The Urim and Thummim were sacred objects used by the high priest to discern the will of God in matters of national importance. Their exact appearance is unknown, but they were kept inside the breastplate of judgment and used when the priest sought guidance from the Lord.
Exodus 28:30 gives the instruction:
“And you shall put in the breastplate of judgment the Urim and the Thummim, and they shall be over Aaron’s heart when he goes in before the Lord. So Aaron shall bear the judgment of the children of Israel over his heart before the Lord continually.”
The Hebrew words likely mean “lights” (Urim) and “perfections” (Thummim), signifying clarity and truth. While Scripture does not describe the method, they were used to receive yes-or-no answers from God, particularly in decisions of war, leadership, or national direction (Numbers 27:21; 1 Samuel 28:6).
The use of the Urim and Thummim shows that God alone has ultimate wisdom and that spiritual leaders must seek His direction rather than relying on human judgment. It also reminds us that access to God’s guidance under the old covenant was limited and mediated through the priesthood.
In Christ, the need for such objects is fulfilled. Believers now have direct access to God and His wisdom through the indwelling Holy Spirit and the Word (John 16:13; James 1:5). The Urim and Thummim foreshadow the perfect revelation and guidance provided in Christ, who is the Light and the Truth for His people.
They teach us to depend on God’s leading in every decision, trusting Him for clarity and righteousness in all matters.
