Seer Stones in the Bible – What Does the Bible Say?

Seer stones in the Bible, once a somewhat obscure and controversial subject, are gradually becoming an area of renewed interest. Historically, seer stones in the Bible have been used by religious figures as instruments of divine revelation, helping individuals receive messages from God. Despite their relative absence in modern religious discussions, their biblical and historical significance cannot be ignored. In this blog post, we explore the concept of seer stones in the Bible, their role in ancient religious practices, and how they relate to other practices of divination and revelation throughout biblical history.

The Use of Seer Stones in Biblical Context

Seer stones in the Bible, also referred to as divining stones or prophetic stones, are objects that have been used for centuries in religious and mystical practices. In the Bible, the use of physical objects for divine purposes is well-established. For instance, Moses used Aaron’s rod as a symbol of divine authority (Exodus 4:2-4), and the Israelites relied on the Ark of the Covenant to represent God’s presence. These objects were not simply mundane items; they were considered sacred and served as instruments through which God worked His will.

In the case of seer stones in the Bible, the Bible contains examples of prophets using physical objects for spiritual purposes. A fascinating instance is found in the Book of Genesis, where Joseph of Egypt is said to have used a divining cup to interpret dreams and receive revelation (Genesis 44:5). This cup was likely a form of divining tool, similar in function to peep stones used later in history. The story of Joseph using his cup mirrors the concept of a brown seer stone or a white seer stone—an object that facilitated divine communication.

Another example comes from the practice of casting lots, as recorded in the New Testament (Acts 1:26). This method was used by the apostles to choose a replacement for Judas Iscariot. While casting lots may seem like a form of chance, it was understood by the early Christians as a way to receive God’s guidance. These practices, including the use of seer stones in the Bible, were not seen as mere superstitions but as legitimate means through which divine knowledge was revealed.

Seer Stones in the Bible and the Book of Mormon

The Book of Mormon, another volume of scripture in the Latter-day Saint tradition, contains notable references to seer stones in the Bible. In Ether 3, the brother of Jared is recorded as using 16 small stones that became sources of light when touched by the finger of the Lord. These stones illuminated the Jaredite vessels during their journey across the ocean. This example highlights how physical objects, such as stones, were used for sacred purposes, and this aligns with the biblical tradition of divine tools.

In Joseph Smith’s time, seer stones in the Bible were also commonly used for divination purposes. According to historical accounts, Joseph Smith and others in his community believed that seer stones in the Bible had the ability to reveal hidden truths, including lost or buried items, and even supernatural knowledge. But how did Joseph Smith obtain the brown seer stone? Joseph himself found his first seer stone while digging a well. He used it for treasure seeking, which was a common practice in early 19th-century America. However, after receiving his prophetic calling, Joseph used the seer stones in the Bible in a more sacred context, including the translation of the Book of Mormon.

Joseph’s use of seer stones was not unique. Throughout history, many prophets have employed such tools as instruments of divine revelation. The Bible itself is filled with instances of such practices, including the use of sacred stones like the Urim and Thummim, the casting of lots, and the use of sacred objects for divination. These practices, though sometimes seen as strange or unconventional by modern standards, were understood as legitimate ways of receiving divine guidance.

How Did Joseph Smith Obtain the Brown Seer Stone?

Joseph Smith’s use of seer stones during the translation of the Book of Mormon is perhaps the most well-known example of how these tools were employed in religious practice. While translating the Book of Mormon, Joseph Smith reportedly used a brown seer stone, often placed in a hat to block out external light, to read the text. The stone was said to display characters, which Joseph would dictate to his scribe. While the exact process of translation remains a matter of faith and interpretation, the use of a brown seer stone is a clear parallel to the biblical use of objects for receiving divine messages.

In Joseph’s case, the brown seer stone served as a divine aid in bringing forth new scripture. The Book of Mormon describes the role of the seer as a “revelator and prophet” (Mosiah 8:15-16), highlighting the spiritual importance of these tools. While Joseph initially used the stones for treasure-seeking, they were later employed in the much more significant task of translating ancient records. This transformation in purpose underscores the shift from folk practices to sacred, prophetic revelation.

