The Urim and Thummim: A Means of Revelation in Ancient Israel

Van Dam, the foremost authority on the Urim and Thummim, covers every aspect of the ancient instrument--its purpose, the source and meaning of its name, and the many attempts at explaining its physical nature and mechanism of function. The prevailing theory is that the UT was a lot oracle, but Van Dam provides a great deal of convincing evidence against that view. The research presented in the book is thorough, detailed, and forthright. This book constitutes the most extensive study of the instrument in over a century, and is bound to influence the discussion of the divine instrument for decades to come. Although quite technical, the book is easy and interesting reading. I recommend it highly. I only regret that he didn't include an email address. I have questions.

This book is highly documented using many source materials.It reads like it too, but I did not find the answer as to what the UT is. It is written using linguistics and etomology providing a lot of definitions of Hebrew, Latin, and Greek words. May be the theme has something to do with the fact that it states "A means of Revelation in Ancient Israel." As it is copy writed in 1997, there should have been comments about the UT in in todays religions, namely the LDS religion.

This is one book that adds a special pride to my library. It is hands down the best comprehensive resource on this subject to date. The author also has the courage to take the evidence presented and draw conclusions based on the best knowledge available, rather than following the herd of current scholarly opinion.