In the Bible, “lots” refers to objects (such as stones or pieces of wood) used for casting or making decisions, often to discern God’s will or to allocate responsibilities. This practice is seen in several passages, including the selection of Matthias as an apostle (Acts 1:26) and the division of the Promised Land among the tribes of Israel (Joshua 14:2).
Scripture
10 Joshua cast lots for them in Shiloh before the Lord. So there Joshua apportioned the land to the people of Israel, to each his portion.
11 Then the lot of the tribe of the people of Benjamin according to its clans came up, and the territory allotted to it fell between the people of Judah and the people of Joseph.
12 Then their boundary goes along on the western side southward, from the Great Sea.
13 The boundary goes down to the edge of the mountain that overlooks the Valley of the Son of Hinnom, which is at the north end of the Valley of Rephaim. And it then goes down the Valley of Hinnom, south of the shoulder of the Jebusites, and downward to En-rogel.
14 Then the boundary goes in another direction, turning on the western side southward from the mountain that lies to the south, opposite Beth-horon, and it ends at Kiriath-baal (that is, Kiriath-jearim), a city of the people of Judah. This forms the western side.
15 And the south side was from the edge of Kiriath-jearim. And the boundary goes on westward to the spring of the waters of Nephtoah.
16 Then the boundary goes down to the border of the mountain that overlooks the Valley of the Son of Hinnom, which is at the north end of the Valley of Rephaim. And it then goes down the Valley of Hinnom, south of the shoulder of the Jebusites, and downward to En-rogel.
17 Then it goes down westward to the territory of the Japhletites, as far as the territory of Lower Beth-horon, then to Gezer, and it ends at the sea.
18 Then the boundary goes down to the border of the mountain that overlooks the Valley of the Son of Hinnom, which is at the north end of the Valley of Rephaim. And it then goes down the Valley of Hinnom, south of the shoulder of the Jebusites, and downward to En-rogel.
19 The boundary passes on to the north of the shoulder of Beth-hoglah. Then the boundary ends at the northern bay of the Salt Sea, at the south end of the Jordan: this is the southern border.
20 The Jordan forms its boundary on the eastern side. This is the inheritance of the people of Benjamin, according to their clans, boundary by boundary all around.
21 Now the cities of the tribe of the people of Benjamin according to their clans were Jericho, Beth-hoglah, Emek-keziz,
22 Beth-arabah, Zemaraim, Bethel,
23 Avvim, Parah, Ophrah,
24 Chephar-ammoni, Ophni, and Geba: twelve cities with their villages.
25 Gibeon, Ramah, Beeroth,
26 In Mizpeh, Chephar-haammoni, Ophni,
27 Rekem, Irpeel, Taralah,
28 Zela, Haeleph, Jebus (that is, Jerusalem), Gibeah and Kiriath-jearim—fourteen cities with their villages.
Meaning of “Lots” in the Bible
In the Bible, the casting of lots serves a significant role in discerning divine will and allocating responsibilities among God’s people. This practice symbolizes a reliance on God’s sovereignty, reflecting a belief that even random processes are under divine guidance. For instance, the decision to select Matthias as an apostle in Acts 1:26 highlights the early church’s trust in God to direct their choices after the departure of Judas Iscariot. The apostles gathered and prayed, ultimately casting lots, which resulted in Matthias being chosen to fulfill the apostolic mission. This incident underscores not only a method of decision-making but also a demonstration of faith that God’s providence is at work in human affairs.
Moreover, the division of the Promised Land among the tribes of Israel, as recorded in Joshua 14:2, illustrates the communal aspect of casting lots. This allocation signifies God’s promise to His people and the fulfillment of His covenant, as the land was divided according to His will. The practice of lots can also be seen as a form of maintaining unity and fairness within the community, as it removes personal bias from the decision-making process. Throughout the scriptures, the underlying theological principle is clear: while humans may initiate the process, the outcome ultimately reflects God’s intentional governance over their destinies, reinforcing the belief that all aspects of life, including critical decisions, are influenced by divine providence.
