Casting lots – What was that?

TL;DR:

Casting lots was a practice used by both believers and unbelievers to determine God’s will. We no longer cast lots today, instead relying on the Holy Spirit and God’s Word to help us determine God’s will.

what does the bible say?

Casting lots was a practice used to make impartial decisions to determine God's will in various situations. While the Bible does not give specifics about the actual lots used when casting lots— perhaps sticks of different lengths or flat stones flipped like coins—the practice of casting lots seems akin to the modern day flipping a coin. Casting lots revealed the people’s trust in God in making the decision and their waiting on Him for the answer. Casting lots was a tangible demonstration of their submission to Him. The Old Testament references casting lots multiple times, especially during the division of the Promised Land among the tribes of Israel. God instructed the Israelites to use lots for land division, discovering His will, and assigning temple responsibilities. The New Testament mentions casting lots several times as well, notably when the disciples chose Matthias to replace Judas and when Roman soldiers cast lots for Jesus' clothing. After Pentecost, Christians no longer cast lots, relying instead on the guidance of the Holy Spirit and the Bible to discern God's will.

from the old testament

Casting lots is mentioned most during the time when the Hebrews were taking the Promised Land and were deciding which tribes would occupy what portions of land (Joshua 14—21).
God also told the Israelites to use the casting of lots for land division (Numbers 26:55; 33:54; 34:13; 36:2), to discover His will for a certain situation (Joshua 18:6–10; 1 Chronicles 24:5, 31), and to decide who would have what responsibility in the temple (1 Chronicles 24:5, 31; 25:8–9; 26:13–14).
In Joshua 7:14–18, lots were used to identify Achan as the person responsible for Israel's defeat at Ai.
Non-followers of God also used the practice of casting lots. For example, when the boat Jonah voyaged upon was beset by storms, the sailors cast lots to find out who was responsible (Jonah 1:7).

from the new testament

In the New Testament, the disciples cast lots to decide who would replace Judas as a disciple. Matthias was chosen (Acts 1:26).
The Roman soldiers at Jesus' crucifixion cast lots for His clothing (Matthew 27:35).
It appears the practice of casting lots, at least among believers as a way to hear God's guidance, was halted after God sent the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. The New Testament contains no instructions for Christians to cast lots. The Word of God, the Bible, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit are sufficient to know God's will and to make decisions. "But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name," Jesus said in John 14:26, "he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you."

implications for today

While people in biblical times relied on casting lots to discern God's will, today we have the Holy Spirit to guide our decisions. Proverbs 16:33 reads, "The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the LORD." God is sovereign over our lives, assuring us that He is deeply involved in the outcomes of our choices. Instead of casting lots, we can now seek God's guidance through prayer, Scripture, and the work of the Holy Spirit. As we pray for wisdom, study God's Word, and are attentive to the Holy Spirit's leading, we can make decisions that align with God's purposes for us, knowing that He is presently active in our lives.

In practical terms, this means that before making any significant decision—such as about relationships, careers, or finances—we should intentionally seek God's direction. Consulting godly counsel and immersing ourselves in biblical principles helps us to discern God's will. Trusting in the Holy Spirit's guidance, we can approach decisions with confidence and peace, knowing that God is actively working for our good. Embracing this approach not only honors God but provides assurance that our decisions are being made under His sovereign care.

understand

Casting lots is referenced multiple times in the Old Testament and a few times in the New Testament.
In the Old Testament, God commanded the Israelites to cast lots for decisions such as land division and temple responsibilities, viewing it as a way to reveal His will.
It appears that the practice of casting lots ended for believers after Pentecost. the Holy Spirit and the Bible help us discern God's will.

reflect

How do you seek God's guidance in decision-making, and how can you better listen to the Holy Spirit?
Recall a time of uncertainty in your decisions. How did you seek God's will, and what did you learn?
How can you deepen your engagement with God's Word and prayer to align your choices with His purposes?

engage

Christians do not believe in luck. Whether God intentionally willed something or allowed it to happen, everything happens under His sovereignty. Even something as random as casting lots is not outside of God’s sovereign control (Proverbs 16:33) and works for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28).
Why was casting lots significant in biblical times, and what does it teach us about trusting God?
How has the Holy Spirit changed the way believers discern God's will compared to casting lots?