What was the practice of casting lots?

Answer

The practice of casting lots is mentioned seventy times in the Old Testament and seven times in the New Testament. Despite the numerous references to casting lots in the Old Testament, little is known about the actual lots themselves. They could have been sticks of various lengths, flat stones like coins, or some kind of dice, but their exact nature remains unknown. The closest modern practice to casting lots is likely flipping a coin.

The practice of casting lots occurs most often in connection with the division of the land under Joshua (Joshua chapters 14-21), a procedure that God instructed the Israelites on several times in the book of Numbers (Numbers 26:55;Numbers 33:54;Numbers 34:13;36:2). God allowed the Israelites to cast lots to determine His will for a given situation (Joshua 18:6-10;1 Chronicles 24:5,31). Various offices and functions in the temple were also determined by lot (1 Chronicles 24:5,31;25:8-9;26:13-14). The sailors on Jonah’s ship “And they said every one to his fellow, ‘Come, and let us cast lots, that we may know for whose cause this evil is upon us.’ So they cast lots, and the lot fell upon Jonah.”, (Jonah 1:7) also cast lots to determine who had brought God’s wrath upon their ship. The eleven apostles cast lots to determine who would replace Judas “And they cast lots for them, and the lot fell on Matthias; and he was numbered with the eleven apostles.”, (Acts 1:26).

Ave forth their lots; and the lot fell upon Matthias; and he was numbered with the eleven apostles.” (Acts 1:26). Casting lots eventually became a game people played and made wagers on. This is seen in the Roman soldiers casting lots for Jesus’ garments “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 upon my vesture did they cast lots.” (Matthew 27:35).

The New Testament nowhere instructs Christians to use a method similar to casting lots to help with decision-making. Now that we have the completed Word of God, as well as the indwelling Holy Spirit to guide us, there is no reason to be using games of chance to make decisions. The Word, the Spirit, and prayer are sufficient for discerning God’s will today—not casting lots, rolling dice, or flipping a coin.