JOSEPH W. TKACH
PASTOR GENERAL

January 1988

Dear Friend:

Thank you for your question concerning the Urim and the Thummim.

Exodus 28:30 states that the Urim and Thummim were placed in a breastplate which was worn by Aaron, the high priest, and that this breastplate was able to reveal God's JUDGMENT. In Numbers 27:21 is an account of the Urim being used to give judgment; it showed what God wanted Israel to do.

Josephus, a well-known Jewish historian, wrote about the Urim and Thummim in Book Three, Section Eight of his book "Antiquities of the Jews." He describes the Urim as being two sardonyx stones which were placed on the shoulders of the high priest; and the Thummim, he says, were twelve stones which were set in three rows of four stones in a breastplate which the high priest also wore. When God wished to guide the Israelites, He often did so by means of these stones. Josephus states, "God declared beforehand by these twelve stones which the high priest bear on his breast, and which were inserted into his breastplate, when they should be victorious in battle; for so great a splendor shone forth from them that the army began to march, that all the people were sensible [aware] of God being present for their assistance."

These few details from historical tradition plus the brief mention in the Bible is all the information presently available on this subject.

Thank you again for your question. If we can be of further service, please let us know.

PERSONAL CORRESPONDENCE DEPARTMENT