What was the practice of casting lots? | GotQuestions.org

What was the practice of casting lots? The practice of casting lots is mentioned 70 times in the

Old Testament and seven times in the New Testament. In spite of the many references to casting lots in the

Old Testament, nothing 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 is 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 land under Joshua, a procedure that God instructed the

Israelites on several times in the book of Numbers. God allowed the Israelites to cast lots in order to determine

His will for a given situation. Various offices and functions in the temple were also determined by lot.

The sailors on Jonah's ship 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. Casting lots eventually became a game people played and made wagers on.

This is seen in the Roman soldiers casting lots for Jesus' garments. 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 work 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 all sufficient for discerning God's will today, not casting lots, rolling dice, or flipping a coin.