Lotteries, as a form of gambling, involve the drawing of lots for a prize. While the Bible does not explicitly mention lotteries as they are known today, the practice of casting lots is referenced in several passages. The casting of lots in biblical times was often used as a means to make decisions or discern God's will, rather than for personal gain or entertainment.

Casting Lots in the Bible

The practice of casting lots is seen in various contexts throughout the Scriptures. In the Old Testament, lots were used to distribute land among the tribes of Israel (Joshua 18:10: "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."). This method was considered a way to ensure fairness and divine guidance in decision-making.

In the New Testament, the casting of lots is mentioned in the selection of Matthias as an apostle to replace Judas Iscariot (Acts 1:26: "Then they cast lots, and the lot fell to Matthias; so he was added to the eleven apostles."). This instance reflects the early church's reliance on God's sovereignty in choosing leaders.

Gambling and Wealth

The Bible contains numerous warnings about the pursuit of wealth and the dangers of greed. Proverbs 13:11 states, "Dishonest wealth will dwindle, but what is earned through hard work will be multiplied." This verse highlights the value of honest labor over the pursuit of quick riches, which is often the motivation behind participating in lotteries.

Additionally, 1 Timothy 6:10 warns, "For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. By craving it, some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows." This passage underscores the spiritual peril associated with the love of money, a common temptation in gambling activities like lotteries.

Stewardship and Contentment

The concept of stewardship is central to the biblical understanding of wealth and resources. Believers are called to manage their resources wisely and for God's glory. In Matthew 25:14-30, the Parable of the Talents illustrates the importance of faithful stewardship and the expectation that God's people will use their resources responsibly.

Contentment is another key biblical principle that contrasts with the desire to gain wealth through lotteries. Philippians 4:11-12 expresses the Apostle Paul's attitude: "I am not saying this out of need, for I have learned to be content regardless of my circumstances. I know how to live humbly, and I know how to abound. I am accustomed to any and every situation—to being filled and being hungry, to having plenty and having need."

Moral and Ethical Considerations

From a moral and ethical standpoint, the participation in lotteries raises questions about the stewardship of resources, the potential for addiction, and the impact on individuals and families. The allure of winning large sums of money can lead to irresponsible financial behavior and neglect of one's duties to family and community.

In summary, while the Bible does not directly address modern lotteries, the principles of stewardship, contentment, and the dangers of greed provide guidance for believers in considering their participation in such activities. The biblical examples of casting lots were primarily for seeking God's will, not for personal enrichment, which contrasts with the motivations often associated with lotteries today.1 Timothy 6:10
For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.
Topicalbible.org

Hebrews 13:5
Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as you have: for he has said, I will never leave you, nor forsake you.
Topicalbible.org

Sandemanians.
... diversions, so far as they are not connected with circumstances really sinful; but,
apprehending a lot to be sacred, disapprove of lotteries, playing at cards ...
//christianbookshelf.org/hayward/the book of religions/sandemanians.htm

A Liberal Church
... There would then be no occasion to resort to fairs, lotteries, or parties
of pleasure to secure funds for the support of the gospel. ...
/.../white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 32 a liberal church.htm

Life at Herrnhut.
... height. No barrel-dancer rolled his empty barrel. No tout for lotteries
swindled the simple. No juggler mystified the children. ...
/.../hutton/history of the moravian church/chapter iv life at herrnhut.htm

Power Hindered.
... of introducing questionable entertainments. There are the lotteries, for
instance, that we have in many churches. If a man wants ...
//christianbookshelf.org/moody/secret power/chapter v power hindered.htm

A Warning Rejected.
... Gift concerts, gift enterprises and raffles, sometimes in aid of religious or
charitable objects, but often for less worthy purposes, lotteries, prize packages ...
/.../white/the great controversy between christ and satan /21 a warning rejected.htm

A Warning Rejected
... Gift concerts, gift enterprises and raffles, sometimes in aid of religious or
charitable objects, but often for less worthy purposes, lotteries, prize packages ...
/.../white/the great controversy/chapter 21 a warning rejected.htm

General Index.
... Lord's supper, supplanted by the mass, 59. Lot, escape of, 431, 512. Lotteries,
387. Louis XV., selfishness of, 280. Louis XVI., execution of, 230. ...
/.../white/the great controversy between christ and satan /general index.htm

Tendencies of Religious Thought in England, 1688-1750.
Essays and Reviews: The Education of the World. <. ...
/.../tendencies of religious thought in.htm

What was the practice of casting lots? | GotQuestions.org

Was Matthias or Paul God's choice to replace Judas as the 12th apostle? | GotQuestions.org

Is gambling a sin? What does the Bible say about gambling? | GotQuestions.org

Lots: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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