What Are Urim & Thummim Stones?
Urim and Thummim stones are some of the more mysterious items discussed in religious history. These seer stones are mentioned in several scriptural accounts and were used at different times and in different parts of the world. Christian and Jewish religious scholars have studied scriptural accounts of Urim and Thummim stones to learn more about their meaning in religious history.
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Scriptural References
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Urim and Thummim stones are mentioned nine times in the Old Testament, once in the New Testament, and three times in the Book of Mormon. In Exodus 28:30, Moses is commanded to put the Urim and Thummim in the breastplate of judgment so that Aaron and the judges of Israel may use them. In Mosiah 8:13 in the Book of Mormon, a king is told that a prophet has possession of Urim and Thummim stones and can use them to translate records in another language. In Revelations 2:17, the Lord explains that those who overcome the world will be given Urim and Thummim stones.
Form
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In the first and second books of Samuel in the Old Testament, the Urim and Thummim are described as being put into the sacred breastplate worn by the high priest. Although there isn't a definitive description of Urim and Thummim stones, some scholars think they were small stones that may have fit in a pouch.
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Meaning
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The Hebrew translation of Urim and Thummim is "lights and perfections." According to scripture, these stones were used for divination or translation. They enlighten the user by letting him know God's will. In some scriptural accounts, they were used to translate a sacred text from one language to another.
History of Use
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Old Testament prophets and seers who used Urim and Thummim stones include Saul, Aaron, and the high priests during the time of the Exodus. New Testament-era historian Josephus mentioned in his writings that the Urim and Thummim was used until the era of the Maccabbees. More recently, Joseph Smith, Jr., founder of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, used Urim and Thummim stones to translate the Book of Mormon from ancient writings.
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References
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