Lots, Casting: Divine Decision-Making in Scripture
A method used in biblical times to seek God's guidance through chance-based selection processes, involving dice, stones, or other physical objects.
Biblical Practice and Purpose
In the Bible there are several accounts of the casting of lots by dice and other physical objects to arrive at a decision in various situations (1 Sam 14:41; Est 3:7; Jnh 1:7; Mt 27:35). This practice was employed when human wisdom alone could not determine God's will, and the outcome was understood to be directed by divine providence rather than mere chance (Prov 16:33). The lot was cast into the lap, but its every decision was from the Lord, demonstrating that God sovereignly used this method to reveal His purposes when no other means were available.
Don't resort to things or chance to determine guidance
Apostolic Example
The disciples also used this method to choose a replacement for Judas (Act 1:24-26). This is the last recorded instance in the Bible. Following Pentecost and the coming of the Holy Spirit, there is no further mention of lots being used by believers for decision-making. The timing is significant: this final use of lots occurred during the ten-day gap between Christ's ascension and the Day of Pentecost, while the believers were still waiting for the promised Spirit.
The Spirit provides direct guidance to believers
New Covenant Guidance
We have the complete Word of God, the Holy Spirit within, and together with prayer and using our reasoning power, are able to discern the will of God without outside 'help'. The indwelling Spirit provides believers with direct access to divine wisdom.
Scripture and prayer suffice for knowing God's will
Under the old covenant, God's Spirit did not permanently indwell all believers, so lots served as a legitimate means for discerning divine will. Similarly, Gideon's fleece test (Jdg 6:36-40) was graciously accommodated by God during this era of limited revelation. Under the new covenant, every believer has the Spirit within (Rom 8:9), the complete canon of Scripture (2 Tim 3:16-17), and the mind of Christ (1 Cor 2:16). These superior means make lots and fleece-like signs unnecessary and potentially superstitious.
Reflection and Application:
- Trust in the Holy Spirit's guidance rather than seeking signs through random methods.
- Use Scripture as the primary source for discerning God's will in your life.
- Combine prayer with wise counsel when facing important decisions.
- Exercise the reasoning abilities God has given you, guided by biblical principles.
See also: chance, fleece, gambling, guidance (divine), luck.