Yehuda 12

by Yona Verwer

Urim & Tumim Collection

16 by 16 inch giclee

Limited Edition of 50

175 usd + shipping

Artist’s Description:

The Urim and Tumim were part of a biblical tool of prophecy known as “The Breastplate of Judgment.” The original breastplate was mounted with twelve precious stones, upon which were engraved the names of the Twelve Tribes. According to the Zohar, the foundational work in the literature of Jewish mystical thought known as Kabbalah, the Urim and Tumim were the forty-two and seventy-two letter secret names of G‑d placed in the folds of the breastplate.

In biblical times during war and national crisis, this breastplate was worn and consulted by the Jewish High Priest. Upon meditation, individual letters would sparkle or bulge out up to display prophetic messages. Text messages from above! In our days of current conflicts we are looking for a direct connection with a higher source of guidance. 

This image, with the tribal name of Yehudah, shows the stones’ inner light, as well as describe the mystical energy of the stones. The letters are painted in the Paleo-Hebrew characters in use at that time.

More about the Urim and Tumim in ancient times:

The Urim and Tumim, which translates to “Light and Truth”, were being put intothe breastplate, implying they were objects put into some sort of pouch within it; they were presumably small and fairly flat, and were possibly tablets of wood or of bone. The first reference to Urim and Tumim in the Bible is the description in the Book of Exodus concerning the high priest’s clothing. Consulting them was said to be required, in addition to permission from the king or a prophet, if there was an intention to expand Jerusalem or the Temple in Jerusalem. They were only permitted to be consulted by very prominent figures such as army generals, and kings, and the only questions which could be raised were those which were asked for the benefit of the people as a whole. The Urim and Tumim were lost when Jerusalem was sacked by the Babylonians.

More info on Verwer”s Urim & Tumim series here.