Seer Stones in the Bible: the Sacred Tradition Across Time
Seer stones have long been a topic of intrigue and mystery, and while some may find their use in modern religious history unusual, the concept of sacred stones is deeply rooted in ancient scriptures and traditions across many cultures. Stones, gems, and other objects with supernatural properties are not foreign to religious texts, particularly seer stoones in the Bible, which contains numerous accounts of such items being used for divine communication and guidance. This blog will explore the use of seer stones in scripture, highlight their role in ancient and modern religious contexts, and address why these objects might cause discomfort for some today.
Caption: Old Bible open with antique reading glasses. Christian church receives Revelation to organize and worship God and Christ. Religion religious script and testimony of Christ.
Source: Donley Despain
Seer Stones in the Bible and Other Scriptures
The Bible provides several examples of stones used for divine purposes. One of the most prominent is the *Breastplate of Judgment*, also known as the Breastplate of Aaron, worn by the high priest in ancient Israel. This breastplate was adorned with 12 different stones, each representing one of the twelve tribes of Israel, with their names engraved on the stones. The high priest also carried a sacred object known as the Urim and Thummim, which were placed within the breastplate and used to receive divine messages.
One of the fascinating traditions associated with the Urim and Thummim is that, according to some ancient sources, the high priest would use these stones to communicate with God. The high priest could look through the Urim and Thummim at the breastplate, and by some accounts, receive direct guidance from the divine.
Seer stones are not unique to the Bible, however. In the *Book of Mormon*, there is the well-known story of the brother of Jared, who used seer stones in conjunction with the Lord’s divine power. These stones were touched by the hand of God to illuminate the brother of Jared’s ships as they crossed the ocean to the promised land. Additionally, other prophets in the Book of Mormon, including Mosiah, Alma, Helaman, and Moroni, were also known to have seer stones. Even in the *Pearl of Great Price*, the prophet Abraham is said to have had a seer stone, further cementing the presence of these sacred objects throughout religious history.
Seer Stones in Modern Religious History
Despite the clear historical and scriptural precedence for seer stones, their use in more recent religious contexts can often feel foreign or even uncomfortable to modern believers. This discomfort may stem from a broader societal tendency to dismiss anything that appears supernatural as fantastical or fictional. In modern times, people tend to separate “spiritual” objects from daily life, relegating them to ancient history rather than accepting them as part of the continued divine process.
One of the most prominent modern examples of seer stones is found in the history of Joseph Smith, the prophet and founder of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Joseph Smith used seer stones, particularly in the translation of the *Book of Mormon*. According to historical accounts, Joseph was first directed to the *Hill Cumorah* by the angel Moroni, where he found not only the gold plates but also a breastplate and the Urim and Thummim. While he initially used these sacred objects to translate part of the Book of Mormon, including the first 116 pages, Joseph later used a small dark stone—referred to as a seer stone—for the rest of the translation.
The use of this seer stone has generated mixed reactions from members and scholars. Some people have felt uncomfortable or even misled, believing that Joseph Smith translated the Book of Mormon by directly looking at the gold plates. This misconception is often perpetuated by traditional artwork and popular depictions within the Church, which show Joseph examining the plates with the Urim and Thummim. In reality, the process was quite different, with Joseph placing the seer stone in a hat to create a dark environment where he could more clearly see the words or images that appeared on the stone.
Emma Smith, Joseph’s wife, provided one of the clearest accounts of this process, explaining that after the 116 pages were lost, Joseph used a seer stone to complete the remainder of the translation. The plates were usually nearby, though covered, as Joseph peered into the stone and dictated the words of the Book of Mormon to his scribe.
Seer Stones as a Point of Controversy
The seer stone itself has been a point of controversy, partly due to how it has been presented in Church history and partly due to modern cultural attitudes toward supernatural objects. Many members of the Church, particularly in the 19th and 20th centuries, were unfamiliar not only with how Joseph Smith obtained the brown seer stone but the idea that Joseph Smith used a seer stone instead of the Urim and Thummim for much of the Book of Mormon translation. When information about the seer stone became more widely known in recent decades, some members felt betrayed, thinking that the Church had intentionally withheld this information.
In reality, it seems more likely that cultural assumptions and early depictions of the translation process led to a misunderstanding. As more research has been conducted and resources such as the *Joseph Smith Papers* and the *Saints* volumes have been made available, the Church has taken steps toward greater transparency about its history. Church historians have worked to clarify the role that seer stones played in the translation of the Book of Mormon, highlighting that these stones were sacred objects with a long history of use among prophets.
The Nature and Legacy of Joseph Smith’s Seer Stones
Joseph Smith possessed at least two seer stones, including the well-known dark brown seer stone, believed to be made of iron-banded jasper, and another lighter-colored stone. The brown seer stone, often referred to as a “Genesis stone” because of its connection to the Earth’s formation, was discovered by Joseph near Lake Erie. Researchers believe the stone’s distinctive shape could have been formed by water currents or even by being swallowed by a large prehistoric bird or dinosaur. This stone was later used in the translation of the Book of Mormon.
After completing the translation, Joseph passed the brown seer stone to Oliver Cowdery. Eventually, it was passed down through various Church leaders and is currently held by the Church. The white seer stone, which some believe was Joseph’s favorite, remained with him until his death.
ConclusionSeer stones, while sometimes met with skepticism or discomfort in the modern age, have a long history within religious traditions. From the Breastplate of Aaron to the Joseph Smith peep stone, these objects have played an important role in facilitating divine communication and revelation. Understanding the historical and scriptural context of seer stones can help believers appreciate their significance and recognize that their use aligns with longstanding religious practices. Far from being an oddity, seer stones are a testament to the rich heritage of divine tools and sacred artifacts that have shaped religious history.
