한국침례신학대학교 도서관

The Urim and Thummim in relation to the Old Testament theocracy

주기사항: Source: Dissertation Abstracts International, Volume: 62-10, Section: A, page: 3431.

초록/해제: 요약 : The oracular device entitled the Urim and Thummim was provided the human leader of the theocracy of Israel in order that, by means of the manipulation of that oracle according to protocols defined in the Mosaic law, he might consult personally with King Yahweh. It is best to accept the etymology of the two terms which was assumed by the Masoretes, by which it may be concluded that the title characterizes the device as "perfect light." The best explanation of the abrupt appearance of the oracle into the biblical record (Exod 28:30) is to identify that oracle as one with the twelve stones on the "breastpiece of judgment" worn by the high priest.

초록/해제: 요약 : The Urim and Thummim are often confused with the "sacred lot," a distinct oracle used many times in the Old Testament (Josh 7). The sacred lot is clearly a binary oracle, able only to choose between stated alternatives. The Urim and Thummim should be regarded as distinct from the sacred lot in character and capability. A textual variant in 1 Samuel 14:41 is important to this issue. The Septuagintal text of that verse should be taken as a scribal addition, and the conclusion which that expanded text would force---that the Urim and Thummim was only a binary lot---should be rejected.

초록/해제: 요약 : The Urim and Thummim are mentioned only seven times in the Old Testament. The use of the oracle is defined in Numbers 27:21, and on the basis of syntactical and ritual elements in that passage, the oracle can be inferred in a number of other narrative contexts. The testimony of those passages is that the Urim and Thummim were capable of extended and specific propositional messages. Furthermore, those messages were vindicated as divine by means of some miraculous sign. By reason of that remarkable capability, as well as the place of honor assigned the oracle in the dress of the High Priest, God intended that the Urim and Thummim be regarded with profound reverence. To consult by means of the Urim and Thummium was to request an audience with King Yahweh, indeed, to appear "before the LORD." However, by reason of human neglect and disinterest, the Urim and Thummim passed from use during the reign of David.