The Urim and Thummim: Consulting God's Will Rightly

The Urim and Thummim—translated variously as "light and perfection" (Septuagint), "manifestation and truth" (Vulgate), or "doctrine and truth"—remain shrouded in mystery. Scripture tells us that until a priest with Urim and Thummim stands before God (Ezra 2:63, Nehemiah 7:65), this mystery cannot be fully resolved.

The twelve precious stones upon the high priest's breastplate, representing the twelve tribes, connected directly to this divine apparatus. God did not make these stones mere mechanical channels of revelation. Rather, they authenticated and empowered the high priest when standing before Adonai. The stones accredited his intercession, and God—seeing him clothed in the fullness of his priesthood—conveyed His will spiritually, not materially, to the priest's understanding.

For us today, what constitutes our Urim and Thummim? We must consult God continually: in prayer, read consultingly; in decision-making, approach God first—before seeking counsel from others or trusting our own judgment. The initiative must be His. Ask God to speak before your own heart speaks.

Yet two critical conditions attend consultation: first, you must approach with genuine readiness to obey what God reveals; second, your heart must be cleansed from competing allegiances. The high priest could not consult Urim and Thummim while harboring unresolved sin. Neither can we expect clarity from Yahweh when we have not surrendered fully to His authority.