in Judges, Exodus and Leviticus. Closely related themes include Urim and Thummin, Benjamin, Tribe Of, Jews, the and Levites. Figures whose stories touch this theme include Aaron, Eleazar, Joshua and Saul.
Key Bible verses about urim and thummim
Old Testament
Judges
Now after the death of Joshua it came to pass, that the children of Israel asked the LORD, saying, Who shall go up for us against the Canaanites first, to fight against them?
And the children of Israel arose, and went up to the house of God, and asked counsel of God, and said, Which of us shall go up first to the battle against the children of Benjamin? And the LORD said, Judah shall go up first.
(And the children of Israel went up and wept before the LORD until even, and asked counsel of the LORD, saying, Shall I go up again to battle against the children of Benjamin my brother? And the LORD said, Go up against him.)
People in the Bible and urim and thummim
Biblical figures whose stories intersect with this theme.
In the Bible dictionary
Studying urim and thummim for yourself
- Begin with Exodus 28:30, then read the passages below in canonical order.
- Compare how Judges, Exodus and Leviticus each treat the theme.
- Consider the lives of Aaron, Eleazar and Joshua and how their stories intersect with it.
- Widen the study to related themes: Urim and Thummin, Benjamin, Tribe Of, Jews, the and Levites.
Frequently asked questions
What does the Bible say about urim and thummim?
The Bible addresses urim and thummim across 10 verses, drawn from the Old Testament. These passages cluster most in Judges, Exodus and Leviticus. Closely related themes include Urim and Thummin, Benjamin, Tribe Of, Jews, the and Levites. Figures whose stories touch this theme include Aaron, Eleazar, Joshua and Saul.
How many Bible verses are about urim and thummim?
The Bible references urim and thummim in 10 verses (King James Version).
Where does the Bible first mention urim and thummim?
In canonical order, the first of these passages is 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.”
Which people in the Bible are associated with urim and thummim?
Aaron, Eleazar, Joshua and Saul.
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