Topical Encyclopedia The practice of electing rulers by lot is a method of decision-making and selection that appears in various instances throughout the Bible. This method is characterized by the casting of lots to determine God's will in the appointment of leaders or the distribution of responsibilities. The use of lots is seen as a means to ensure divine guidance and impartiality, reflecting a trust in God's sovereignty over human affairs.Old Testament Instances One of the earliest examples of casting lots is found in the selection of the scapegoat during the Day of Atonement. Leviticus 16:8 states, "After Aaron casts lots for the two goats, one for the LORD and the other for the scapegoat," indicating the use of lots to determine which goat would be sacrificed and which would be released, symbolizing the removal of sin. In the allocation of the Promised Land among the tribes of Israel, lots were used to ensure a fair and divinely guided distribution. Numbers 26:55-56 records, "But the land must be divided by lot; they shall receive their inheritance according to the names of their ancestral tribes. Each inheritance is to be divided by lot among the larger and smaller tribes." This method underscored the belief that God controlled the outcome, ensuring each tribe received its rightful portion. The selection of Saul as the first king of Israel also involved the casting of lots. In 1 Samuel 10:20-21, the process is described: "Then Samuel had all the tribes of Israel come forward, and the tribe of Benjamin was selected. Next, he had the tribe of Benjamin come forward by its clans, and the clan of Matri was selected. Finally, Saul son of Kish was selected." This event highlights the use of lots in confirming God's choice for leadership. New Testament Practice In the New Testament, the casting of lots is notably used in the selection of Matthias as an apostle to replace Judas Iscariot. Acts 1:24-26 recounts, "And they prayed, 'Lord, You know everyone's heart. Show us which of these two You have chosen to take up this ministry and apostleship, which Judas abandoned to go to his rightful place.' Then they cast lots, and the lot fell to Matthias; so he was added to the eleven apostles." This instance demonstrates the early church's reliance on divine guidance through lots in making significant decisions. Theological Implications The election of rulers by lot in the biblical context is deeply rooted in the belief in God's providence and omniscience. It reflects a trust that God is actively involved in the governance of His people and that His will can be discerned through seemingly random processes. This practice underscores the importance of seeking divine direction in leadership decisions and acknowledges human limitations in understanding God's purposes. While the use of lots is not a common practice in contemporary Christian governance, the underlying principle of seeking God's will in leadership selection remains a vital aspect of Christian thought. The biblical examples serve as a reminder of the need for prayerful consideration and reliance on God's guidance in all aspects of life, including the appointment of leaders. Nave's Topical Index Nehemiah 11:1And the rulers of the people dwelled at Jerusalem: the rest of the people also cast lots, to bring one of ten to dwell in Jerusalem the holy city, and nine parts to dwell in other cities. Nave's Topical Index Library Election and Ordination of Bishops: Form of Service on Sundays. Reprobation Asserted: Or, the Doctrine of Eternal Election and ... Life at Herrnhut. Acts i. 12 Opposition to Messiah in Vain Translated from the Greek. Christian Cemeteries. The Last Farewell in the Presence of the one Hundred and Fifty ... Aron, Brother of Moses, 486, 487. Rom. viii. 28 Resources What is conditional election? | GotQuestions.orgUnconditional election - is it biblical? | GotQuestions.org What is corporate election? | GotQuestions.org Election: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Election of Christ, As Messiah Election of Grace of Christ As Messiah Election of Grace of Good Angels Election of Grace of Ministers Election of Saints, Is by Christ Election of Saints, Is for the Glory of God Election of Saints, Is in Christ Election of Saints, Is of Grace Election of Saints, Is: According to the Foreknowledge of God Election of Saints, Is: According to the Purpose of God Election of Saints, Is: Eternal Election of Saints, Is: Irrespective of Merit Election of Saints, Is: Personal Election of Saints, Is: Recorded in Heaven Election of Saints, Is: Sovereign Election of Saints, Is: Through Faith Election of Saints, Is: Through Sanctification of the Spirit Election of Saints, Is: To Adoption Election of Saints, Is: To Conformity With Christ Election of Saints, Is: To Eternal Glory Election of Saints, Is: To Good Works Election of Saints, Is: To Salvation Election of Saints, Is: To Spiritual Warfare Election: Ensures to Saints: Acceptance With God Election: Ensures to Saints: Belief in Christ Election: Ensures to Saints: Blessedness Election: Ensures to Saints: Divine Teaching Election: Ensures to Saints: Effectual Calling Election: Ensures to Saints: Protection Election: Ensures to Saints: The Inheritance Election: Ensures to Saints: Vindication of Their Wrongs Election: Ensures to Saints: Working of all Things for Good Election: Saints May Have Assurance of Election: should be Evidenced by Diligence Election: should Lead to Cultivation of Graces Related Terms |
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