the Urim and Thummim, ΰϊ ΰεψιν εΰϊ δϊξιν: the Urim and Thummim, lights and perfections; rendered by the LXX δηλωσιϚ και αληθεια:, manifestation and truth; and, by the Vulgate, doctrina et veritas:, doctrine and truth. Among the various and contradictory opinions respecting the form and substance of these mysterious appendages, the most probable seems to be that of Josephus, Philo, Bp. Patrick, Parkhurst, and the Jewish writers generally; who state, that they were no other than the twelve precious stones of the high priest's breastplate. In support of this statement, it is observed:
1. That in the description of the high priest's breastplate, Exodus 39:8, et seq., the Urim and Thummim are not mentioned, but only the rows of stones; and on the contrary, in Leviticus 8:8, the Urim and Thummim are expressly mentioned, but not a word is said of the four rows of stones.
2. As Moses has given such a particular description of every thing relative to the high priest's dress, these would certainly have been described had they been different from what was previously mentioned. Leviticus 8:8; Numbers 27:21; Deuteronomy 33:8; Judges 1:1, Judges 20:18, Judges 20:23, Judges 20:27-28; 1 Samuel 23:9-12; 1 Samuel 28:6, 1 Samuel 30:7-8; Ezra 2:63; Nehemiah 7:65
bear the judgment: Zechariah 6:13