thing
Thummim
תֻּמִּים
The Thummim, along with the Urim, were objects carried in the breastpiece of the high priest's ephod and used to seek divine guidance (Exodus 28:30; Numbers 27:21).
- verses
- 5
- first named
- Exodus 28:30
- last named
- Deuteronomy 33:8
Description
Thummim in the text
The Thummim, along with the Urim, were objects used by the high priest of Israel to seek divine guidance and revelation from God. They are first mentioned in Exodus 28:30, where God instructs Moses to place the Urim and Thummim in the breastpiece of the high priest's ephod, a special garment worn during religious ceremonies.
The exact nature and appearance of the Thummim are not described in detail in the Bible. Some scholars suggest that they may have been precious stones or small objects inscribed with sacred symbols. The Thummim, whose name is derived from the Hebrew word for "perfection" or "completeness," were likely associated with the concept of divine truth and guidance.
In Numbers 27:21, God instructs Moses to have the high priest, Eleazar, use the Urim to seek divine guidance on behalf of Joshua and the Israelites. This suggests that the Thummim, along with the Urim, were used in a process of divination to discern God's will and direction.
The Urim and Thummim are also mentioned in Deu.33.8, where Moses blesses the tribe of Levi and associates the Thummim and Urim with their priestly role. In Ezra 2:63 and Nehemiah 7:65, the Urim and Thummim are mentioned as being absent during the post-exilic period, indicating that the means of seeking divine guidance through these objects had been lost.
The use of the Thummim, along with the Urim, emphasizes the importance of seeking God's guidance and revelation in the religious life of ancient Israel. These objects were seen as a means of discerning the divine will and were closely associated with the role and authority of the high priest.
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