WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY ABOUT CASTING LOTS TO FIND GOD'S WILL?

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY ABOUT CASTING LOTS TO FIND GOD'S WILL?

Casting lots was a common practice in the Bible used to make decisions or determine God's will in situations where it was difficult to discern. In ancient times, lots were typically pieces of wood, stones, or even bones that were marked with symbols or numbers. They were thrown or drawn in order to make decisions by chance.

Here are some examples of casting lots in the Bible:

1. In the Old Testament, the Israelites cast lots to divide the land among the twelve tribes (Numbers 26:55-56). They also cast lots to determine the scapegoat on the Day of Atonement (Leviticus 16:8).
2. In the book of Esther, Haman cast lots to determine the day when he would destroy the Jews (Esther 3:7-9).
3. In the New Testament, the soldiers cast lots to divide Jesus' garments at his crucifixion (Matthew 27:35).
4. In the book of Acts, the apostles cast lots to determine who would replace Judas Iscariot among them (Acts 1:26).

While the Bible mentions the practice of casting lots, it is important to note that it was not always seen as a reliable or authoritative way to determine God's will. Proverbs 16:33 says, "The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the Lord." This suggests that while lots may be used to make decisions, ultimately, it is God who determines the outcome. In modern times, Christians may choose to seek God's will through prayer, reading the Bible, seeking wise counsel, and using discernment in decision-making.