In biblical times, casting lots was a common practice used to make decisions, often with a sense of seeking divine guidance. The book of Acts records the apostles using this method to select a new disciple, as seen in Acts 1:26. The wisdom literature, such as Proverbs 16:33 and 18:18, notes that the outcome of casting lots is ultimately from the Lord. This practice is also mentioned in the context of Jesus' crucifixion, as in Matthew 27:35 and Psalms 22:18, highlighting the fulfillment of prophecy. The Bible presents casting lots as a means of discerning God's will in uncertain situations.
Relevance Score
26%
Then they cast lots, and the lot fell to Matthias; so he was added to the eleven apostles.
“Come!” said the sailors to one another. “Let us cast lots to find out who is responsible for this calamity that is upon us.” So they cast lots, and the lot fell on Jonah.
After Aaron casts lots for the two goats, one for the LORD and the other for the scapegoat,
And they crucified Him. They also divided His garments by casting lots to decide what each of them would take.
In the twelfth year of King Xerxes, in the first month, the month of Nisan, the Pur (that is, the lot) was cast before Haman to determine a day and month. And the lot fell on the twelfth month, the month of Adar.
After Aaron casts lots for the two goats, one for the LORD and the other for the scapegoat, he shall present the goat chosen by lot for the LORD and sacrifice it as a sin offering. But the goat chosen by lot as the scapegoat shall be presented alive before the LORD to make atonement by sending it into the wilderness as the scapegoat.
And Joshua cast lots for them in the presence of the LORD at Shiloh, where he distributed the land to the Israelites according to their divisions.
he was chosen by lot, according to the custom of the priesthood, to enter the temple of the Lord and burn incense.
Indeed, the land must be divided by lot; they shall receive their inheritance according to the names of the tribes of their fathers.
So they said to one another, “Let us not tear it. Instead, let us cast lots to see who will get it.” This was to fulfill the Scripture: “They divided My garments among them, and cast lots for My clothing.” So that is what the soldiers did.
Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” And they divided up His garments by casting lots.
Then Saul said, “Cast the lot between me and my son Jonathan.” And Jonathan was selected.
Thus they were divided by lot, for there were officers of the sanctuary and officers of God among both Eleazar’s and Ithamar’s descendants.
We have cast lots among the priests, Levites, and people for the donation of wood by our families at the appointed times each year. They are to bring it to the house of our God to burn on the altar of the LORD our God, as it is written in the Law.