Mormonism Explained: The Connection to Ancient Jewish Mysticism

While seer stones are often associated with 19th-century practices in America, their roots can be traced back to ancient Jewish traditions. A fascinating connection can be found in Jewish mysticism, specifically the concept of the “tzohar,” a glowing stone mentioned in some extra-biblical legends. According to these stories, the tzohar was passed down through generations, starting with Adam and continuing through Enoch, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. This mystical stone was said to possess divine properties, including the ability to reveal celestial knowledge and illuminate darkness. It was even used by Joseph of Egypt, who is said to have used it for divination and to interpret dreams.

The similarities between the story of the tzohar and Joseph Smith’s brown seer stone are striking. In both cases, a mystical stone is used to receive divine revelation and illuminate hidden truths. The connection between these two figures—Joseph of Egypt and Joseph Smith—is also notable. Both were seers, and both used objects (the tzohar for Joseph of Egypt and the brown seer stone for Joseph Smith) as instruments of divine guidance. In fact, the Bible itself prophesies of a “choice seer” who would come from the lineage of Joseph, which some believe refers to Joseph Smith (2 Nephi 3).

What Is the Seer Stone Made Of?

The brown seer stone that Joseph Smith used during the translation of the Book of Mormon is often described as a smooth, oval-shaped stone. Early accounts note that it was dark brown, sometimes called a peep stone, and described as being similar in size to a chicken egg. Over time, some have compared this brown seer stone to the white seer stone Joseph used for similar purposes in early revelations.

While the brown seer stone and white seer stone are the most famous examples, what is the seer stone made of is often a topic of discussion. While some early accounts describe the stone as having a translucent or glowing quality, it remains unclear exactly what materials were involved in the creation of the stones. Regardless of the specific material, the stone itself was viewed as a vessel through which divine insight was received. For those interested in Mormonism Explained, this distinction is less important than understanding how such tools fit within the broader tradition of divine revelation.

Seer Stones as a Symbol of Prophetic Authority

The use of a seer stone by Joseph Smith can also be understood within the broader context of prophetic authority. In the Bible, prophets were often equipped with tools or symbols that affirmed their divine calling. For instance, Moses’ rod and the Ark of the Covenant served as outward signs of God’s presence and power. Similarly, Joseph Smith’s seer stones acted as a tangible manifestation of his prophetic role. The stones were not the source of revelation themselves but were instruments through which God communicated His will.

In ancient Jewish culture, the use of physical objects for spiritual purposes was not unusual. In fact, the Bible itself contains many instances of such practices, including the use of sacred stones like the Urim and Thummim, the casting of lots, and the use of sacred objects for divination. These practices, though sometimes seen as strange or unconventional by modern standards, were understood as legitimate ways of receiving divine guidance.

Mormonism Explained: A Modern Understanding of Seer Stones

In today’s world, the concept of a seer stone may seem foreign or even strange to many. However, when viewed within the historical and biblical context, the use of such objects becomes more understandable. Seer stones in the Bible, like other divine tools in scripture, were not seen as magical or occultic; rather, they were instruments through which God’s will was made known to His prophets and people.

The renewed interest in seer stones—particularly in connection with Joseph Smith—invites believers to explore these ancient practices and their spiritual significance. Seer stones remind us that God can use any means He chooses to communicate with His children, and that spiritual tools—whether they are stones, rods, or even words—are not inherently sacred but become sacred through their connection to divine revelation.

Conclusion

The use of seer stones in the Bible and in the early history of the Latter-day Saint movement provides a fascinating glimpse into the ways God has communicated with His people. From the use of divining cups by Joseph of Egypt to the translation of the Book of Mormon through Joseph Smith’s brown seer stone, these objects have played a crucial role in the unfolding of divine history. While the practice of using seer stones may seem strange to modern sensibilities, it is deeply rooted in ancient traditions and biblical examples. Seer stones, as instruments of divine revelation, remind us of God’s ability to work through physical objects to bring about His purposes and communicate with His prophets.

About Mormonism Explained

Mormonism Explained is a resource that was designed to provide objective and factual information about Mormonism, its history, doctrines, and policies. Our team of researchers consults experts and primary sources to present factual information on a variety of topics relevant to the Mormon Church.

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