In both the Old and New Testament (before the Bible was complete and the Holy Spirit came to dwell in believers), God’s people cast lots to better know the mind or the will of the Lord.
Some characterize this as “gambling” or “luck,” but it was neither according to God’s Word.
“The lot is cast into the lap; but the whole disposing thereof is of the LORD.”
—Proverbs 16:33
What exactly were casting lots?
Casting lots was a method used by the Jews of the Old Testament and by the Christian disciples prior to Pentecost to determine the will of God. Lots could be sticks with markings, stones with symbols, etc., that were thrown into a small area and then the result was interpreted.
In the Old Testament, God instructed his people to cast lots for many things: picking the scapegoat, priestly duties, the original tribal inheritances, and others.
Saul sought out a witch when he did not hear from God. One of the ways Saul sought God was through the Urim, a type of lot used by the high priest.
“And when Saul enquired of the LORD, the LORD answered him not, neither by dreams, nor by Urim, nor by prophets.”
—1 Samuel 28:6
When Judas turned traitor, the eleven apostles who were left cast lots to determine one to take Judas’ place.
“Wherefore of these men which have companied with us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, Beginning from the baptism of John, unto that same day that he was taken up from us, must one be ordained to be a witness with us of his resurrection. And they appointed two, Joseph called Barsabas, who was surnamed Justus, and Matthias. nd they prayed, and said, Thou, Lord, which knowest the hearts of all men, shew whether of these two thou hast chosen, That he may take part of this ministry and apostleship, from which Judas by transgression fell, that he might go to his own place. And they gave forth their lots; and the lot fell upon Matthias; and he was numbered with the eleven apostles.
—Acts 1:21-26
Lots were cast before the coming of the Holy Spirit, which is a much more precise Guide to God’s will.
These lots were cast before the coming of the Holy Spirit and before the New Testament was written. Believers now have both as guides to the truth.
“And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.”
—John 14:16-17
Again, there is no such thing as “luck.”
God controls all.
“The lot causeth contentions to cease, and parteth between the mighty.”
—Proverbs 18:18
[This article resulted from a recent discussion on the topic of casting lots in the Bible.]
“For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.”
-–Romans 1:16
THE GOSPEL
“Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:”
–1 Corinthians 15:1-4
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- Hand of God: No Such Thing as Chance
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- Hand of God: No Such Thing as Karma
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by Jeremiah Jameson
–with Mondo Frazier
image: ETPR/Stuart Miles, FreeDigitalPhotos.net/ETPR
© Jeremiah J. Jameson and End Times Prophecy Report, 2012-15. © Mondo Frazier and End Times Prophecy Report, DBKP 2007-2015. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Jeremiah J. Jameson and End Times Prophecy Report with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.
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