Urim and Thummim
The Urim and Thummim (typically translated as "lights and perfections" or "revelation and truth") were a divination medium used by ancient Hebrews (usually Israelites). Because of the name, some scholars have suggested the Urim and Thummim consists of two crystals; however, the precise nature of the medium is unknown. According to the Bible, a Urim and Thummim were kept in the breastplate of Aaron the brother of Moses.
There is some evidence that the medium was used as a lot that provided "yes" or "no" answers, depending upon whether the Urim or the Thummim came into play, as manipulated by a Hebrew oracle. There is also evidence that the medium was used as an ordeal to establish a person's guilt or innocence.
The earliest reference to them in the Bible is that Aaron, Moses' brother, carried them with him as High Priest. Many scholars believe they were originally stones that resided in the breastplate (with other precious stones) of the Jewish High Priest ceremonial clothing when he officiated in the tabernacle or temple. The most recent reference to a Urim and Thummim in the Bible (depending on translation) is the replacement of Judas as an Apostle by St. Mathias in the Acts of the New Testament. Scholars are unconclusive if the relics are the same or different objects.
In Mormonism, Joseph Smith, Jr. used a purported Urim and Thummim to translate the Book of Mormon by crystallomancy from gold plates until he had learned the language on the plates well enough to translate them without a medium for divination. Smith also purportedly used the medium to dictate some of the sections of the Doctrine and Covenants (in answer to various questions asked of God) by means of revelation from the Urim and Thummim and that they were also used to facilitate some portions of the Joseph Smith Translation of the Bible.
Masonic Legend (taught during the 13, 14 and 21 degrees ceremonies of Masonry) and Kabbalistic tradition states that the Urim and Thummin were part of the recovered artifacts taken from Solomon's Temple after Hiram Abif was murdered while protecting the temple treasury. According to the legend, the Urim and Thummin and other recovered treasure were placed back in the temple treasury.
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Articles about Mormonism | Inspired Version of the Bible | Joseph Smith | Joseph Smith, Jr. | Joseph Smith Jr. | Joseph Smith Translation | Joseph Smith Translation of the Bible | List of articles about Mormonism | Reformed Egyptian | Seer stone | Witch of En Dor | Witch of Endor
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