Lord, Give Me A Sign: Urim and Thummim

The Prayer Series

I don’t know if you are like me because the moment I saw “Lord give me a sign”, DMX’s “Lord Give Me a Sign” came to mind, LOL.

Remember him?

Back to all seriousness, and back to our prayer series, do you struggle with decision making and knowing if God approves of your decisions? Like, how do you know you are in the will of God? What if there isn’t a clear verse that categorically points out what ought to be done? I mean where do you find an answer to whether or not you should move out of your parents’ home? My point is, there are times you may struggle with knowing the will of God concerning a situation. It happens!

Urim and Thummim: What are those?

In Biblical and traditional Jewish context, there are written accounts of the Israelites and their journey through the wilderness. God equipped them for their stay there and established a culture of worship that would set them apart (See book of Leviticus).

One of the key items in the worship of God was the Urim and Thummim. They were items that were placed on the breastplate of the High Priest who would seek the Lord regularly. It is said that they stood for “yes” and “no” decisions from God. If God said “yes” to a thing, a visible change would be noted on the Urim and the same for a “no” with the Thummim. They were the only acceptable divining activity.

We see its use here:

1. Ezra 2:63: “The governor instructed them not to eat any of the sacred food until there was a priest who could consult the Urim and Thummim.”

2. 1 Samuel 14:41: “Therefore Saul said, “O Lord God of Israel, why have you not answered your servant this day? If this guilt is in me or in Jonathan my son, O Lord, God of Israel, give Urim. But if this guilt is in your people Israel, give Thummim.”.And Jonathan and Saul were taken, but the people escaped.”

Not Always Direct

It seems so easy! Go to a priest, ask them to receive clarity concerning a matter from God on your behalf, and God gives you an answer through the Urim or Thummim. Solved. Live life big. Done.

Sorry, no. Sometimes, this was still not sufficient. God is sovereign and so even the Urim and Thummim were subject to His will to answer.

I Sam 28:6: “So Saul inquired of the Lord, but the Lord did not answer him—not by dreams nor by Urim nor by the prophets”

After the era of the Urim and Thummim, God accentuated His speech through prophets and other ways and we do not see these two key items mentioned in scripture much again.

But I still Need Answers!

Now, now. Tough spot. Despite all the information you have received so far, no firm direction as to what you should do next in your situation. Worry not!

Christ Jesus comes in and changes the game. Now, we no longer need the Urim and Thummim because after His ascension, we were left with the Holy Spirit who dwells inside of us. He leads us into all truth, meaning that we have the advantage of divine help when it comes to absolutely everything! (Isn’t that exciting?). Apart from that, this privilege is not a reserve for priests. ALL believers have access to the Holy Spirit! This is a better bargain, TBH.

However, sometimes it gets hard to know if God approves of our decisions, even if we are confident as His children. So, should you leave your current job? Should you move to a foreign country for further studies or should you stay and study in your home country? Do you tell someone off or do you let it go? All those are valid questions which need answers and God knows we need them!

Empowered

God speaks in various ways. He answers through His Word, dreams, visions, people, circumstances or even an audible voice! God is too powerful to be limited to one way of expression. I have personally seen situations shout an answer to me where I was keen on seeing a direct answer in His word or an audible voice! His word is powerful. His audible voice is needed but in that season, He saw it fit to speak loudly through the stubborn situation at that time.

I got a few tips from a lady (AnchoredinWord on Instagram) who has been so helpful in my walk with God and I hope it helps you too as you make a decision.

Biblical Decision-Making Guide

Scriptural Test: "Has God already spoken about it in His Word?" (2 Timothy 3:16)

Secrecy Test: "Would it bother me if everyone knew this was my choice?" (Proverbs 11:3)

Survey Test: "What if everyone followed my example?" (1 Timothy 4:12)

Spiritual Test: “Am I being people-pressured or Spirit-led?" (Galatians I:10)

Stumbling Test: "Could this cause another person to stumble?" (Romans 14:21)

Serenity Test: "Have I prayed and received peace about this decision?" (Philippians 4:6-7)

Sanctification Test: "Will this keep me from growing in the character of Christ? (2 Corinthians 3:18)

Supreme Test: "Does this glorify God?" (1 Corinthians 10:31)

Finally

Remember, do not elevate the seeing of signs above the knowledge of God because even the devil is a master of signs and wonders!

Chief Resources: here and here.