The New Student's Reference Work/Urim and Thummim

From Wikisource
Jump to navigation Jump to search
39533The New Student's Reference Work — Urim and Thummim


U'rim and Thum'mim, a mysterious contrivance on the breastplate of the Jewish high-priest, either consisting of the four rows of precious stones upon which the names of the 12 tribes were engraved or of two images personifying — most probably — Truth and Revelation. Others assert that the words personified by these images were Light and Perfection, and still others that they were Doctrine and Judgment. The consulting of the Urim and Thummim as an oracle was a very solemn ceremony with the Jews, but it is never mentioned after Solomon's time.