Compare And Contrast: The Origins Of Urim And Thummim

The Origins of Urim and Thummim
Two simple stones; they were smooth and clear in color. There is proof of the stones existence during the 8th century BC. Those that understand them know these stones as Urim and Thummim (The Alchemist). Their main function was to communicate with God because “they were one of the three legitimate means of obtaining oracles in early Israel” (Jewish Viral Library). Now, not just anybody could use them, only a select few had the knowledge to make them function. There is much mystery surrounding Urim and Thummim, and so to understand their origin, it will take some research. The most logical question would be where these stones are and who possesses them now? This is unanswered but there are some theories, but first things first. …show more content…
In addition, where and when they came can be hard to pin point do to the lack of facts. It is said that the brother of Jared received his set from God when he went up the mountain, but that is it that is said. The best description comes from Joseph Smith who described them as "two transparent stones set in the rim of a [silver] bow fastened to a breast plate" (BYU). The only thing the Bible said about them, was that they were two stones placed into a breastplate but never said what they looked like. What is in a name? The names of the stones are Urim and Thummim; these have a meaning. The translation that has been passed down for generations is this. “The terms “Urim” and “Thummim” have traditionally been understood as "light(s)" and "perfection(s)" or as "perfect light"” but there are a few other ideas as well (Bible Study Tools). Two of the other theories pertaining to their meaning are “lights and perfections” (IDS) or “true instruction” (Jewish Viral Library). Therefore, two of the three sources have the meaning of Urim and Thummim being that of lights and