This intricate ornament, designed like the ephod with various precious materials, has its roots in the tradition of ancient local priests who carried a small bag hanging from their necks, containing the “urim” and “tumim,” which mean the “yes” and the “no,” also called “the lots” (cf. Nm 27,21; Dt 33,8). These could have been small pieces of stone or bone that the priest threw like dice when seeking guidance for a decision. The response was believed to come from the Lord, so the priest had to answer with the “urim” and “tumim” affirmatively or negatively to the question. The outcome was highly valued, as it was seen as a “yes” or “no” from God himself (cf. 1 Sm 28:6; Ezr 2:63; Neh 7:65). In the time of prophecy, priests were consulted less often than prophets; therefore, we will not go into detail about how the “urim” and “tumim” were made, since they were practically replaced by two stones engraved with the names of the twelve tribes of Israel. As a result, an originally oracular instrument was transformed into a lavish cultic ornament.