What Was Thummim in the Bible?
An Ancient Tool for Divine Guidance
The term Thummim is a Hebrew word תֻּמִּים (Thummim), which is found in several key passages of the Old Testament, including Exodus 28:30, Leviticus 8:8, Deuteronomy 33:8, Ezra 2:63, and Nehemiah 7:65. The word is often paired with Urim, another mysterious item, and together they were used by the high priest of Israel as tools for seeking divine guidance. The name “Thummim” translates to “perfections” or “completions,” reflecting its purpose in the pursuit of God’s perfect will.
Thummim in the High Priest’s Breastplate
The Breastpiece of Judgment
In Exodus 28:30, God commands Moses to place the Urim and Thummim into the breastpiece of judgment, which was part of the high priest’s sacred garments: “Also put the Urim and the Thummim in the breastpiece of judgment, so they may be over Aaron’s heart whenever he enters the presence of the Lord. Thus, Aaron will always bear the means of making decisions for the Israelites over his heart before the Lord.”
The breastpiece, often referred to as the breastplate of judgment, was worn by the high priest over his chest, signifying that the decisions made with its help were done with the weight of divine authority and with the welfare of the people in mind. The Thummim, alongside the Urim, played a central role in this process, though the exact nature of how they functioned remains somewhat mysterious.
The Role of Thummim in Seeking God’s Will
A Tool for Discernment
While the Bible does not provide explicit details about how the Thummim was used, it is clear that it was a divinely sanctioned tool for discerning God’s will in important matters. Some scholars believe that the Thummim and Urim may have been cast as lots, revealing God’s guidance through the outcome. Others suggest that they were somehow connected to oracular or divinatory practices within the confines of ancient Israelite religion, always under the control and direction of God.
In Deuteronomy 33:8, Moses speaks of the tribe of Levi, saying, “Let your Thummim and Urim belong to your faithful servant.” This passage further reinforces the association of the Thummim with the priestly duties of the Levites, particularly in their role as mediators between God and the people, making decisions and providing judgments based on divine guidance.
The Sovereignty of God in Decision-Making
Trusting in God’s Perfect Will
The use of the Thummim in the Old Testament highlights the Israelites’ deep reliance on God for direction and wisdom. In a world where human understanding is limited, the Thummim served as a tangible reminder that true wisdom and discernment come from God alone. The decisions made using the Thummim were not based on human logic or reasoning but on divine revelation, underscoring the belief in God’s sovereignty over all aspects of life.
For modern Christians, the significance of the Thummim lies in its symbolic representation of the need to seek God’s guidance in all decisions. While we no longer use physical objects like the Thummim to discern God’s will, the principle remains the same: God’s will is perfect, and His guidance is essential for living a life that honors Him. James 1:5 encourages believers to seek God’s wisdom: “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.”
Lessons for the Modern Christian
Seeking God’s Guidance Through Prayer and Scripture
The Thummim reminds us of the importance of seeking God’s guidance in our lives. In a world filled with uncertainty and complex decisions, Christians are called to turn to God for direction. Today, we have the completed Word of God in the Scriptures and the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit to guide us. Through prayer, meditation on Scripture, and a relationship with the Holy Spirit, believers can discern God’s will for their lives.
Proverbs 3:5-6 offers timeless wisdom for every believer: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” This verse echoes the purpose of the Thummim—leading believers to rely not on their own judgment but on God’s perfect wisdom.
The Importance of Discernment
Just as the high priest used the Thummim to make decisions that aligned with God’s will, modern Christians are called to exercise discernment in their daily lives. Discernment involves distinguishing between right and wrong, truth and falsehood, and aligning our choices with biblical principles. In a world where moral relativism often prevails, the need for discernment is greater than ever.
Philippians 1:9-10 reflects the Apostle Paul’s prayer for the church: “And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ.” This prayer encourages believers to grow in their ability to discern God’s will through a deepening relationship with Him.
Connection to a Loving God
God’s Desire to Guide His People
The inclusion of the Thummim in the high priest’s breastplate signifies God’s desire to guide His people in righteousness and truth. God did not leave the Israelites to navigate life’s challenges on their own; He provided them with tools, like the Thummim, to ensure they could seek His will in every situation.
For believers today, this connection to a loving God is evident in His continued presence and guidance. Jesus promised His disciples that the Holy Spirit would come to guide them into all truth (John 16:13). This promise extends to all believers, reminding us that God’s love is expressed through His desire to lead us on the right path.
The Assurance of God’s Sovereignty
The Thummim also reminds us of God’s sovereignty over all things. Decisions made with the Thummim were ultimately a reflection of God’s sovereign will, showing that nothing happens outside of His control or knowledge. This truth provides great comfort to believers, especially in times of uncertainty or difficulty.
Romans 8:28 reassures us that “in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” This verse, coupled with the understanding of God’s sovereignty as illustrated by the Thummim, encourages believers to trust that God is working in every situation for His glory and our good.
Connection to Jesus Christ
Jesus as the Fulfillment of Divine Guidance
While the Thummim was a physical object used to discern God’s will in the Old Testament, Jesus Christ represents the ultimate fulfillment of God’s guidance. Hebrews 1:1-2 declares that “in the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son.” Jesus is the embodiment of God’s Word and the perfect revelation of His will.
Through Jesus, believers have direct access to God’s wisdom and guidance. Jesus declared Himself as “the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6), emphasizing that through Him, we can know God’s will and walk in His ways. The need for physical objects like the Thummim has been surpassed by the indwelling presence of Christ in the believer’s life.
The Holy Spirit as Our Guide
Jesus promised that the Holy Spirit would guide believers into all truth (John 16:13). The role of the Holy Spirit in the life of a Christian surpasses the function of the Thummim, providing not just guidance in specific situations but continuous direction, comfort, and conviction. The Holy Spirit leads us in understanding Scripture, in making daily decisions, and in living a life that pleases God.
For modern Christians, the connection to Jesus Christ through the Holy Spirit is a living, dynamic relationship. It goes beyond the ancient use of the Thummim and provides a direct line to the heart of God, ensuring that we are never without guidance or support in our walk of faith.
Conclusion
The Thummim, though a mysterious and ancient item, holds profound significance for believers both in the context of the Old Testament and today. It symbolizes the deep reliance on God for wisdom, guidance, and the discernment of His will. While the exact nature of the Thummim may remain unclear, its purpose in leading the people of Israel according to God’s perfect will is undeniable.
For modern Christians, the lessons drawn from the Thummim underscore the importance of seeking God’s guidance through prayer, Scripture, and the Holy Spirit. It reminds us of God’s sovereignty and His desire to lead us in all aspects of life. Moreover, it points us to the fulfillment of divine guidance in Jesus Christ, through whom we have access to the wisdom and knowledge of God.
As we reflect on the role of the Thummim, we are encouraged to trust in God’s perfect will, to seek His guidance in every decision, and to live in the assurance that He is sovereign over all things.