Thummim

The Thummim, always paired with the Urim, formed part of the sacred priestly equipment used for obtaining divine guidance on important decisions (Ex. 28:30; Lev. 8:8; Deut. 33:8). The name means perfection or truth (LXX renders it "truth"; Vulgate "veritas"). They were kept in or on the breastplate of the high priest and consulted when Israel needed a divine decision on critical matters.

The exact nature of the Urim and Thummim remains uncertain: they may have been lots, sacred stones, or inscribed tablets used to obtain binary yes/no answers from God. Their use appears to have declined after the early monarchy and is associated particularly with the period of the judges and early kings. The absence of the Urim in the post-exilic period (Ezra 2:63; Neh. 7:65) marks a significant change in the mode of divine communication, replaced increasingly by prophetic and scriptural interpretation.