What other biblical instances involve casting lots to discern God's plan? Setting the Context—Joshua 18:10 “And Joshua cast lots for them in Shiloh before the LORD, and there he divided the land among the Israelites according to their tribal portions.” Joshua’s action fits a long, God-ordained practice: casting lots to reveal His will. Scripture never presents this as chance; the Lord directs the outcome (cf. Proverbs 16:33). Earlier Old-Testament Moments • Leviticus 16:8–10 — Aaron casts lots between the LORD’s goat and the scapegoat on the Day of Atonement. • Numbers 26:55–56 — Inheritance of the Promised Land decided “by lot, as the LORD commanded.” • Joshua 7:14–18 — Lots expose Achan’s hidden sin. • Judges 20:9–10 — Tribes cast lots for battle logistics against Benjamin. • 1 Samuel 10:19–21 — Samuel uses lots to reveal Saul as king. • 1 Samuel 14:40–42 — Jonathan identified by lot for eating honey against Saul’s oath. Temple Service & Worship • 1 Chronicles 24:5–31 — Twenty-four priestly divisions chosen by lot “before the LORD.” • 1 Chronicles 25:8–9 — Musicians’ order of ministry determined the same way. • 1 Chronicles 26:12–13 — Gatekeepers’ posts apportioned by lot. • Nehemiah 10:34 — Families cast lots to supply wood for the altar. • Nehemiah 11:1 — One-tenth of the people chosen by lot to live in Jerusalem. Deliverance & Protection • Esther 3:7; 9:24–26 — Haman casts “Pur” (lots) to time Israel’s annihilation, but God turns the scheme into Purim, a feast of deliverance. • Jonah 1:7 — Sailors cast lots; the LORD singles out Jonah, steering events toward Nineveh’s redemption. Wisdom Reflections • Proverbs 16:33 — “The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the LORD.” • Proverbs 18:18 — “Casting the lot ends quarrels and separates powerful opponents.” Transition into the New Covenant • Acts 1:23–26 — The apostles pray and cast lots; Matthias is numbered with the eleven. The Spirit soon comes at Pentecost, after which the church is guided by the Spirit rather than lots. Key Takeaways • God sovereignly controls every outcome; lots were a tangible reminder of His direct rule. • Casting lots occurred “before the LORD,” anchoring the act in worship, not superstition. • These instances underscore trust in God’s impartial, perfect guidance when human wisdom is limited. • After the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, Scripture no longer records lots for church decision-making, highlighting the Spirit’s indwelling leadership today. |
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