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Urim and Thummim

Literally "lights and perfections," a means of divination employed by the ancient Hebrews. The objects were placed on a breastplate, which bore the names of the twelve tribes of Israel, that was worn over the heart of the high priest when he went before the Lord (Ex. 28:30). It was believed to consist of a species of casting lots.

The use of Urim and Thummim was not for determining questions concerning individuals, only for questions of national import. Answers were usually given in a brief fashion, yes or no, or the designation of one tribe out of the twelve. There is no mention of the Urim and Thummim after the time of King David. Their form and method of use is uncertain, but from passages in the Hebrew Bible, it seems probable that they were used somewhat like dice to cast lots (I Sam. 10:19-22 and 14:37-42).

The Urim and Thummin reappeared in the nineteenth century in the form of two divining stones possessed by Joseph Smith, Jr., prophet and founder of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, whose followers are commonly called Mormons. Smith used the stones to "translate" the Book of Mormon from what was claimed to be golden tablets with writing in a reformed Egyptian text.