If you’ve ever read Exodus or Leviticus and wondered, “What in the world are the Urim and Thummim?” well…you’re not the only one. These strange words barely show up in Sunday School, yet they played a powerful role in Israel’s life with God.
The Text You Probably Skipped Over
“Put the Urim and the Thummim in the breastplate of judgment so they will be on Aaron’s heart whenever he goes in before Adonai. Aaron will bear the judgment of Bnei-Yisrael on his heart before Adonai continually.” (Exodus 28:30, TLV)
The high priest wore a breastplate with twelve stones representing the tribes of Israel. Inside it were placed two mysterious objects: the Urim (אוּרִים) and the Thummim (תֻּמִּים).
What Were They?
The words mean lights (Urim) and perfections (Thummim). We don’t know their exact form, but most scholars think they were sacred lots… objects used to discern God’s will in moments of decision.
When the priest inquired of the Lord, the Urim and Thummim somehow revealed divine judgment. Think less like “magic stones” and more like a holy, God-ordained way of receiving clarity when human wisdom wasn’t enough.
We see them used in:
Numbers 27:21 — Joshua is to stand before Eleazar the priest, who will inquire using Urim before the Lord.
1 Samuel 28:6 — Saul tries to seek guidance through dreams, prophets, and the Urim, but the Lord does not answer.
Ezra 2:63 — After the exile, certain priests are excluded until a high priest arises with Urim and Thummim again.
Why This Matters
The Urim and Thummim remind us of something vital: God never intended His people to make decisions apart from Him. Even in leadership and battle strategies, Israel was called to seek divine guidance, not just rely on human reasoning.
But notice what happens as the biblical story progresses. By the time of the prophets, there’s no more mention of the Urim and Thummim. Instead, God speaks through His Spirit and His Word. And in Yeshua, we see the fullness of this shift:
“In the past, God spoke in many and various ways to the fathers through the prophets. In these last days, He has spoken to us through a Son.” (Hebrews 1:1–2)
The Urim and Thummim were temporary shadows. Messiah is the permanent Light and Perfection. He doesn’t just reveal God’s will, He embodies it.
Why Your Sunday School Didn’t Teach It
Because it’s weird. Not gonna lie. Because no one is 100% sure how it worked. But here’s what’s clear: Israel’s God isn’t silent. He desires to be sought, and He makes a way to be heard.
📖 Scriptures to Study:
Exodus 28:29–30 (Urim and Thummim in the breastplate)
Numbers 27:18–21 (Joshua and Eleazar)
1 Samuel 28:6 (Saul seeks the Lord)
Ezra 2:63 (awaiting restoration)
Hebrews 1:1–2 (God speaks through His Son)
✨ Reflection Questions
How does the existence of the Urim and Thummim show God’s care for Israel’s decision-making?
What do you think it means that Yeshua is now our Light and Perfection?
How can we seek God’s will today without “lots,” but through His Word and Spirit?
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