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Urim and Thummin

The Urim and Thummim were sacred objects placed in the high priest's breastplate that God used to reveal His will and guidance to Israel. They represent the believer's access to divine wisdom through Christ, who is the true light and revelation of God.

Overview

The Urim and Thummim were divinely ordained means of seeking God's guidance in the Old Testament. Placed within the high priest's breastplate (Exodus 28:30), they were consulted when Israel needed clear direction from the Lord. Joshua, Saul, and David all sought God's will through this method, demonstrating its importance in Israel's leadership and decision-making.

Key Scriptures

"He shall stand before Eleazar the priest, who shall inquire for him by the judgment of the Urim before the Lord" (Numbers 27:21, ESV).

"And of Levi he said, 'Let your Thummim and your Urim be with your godly one'" (Deuteronomy 33:8, NASB).

"In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The true light, which gives light to everyone, was coming into the world" (John 1:4-5, ESV).

Application

Believers today access God's will not through mysterious objects but through Scripture, prayer, and the indwelling Holy Spirit who illuminates Christ's truth.

Scripture References 19
Numbers 27:21 Deuteronomy 33:8 John 1:4 John 1:9 John 1:17 Colossians 2:3 1 Samuel 23:9 1 Samuel 23:10 1 Samuel 23:11 Judges 1:1 Judges 20:18 Judges 20:28 1 Samuel 30:7 1 Samuel 30:8 Exodus 28:30 Leviticus 8:8 1 Samuel 28:6 Ezra 2:63 Nehemiah 7:65
Full Topical Reference List 19 total — Nave's Topical Bible

God to be consulted by

Numbers 27:21

Illustrative of the light and perfection of Christ, the true high priest

Colossians 2:3 Deuteronomy 33:8 John 1:4 John 1:9 John 1:17

Instances of consulting God by

1 Samuel 23:9 1 Samuel 23:10 1 Samuel 23:11 1 Samuel 30:7 1 Samuel 30:8 Judges 1:1 Judges 20:18 Judges 20:28

Placed in the breastplate of the high priest

Exodus 28:30 Leviticus 8:8

Sometimes no answer by, in consequence of the sin of those consulting

1 Samuel 28:6

Were wanting in the second temple

Ezra 2:63 Nehemiah 7:65
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