Post by RedRimmed Desert on Mar 11, 2015 14:48:42 GMT -6
In ancient Jewish history, the Breastplate had 12 stones on the outside (represented the 12 tribes) the Urim and Thummim kept inside the Breastplate. Urim and Thummim had a stone on one end for yes answers, another stone the opposite end for no answers.
The most absurd theory, some thought the priest rolled the UT in his hand like a pair of dice, then interpreting how it landed. Seeing now that the UT was made like fine jewelry, doesn't seem possible they would have tossed it on the ground or the Breastplate. Especially, since the question process was repeated several times.
Another theory, the stone on the Breastplate would light up when either stone of the UT came near it, giving an answer to the question. Even if the stones did light up, you can't bend your neck far enough to see good what is happening under the chin. Try putting a hand over your heart and looking down, the nose would get in the way of a UT. It is possible the UT could swing toward a stone on the Breastplate and the priest see what stone
However, according to one seminary textbook written in the last century, during the "Latter Temple Period" the Urim and Thummim wasn't used to select a high priest anymore, but instead by casting lots, as they deviated in some ways from what had been in the days of Aaron high priest. So, casting lots is not a Urim and Thummim. Lots were supposed to be cast, either drawing out stones from a bag or similar method.
The Tabernacle was aligned at one end to the north, it was supposed to be the direction of the heavenly throne. Only the high priest went in to the center behind the veil where an alter of incense was kept burning. I found a reprinted book of a 200 year old book, showing artists plates of what the incense alter looked like. A solid gold lamp also with 7 oil cups for light and spiritual illumination inside the center veil. The top of the incense alter had 2 rings to hold incense, top couple inches made of solid gold. It was square and had 4 horns, one on each corner pointing to the cardinal directions. This made the incense or gold alter different than any of the others.
In the days of Aaron high priest, everything was very regulated in their ceremonies. Yes, the UT had to be used by a priest, a person who offered prayers and invocations.
On the Jewish history website (see links below) I did find important info about how, the priest would face the Shekinah when asking questions with the UT. That translated from the literal Hebrew, is the "visible presence" or "spiritual manifestation".
link-Jewish Encyclopedia---Shekina
Mode of Consultation. The oracle was consulted in the following manner: The high priest donned his eight garments, and the person for whom he sought an answer stood facing him, while he himself turned toward God (i.e., the Shekinah). It was necessary that the question should be brief and that it should be pronounced, but not aloud; while the answer was a repetition of the query, either in the affirmative or in the negative. Only one question might be asked at a time; if more than one were put, the first alone received a reply. The answer was given by the letters of the names of the tribes which were engraved upon the high priest's breastplate (Yoma 73a, b; Yer. Yoma 44c; Sifre.....If the question was not distinctly worded, the reply might be misunderstood, as in.....
link-Jewish Ecyclopedia---URIM AND THUMMIM
The most absurd theory, some thought the priest rolled the UT in his hand like a pair of dice, then interpreting how it landed. Seeing now that the UT was made like fine jewelry, doesn't seem possible they would have tossed it on the ground or the Breastplate. Especially, since the question process was repeated several times.
Another theory, the stone on the Breastplate would light up when either stone of the UT came near it, giving an answer to the question. Even if the stones did light up, you can't bend your neck far enough to see good what is happening under the chin. Try putting a hand over your heart and looking down, the nose would get in the way of a UT. It is possible the UT could swing toward a stone on the Breastplate and the priest see what stone
However, according to one seminary textbook written in the last century, during the "Latter Temple Period" the Urim and Thummim wasn't used to select a high priest anymore, but instead by casting lots, as they deviated in some ways from what had been in the days of Aaron high priest. So, casting lots is not a Urim and Thummim. Lots were supposed to be cast, either drawing out stones from a bag or similar method.
The Tabernacle was aligned at one end to the north, it was supposed to be the direction of the heavenly throne. Only the high priest went in to the center behind the veil where an alter of incense was kept burning. I found a reprinted book of a 200 year old book, showing artists plates of what the incense alter looked like. A solid gold lamp also with 7 oil cups for light and spiritual illumination inside the center veil. The top of the incense alter had 2 rings to hold incense, top couple inches made of solid gold. It was square and had 4 horns, one on each corner pointing to the cardinal directions. This made the incense or gold alter different than any of the others.
In the days of Aaron high priest, everything was very regulated in their ceremonies. Yes, the UT had to be used by a priest, a person who offered prayers and invocations.
On the Jewish history website (see links below) I did find important info about how, the priest would face the Shekinah when asking questions with the UT. That translated from the literal Hebrew, is the "visible presence" or "spiritual manifestation".
link-Jewish Encyclopedia---Shekina
Mode of Consultation. The oracle was consulted in the following manner: The high priest donned his eight garments, and the person for whom he sought an answer stood facing him, while he himself turned toward God (i.e., the Shekinah). It was necessary that the question should be brief and that it should be pronounced, but not aloud; while the answer was a repetition of the query, either in the affirmative or in the negative. Only one question might be asked at a time; if more than one were put, the first alone received a reply. The answer was given by the letters of the names of the tribes which were engraved upon the high priest's breastplate (Yoma 73a, b; Yer. Yoma 44c; Sifre.....If the question was not distinctly worded, the reply might be misunderstood, as in.....
link-Jewish Ecyclopedia---URIM AND THUMMIM