Definition and Purpose:
Casting lots is an ancient practice used to discern the will of God, make decisions, or allocate responsibilities. It is akin to drawing straws or rolling dice, where the outcome is believed to be divinely influenced. This practice is mentioned numerous times in the Bible and was considered a legitimate means of decision-making in both the Old and New Testaments.

Old Testament Usage:
In the Old Testament, casting lots was often used to determine God's will in various situations. For example, the Israelites used lots to divide the Promised Land among the twelve tribes. Joshua 18:10 states, "Joshua cast lots for them in Shiloh in the presence of the LORD, and there he distributed the land to the Israelites according to their divisions."

The practice was also used to identify individuals for specific roles or responsibilities. In 1 Chronicles 24:5 , lots were cast to organize the priests: "They divided them impartially by casting lots, for there were officials of the sanctuary and officials of God among the descendants of both Eleazar and Ithamar."

Casting lots was also employed to determine guilt or innocence. In the account of Jonah, the sailors cast lots to find out who was responsible for the storm threatening their ship. Jonah 1:7 records, "Come, let us cast lots, so that we may know who is responsible for this calamity that is upon us. So they cast lots, and the lot fell on Jonah."

New Testament Usage:
In the New Testament, casting lots is notably mentioned in the selection of Matthias as an apostle to replace Judas Iscariot. Acts 1:26 states, "Then they cast lots, and the lot fell to Matthias; so he was added to the eleven apostles." This event underscores the early church's reliance on divine guidance through this method.

Theological Significance:
Casting lots is seen as a way to seek God's guidance in decision-making, reflecting a belief in His sovereignty over all outcomes. Proverbs 16:33 encapsulates this view: "The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the LORD." This suggests that while humans may cast lots, the ultimate decision is determined by God.

Cultural and Historical Context:
The practice of casting lots was common in ancient Near Eastern cultures, not just among the Israelites. It was a practical method for making impartial decisions and was often used in situations where human judgment might be biased or insufficient.

Modern Reflections:
While casting lots is not a common practice in contemporary Christian decision-making, it serves as a historical example of seeking divine guidance. Today, Christians are more likely to rely on prayer, Scripture, and the counsel of the Holy Spirit for guidance, reflecting a shift from external signs to internal discernment.

Conclusion:
Casting lots in the Bible represents a tangible expression of faith in God's providence and sovereignty. It highlights the importance of seeking divine direction in all aspects of life, a principle that remains relevant for believers today.Proverbs 16:33
The lot is cast into the lap; but the whole disposing thereof is of the LORD.
Topicalbible.org

Matthew 27:35
And they crucified him, and parted his garments, casting lots: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, They parted my garments among them, and on my clothing did they cast lots.
Topicalbible.org

Proverbs 18:18
The lot causes contentions to cease, and parts between the mighty.
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Jonah 1:7
And they said every one to his fellow, Come, and let us cast lots, that we may know for whose cause this evil is on us. So they cast lots, and the lot fell on Jonah.
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Numbers 34:13
And Moses commanded the children of Israel, saying, This is the land which you shall inherit by lot, which the LORD commanded to give to the nine tribes, and to the half tribe:
Topicalbible.org

Luke 1:9
According to the custom of the priest's office, his lot was to burn incense when he went into the temple of the Lord.
Topicalbible.org

2819. kleros -- a lot
... Scripture encourages casting lots (2819 ) to better discern the preferred-
will of God (cf. 2307 and their association in Col 1:9-12). ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2819.htm - 8k

2816. kleronomeo -- to inherit
... Cognate: 2816 (from 2818 , "a specific allotment of inheritance, apportioned by
casting lots") -- properly, to assign inheritance (inherit) by . ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2816.htm - 8k

2820. kleroo -- to assign by lot
... Cognate: 2820 (from 2819 , "to cast lots") -- properly, make a choice when assisted
by casting (cf. S. Zodhiates, ); to appoint (assign) by lot-casting. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2820.htm - 7k

2817. kleronomia -- an inheritance
... Cognate: 2817 (a feminine noun derived from 2818 , "an heir, apportioned inheritance
by the casting of lots") -- , awarded by , ie the portion () (cf. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2817.htm - 7k

1486. goral -- a lot (for casting)
... Origin from an unused word Definition a lot (for casting) NASB Word Usage allotted
(2), allotted portion (1), choice (1), land (1), lot (53), lots (15), lots ...
/hebrew/1486.htm - 6k

Whether Divination by Drawing Lots is Unlawful?
... If by casting lots one seeks to know what is to be given to whom, whether it be
a possession, an honor, a dignity, a punishment, or some action or other, it is ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether divination by drawing lots.htm

John Chapter xix. 23, 24
... For Matthew says, "And after they crucified Him, they parted His garments, casting
lots." [1882] Mark: "And they crucified Him, and parted His garments ...
/.../augustine/homilies on the gospel of john/tractate cxviii john chapter xix.htm

Of the Concord Preserved among all the Four Evangelists on the ...
... Matthew goes on thus: "And after they crucified Him, they parted His garments, casting
lots: and sitting down, they watched Him." [1381] Mark reports the same ...
/.../augustine/the harmony of the gospels/chapter xii of the concord preserved.htm

Synoptical Table
... 35 And they crucified him, and parted his garments, casting lots: that it might
be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, They parted my garments among them ...
//christianbookshelf.org/unknown/the gospel of peter/synoptical table.htm

The Death which Gives Life
... not.24. And when they had crucified Him, they parted His garments, casting
lots upon them, what every man should take.25. And it ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture d/the death which gives life.htm

An Eye-Witness's Account of the Crucifixion
... He says little about the act of fixing Jesus to the Cross, but enlarges what the
other Evangelists tell as to the soldiers 'casting lots.' He had heard what ...
/.../an eye-witnesss account of the.htm

The Crucifixion
... And they crucified Him, and parted His garments, casting lots: that it might be
fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, They parted My garments among them ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture b/the crucifixion.htm

Other Predictions of the Cross of Christ.
... Him, driving in the nails, they pierced His hands and feet; and those who crucified
Him parted His garments among themselves, each casting lots for what he ...
/.../chapter xcvii other predictions of the.htm

Christ Crucified
... And they crucify Him, and part His garments among them, casting lots upon them,
what each should take. And it was the third hour, and they crucified Him. ...
/.../chadwick/the gospel of st mark/chapter 15 21-32 christ crucified.htm

Concerning John of Gischala. Concerning the Zealots and the High ...
... to try what surprise the people would be under, and how far their own power extended,
they undertook to dispose of the high priesthood by casting lots for it ...
/.../chapter 3 concerning john of.htm

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