What Old Testament practices relate to casting lots as seen in Acts 1:26? Setting the Stage in Jerusalem “Then they cast lots, and the lot fell to Matthias; so he was added to the eleven apostles.” (Acts 1:26) The apostles, waiting for the promised Holy Spirit, relied on an established biblical practice to discern God’s choice. Similar moments run like a thread through the Old Testament. What “Casting Lots” Looked Like • Small stones, sticks, or pieces of pottery marked to distinguish one outcome from another • Shaken in a garment fold, vessel, or lap; the first piece to fall, or the piece drawn, revealed the decision • A tangible act of surrender to God’s sovereign direction (Proverbs 16:33) Day-of-Atonement: A Sacrificial Pair Leviticus 16:8-10 — Aaron “shall cast lots for the two goats, one lot for the LORD and the other lot for the scapegoat.” • Purpose: Identify which animal would die and which would carry sin into the wilderness • Principle mirrored in Acts 1:26: let God decide between apparently equal options Dividing Israel’s Inheritance Numbers 26:55; 33:54; Joshua 14:2; 18:6-10 • Each tribe’s territory in Canaan assigned “by lot” • The most valuable national possession—land—placed under God’s allotment, reinforcing trust in His choice Selecting a King • Saul chosen when “Samuel brought all the tribes of Israel near, and the tribe of Benjamin was taken by lot” • God’s rule over national leadership modeled the principle employed when replacing Judas Organizing Temple Service 1 Chronicles 24:5, 31 (priests); 25:8-9 (musicians); 26:13-14 (gatekeepers) • Twenty-four priestly divisions, choir orders, and gatekeeper posts determined by lots • Ensured fairness and removed human favoritism—echoing the apostolic decision where both candidates were equally qualified Exposing Hidden Matters Jonah 1:7 — “They cast lots, and the lot fell on Jonah.” Joshua 7:14-18 — Achan located by successive lots • God used the process to reveal concealed truth, showing that the method was not mere chance but guidance Sovereign Wisdom Encapsulated Proverbs 16:33 — “The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the LORD.” Proverbs 18:18 — “Casting the lot resolves disputes…” • Inspired commentary on the practice undergirds every biblical instance, New Testament included From Shadows to Pentecost • The apostles followed the same divinely sanctioned pattern: pray, cast lots, accept God’s verdict • After Acts 1:26 the Spirit arrives (Acts 2). Scripture records no further use of lots by the church, not because the method failed but because the Spirit now personally directs the body Key Takeaways • Casting lots was never gambling; it was sacred reliance on God’s rule • Old Testament precedent validated the apostles’ confidence that Matthias was God’s appointed twelfth witness • Each occurrence underscores the same truth: when choices are surrendered to the Lord, His purpose stands firm |
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