It is evident from v. 41 that the question, which in bot cases is put as a simple alternative (cp 39), was decided by casting lots ; and from v. 40 that Urim and Thummim were the names respectively of two objects with which the cast was made.

Comparing 1 S. 14 41 f. with 36 (cp 3 18) we see that the casting of lots with the Urim and Thummim was part of the method of divination by the ephod ; in other places where the ephod is employed (2369 307) the procedure is so exactly the same as in 1. S. 14 36 ff. that there is hardly room for doubt that in these cases also the decision was by the same sacred lots (see EPHOD) ; and in many others, though neither the ephod nor the Urim and Thummim is named, the same inference may confidently be drawn.