Why were the interpreters called "Urim and Thummim"?

score:3

Accepted answer

Well, a simple search would have revealed that the association is (contrary to the question claiming otherwise) made in D&C 10:1:

1 Now, behold, I say unto you, that because you delivered up those writings which you had power given unto you to translate by the means of the Urim and Thummim, into the hands of a wicked man, you have lost them.

And even earlier, Moroni himself in Joseph Smith - History 1:35:

35 Also, that there were two stones in silver bows - and these stones fastened to a breastplate, constituted what is called the Urim and Thummim [...]

I also found this question on BH.SE which has the following insights which are somewhat consistent with Joseph's Urim and Thummim:

  • the OT's Urim and Thummim were on or in a breastplate
  • they could give complex answers, and in one case also no answer
  • some views say they were actually the twelve stones and illuminated to give answers, some more exotic views even speaking of letters moving on the stones

But all in all, it's not clear what they were, the Bible doesn't tell much about them, just that they were in some relation to the breast plate of the high priest and were used to inquire God.

More post

Search Posts

Related post