Topical Bible: King by Lot

◄ King by Lot ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

The concept of selecting a king by lot is a practice that finds its roots in the biblical tradition of casting lots to discern God's will. This method is seen as a means of allowing divine providence to guide the decision-making process, ensuring that the chosen leader is selected according to God's sovereign plan.

Biblical Precedents

The practice of casting lots is mentioned several times in the Bible, often as a way to make decisions or discern God's will. While the specific instance of selecting a king by lot is not explicitly detailed in the Scriptures, the broader principle of using lots to determine leadership or divine choice is evident.

One of the most notable examples of casting lots in the Bible is found in the selection of Matthias as an apostle to replace Judas Iscariot. In Acts 1:24-26 , the apostles prayed and cast lots to determine God's choice: "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."

Theological Significance

The use of lots in decision-making underscores the belief in God's active involvement in the affairs of His people. By casting lots, the Israelites and early Christians demonstrated their trust in God's sovereignty and His ability to guide them in choosing leaders who would fulfill His purposes.

In the Old Testament, the Urim and Thummim, which were possibly used in a similar manner to lots, were employed by the high priest to seek God's guidance on important matters (Exodus 28:30). This practice highlights the importance of seeking divine direction in leadership decisions.

Historical Context

While the Bible does not provide a direct account of a king being chosen by lot, the idea aligns with the broader biblical theme of God selecting leaders according to His will. The selection of Saul as the first king of Israel, for example, involved a process that emphasized divine choice. In 1 Samuel 10:20-24 , Samuel gathered the tribes of Israel, and through a process of elimination, Saul was identified as the chosen king, although the text does not specify the use of lots.

Implications for Leadership

The concept of selecting a king by lot serves as a reminder of the importance of seeking God's guidance in leadership decisions. It reflects a recognition that human wisdom is limited and that true leadership is established by God's authority. This principle encourages believers to trust in God's providence and to seek His will in all aspects of life, including the selection of leaders.

In summary, while the specific practice of choosing a king by lot is not explicitly detailed in the Bible, the broader principle of using lots to discern God's will is well-established. This method underscores the belief in divine sovereignty and the importance of seeking God's guidance in leadership decisions.

Nave's Topical Index

1 Samuel 10:20,21
And when Samuel had caused all the tribes of Israel to come near, the tribe of Benjamin was taken.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

The Appointment of a King Over the Israelites, Whose Name was Saul ...
... tribe, that which was called Matri was taken; and when the lot was cast for the
single persons of that family, Saul, the son of Kish, was taken for their king. ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 4 the appointment of.htm

How Moses Conquered Sihon and Og Kings of the Amorites, and ...
... And Destroyed Their Whole Army And Then Divided Their Land By Lot To Two ... Moses therefore
sent messengers to Sihon, the king of this country, desiring that he ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 5 how moses conquered.htm

A vision of the King.
... The Lord help us to have through His Word and in the power of His Spirit a greater
vision of the King and our blessed, eternal lot with Him. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/gaebelein/the lord of glory/a vision of the king.htm

Concerning Jeroboam King of Israel and Jonah the Prophet; and How ...
... This king was guilty of contumely against God, [18] and became very wicked in ... with
them was the occasion of this storm, and agreed to discover by lot which of ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 10 concerning jeroboam king.htm

The victory of the King
... then a pure, sinless human nature is capable of temptation, and the King has to ... all
that was distinctive in His position in a loving participation in our lot. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture a/the victory of the king.htm

Fragment ix. Of Abraham and Lot. ...
... contended with each other; and with mutual consent they separated, Lot choosing
to ... the four Syrian kings made war, whose leader was Chodollogomor king of ??lam ...
/.../africanus/the writings of julius africanus/fragment ix of abraham and.htm

The Net Spread
... the people of Mordecai.7. In the first month, that is, the month Nisan, in the twelfth
year of king Ahasuerus, they cast Pur, that is, the lot, before Haman ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/the net spread.htm

How Abram Fought with the Assyrians, and Overcame Them, and Saved ...
... Abram, when he had saved the captive Sodomites, who had been taken by the Assyrians,
and Lot also, his kinsman, returned home in peace. Now the king of Sodom ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 10 how abram fought.htm

The Shepherd-King
... Probably the lad had the usual lot of genius,"to grow up among uncongenial, commonplace ...
of Psalm 23.There were many worse schools for the future king than a ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/the shepherd-king.htm

The Buildings of More Eminent Note in Sion.
... within the lot of Judah,"how could this be, when Jerusalem, which was of the lot
of Benjamin ... it, not as he was sprung of Judah, but as he was the king of the ...
/.../lightfoot/from the talmud and hebraica/chapter 23 the buildings of.htm