Compare Nehemiah 11:1 with Acts 1:26 on decision-making through casting lots. Nehemiah 11:1—Repopulating Jerusalem “Now the leaders of the people settled in Jerusalem, and the rest of the people cast lots to bring one out of ten to live in Jerusalem, the holy city, while the remaining nine were to stay in their own towns.” • The city walls were rebuilt, yet Jerusalem remained under-populated (Nehemiah 7:4). • Leaders led by example, moving in first. • Lots determined which families—one in ten—would relocate, ensuring fairness and unity. • The decision was accepted as God’s choice, demonstrating trust in His sovereignty (cf. Proverbs 16:33). Acts 1:26—Selecting an Apostle “And they cast lots to choose between them, and the lot fell to Matthias; so he was added to the eleven apostles.” • Peter cited Psalm 69:25 and 109:8 to show Scripture required filling Judas’ office (Acts 1:20). • Two qualified men, Joseph Barsabbas and Matthias, were proposed. • The believers prayed for God to reveal His chosen man (Acts 1:24-25). • They cast lots; Matthias was numbered with the Eleven, completing the foundational Twelve (cf. Matthew 19:28). Why Cast Lots? • Old Testament precedent: the priests’ duties (1 Chronicles 24:5), division of land (Joshua 14:2), scapegoat selection on the Day of Atonement (Leviticus 16:8), and uncovering sin (Jonah 1:7). • “The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the LORD.” (Proverbs 16:33) — a tangible reminder that ultimate control rests with God. • Lots removed partiality, personal ambition, and human manipulation. Similarities between the Two Passages • In both cases the community faced a necessary decision affecting its mission. • Prayerful, reverent context—confidence that God would speak through the lot. • Acceptance of the result without protest or recounts. • Outcome advanced God’s redemptive plan: securing Jerusalem’s vitality and completing the apostolic witness. Key Differences • Purpose: civic repopulation versus apostolic replacement. • Participants: an entire nation versus a gathered band of 120 believers. • Historical setting: before Messiah’s coming versus after His ascension but prior to Pentecost. • Continued practice: lots continue sporadically in the Old Testament; Acts 1 marks the last biblical example. Theological Threads • God’s absolute rule: Numbers 26:55; 1 Samuel 14:41; Esther 3:7. • Obedience to revealed Scripture precedes the lot (Nehemiah’s covenant; Peter’s Psalms citation). • The lot functions as a servant to divine revelation, never a substitute. New-Covenant Guidance after Pentecost • Following Acts 2, Scripture shows no further reliance on lots; the indwelling Spirit now leads (John 16:13; Romans 8:14; Galatians 5:18). • The early church resolved questions through Spirit-guided deliberation and Scripture (Acts 15:28; 2 Timothy 3:16-17). • Wisdom, prayer, and communal counsel replace the casting of lots without diminishing confidence in God’s control (James 1:5; Proverbs 3:5-6). Takeaways for Today • Scripture is wholly trustworthy; where God has spoken clearly, obedience is our path. • In grey areas, believers may seek guidance through prayer, the Spirit, Scripture, and wise counsel, trusting God’s sovereign hand over every outcome. • Casting lots illustrates humble surrender: “Not my will, but Yours be done” (Luke 22:42). While methods change, the heart posture of reliance on God remains essential. |
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