llt@houxf.UUCP (10/18/83)
Notes on the Urim and Thummin:
The Urim and Thummim were oracular lots of stone or wood
(probably stones) indicating a postive or negative
(approbation or disapprobation) response to a question asked
or action proposed. The most likely etymology is:
orim(-or^im) from the root ,rr "curse"
tommim(t-orr^im) from the root tmm "to be innocent"
The Masoretic vocalization as "lights and perfections" is
euphemistic and has no bearing on their actual use.
They were contained in the hosen(h-o^sen) or pouch covering
the upper part of the breast of the ephod of the high-
priest. Consequently, their meaning is closely tied to the
various meanings and assocations of that high-priestly
garment. They were used oracularly only by the high priest
in the presence of the ruler when divine guidance was needed
in matters of grave public importance. Their use is not
recorded after the time of David when the oracular became
fused with the prophetic in the Prophets.
Anthrpologically, the use of oracular stones or wood or
other materials is quite common among the ancient or
primitive peoples. The ancient use of dice, Celtic runes,
Chinese I Ching, and the pebbles associated with various
sybls are a few examples. Indeed, the very word "calculate"
from the Latin "calculus" points to the association of
oracular numerology with oracular devices.
Citations:
Ex 39:1 21
The ephod mentioned here and its talismanic
and oracular qualities are strictly
associated with the Aaronid priesthood and
the high-priest in particular. It is
interesting to note that the ephod also
contained other non-oracular but totemic or
emblematic stones inscribed with the names of
the tribes of Isreal.
Wellhausian criticism maintains that the
ephod mentioned here is post-exilic and
probably derives from the P source.
1 Kg 22:18
1 Kg 2:18
2 Kg 6:14,20
The ephod mentioned here in these passages is
the simple linen one worn by priests and not
very different from a loincloth. Indeed , in
the the 2 Kg passage David is regarded as
being naked when wearing it. Clearly this
ephod is distinct from that so explicitly
detailed in the Ex passage.
Jg 8:27
Jg 18:5-6
Jg 18:14
Os 3:4
Ez 21:21
The ephods mentioned in these passages are
associated with the ephod idol and the
terraphim. It is not always easy to
determine when the Urim and Thummin are being
consulted or when actual semi-idolatry is
being practiced. Very likely the Urim and
Thummin were once more associated with idols
that the more P version in Exodus admits.
The above is summarised principally from the Commentary on
Exodus of E. Power, S.J. in The Catholic Commentary on Holy
Scripture 1952. It is in agreement with other standard
commentaries and articles on the subject.
It would be imprudent to speculate on why the Mormons or
Book of Mormon should chose oracular stones for emphasis.
Creigthon Clarke
HO 3M-337