In addition to the aforementioned instances, the practice of casting lots appears in various scenarios, often associated with significant moments in Israel’s history. One notable example is found in the book of Jonah, where sailors cast lots to determine who among them is responsible for the storm that threatens their ship. This act emphasizes God’s sovereignty even in the midst of disobedience, as the lot points directly to Jonah, prompting him to acknowledge his role in the calamity. This moment reveals how the casting of lots can serve as a means of revealing divine truth and bringing about acknowledgment of wrongdoings, ultimately leading to repentance and reconciliation.
In the Book of Esther, casting lots is again used to decide on a critical action. Haman, driven by animosity towards the Jewish people, chooses a date for the annihilation of the Jews through the casting of lots, known as Purim. The randomness of the lots contrasts with the eventual divine intervention that results in deliverance for the Jewish people, culminating in the establishment of the festival of Purim to commemorate their salvation. This duality demonstrates that while human actions may appear arbitrary, God’s plans and purposes prevail, providing hope and redemption even in dire circumstances. Through these accounts, the theme of lots illustrates a larger theological narrative in the scriptures: God’s hand guides the unfolding of human history, often through unexpected channels.
Divine Guidance and Decision-Making
In biblical contexts, “lots” often symbolize a method of seeking divine guidance in decision-making. The practice of casting lots was used to determine God’s will in uncertain situations, reflecting a reliance on divine providence. This method underscores the belief that God is sovereign and can direct human affairs through seemingly random processes, allowing individuals or communities to discern His intentions.
Distribution of Inheritance and Resources
Another significant meaning of “lots” in the Bible pertains to the distribution of land, resources, or responsibilities among people. In the Old Testament, lots were cast to allocate territories among the tribes of Israel, ensuring a fair and divinely sanctioned division of the Promised Land. This practice highlights themes of justice, equity, and the importance of community in the biblical narrative, as it emphasizes that resources and blessings are to be shared according to God’s plan.
Symbol of Fate and Chance
Additionally, “lots” can represent the concept of fate or chance within the biblical framework. While the act of casting lots may appear random, it is often viewed as being under God’s control, suggesting that even what seems to be left to chance is ultimately part of His divine order. This duality reflects the tension between human agency and divine sovereignty, illustrating how God can work through various means, including what appears to be arbitrary, to fulfill His purposes.
How to Seek Divine Guidance in Everyday Decisions
Seeking divine guidance in our everyday decisions is a beautiful journey that invites us to deepen our relationship with God. Start by cultivating a habit of prayer, where you not only present your concerns but also listen for His voice in the stillness of your heart. Scripture is a powerful tool; immerse yourself in the Word, allowing it to illuminate your path and provide wisdom for the choices you face. Surround yourself with a community of fellow believers who can offer support and insight, as Proverbs 27:17 reminds us that “iron sharpens iron.” Finally, trust in the Holy Spirit’s leading, even when the way seems unclear; sometimes, the most profound guidance comes through a gentle nudge or a sense of peace about a decision. Remember, seeking God’s will is not just about the big choices but also about inviting Him into the small, everyday moments of your life.
Bible References to the Meaning of “Lots”:
1 Samuel 14:41-42: 41 Therefore Saul said, “O Lord God of Israel, why have you not answered your servant this day? If this guilt is in me or in Jonathan my son, O Lord, God of Israel, give Urim. But if this guilt is in your people Israel, give Thummim.” And Jonathan and Saul were taken, but the people escaped.
42 Then Saul said, “Cast the lot between me and my son Jonathan.” And Jonathan was taken.
1 Chronicles 24:5-19: 5 Thus they were divided by lot, one as well as the other, for there were officers of the sanctuary and officers of God among the sons of Eleazar and among the sons of Ithamar.
6 And the scribe Shemaiah, the son of Nethanel, a Levite, recorded them in the presence of the king and the princes and Zadok the priest and Ahimelech the son of Abiathar and the heads of the fathers’ houses of the priests and of the Levites, one father’s house being chosen for Eleazar and one chosen for Ithamar.
7 The first lot fell to Jehoiarib, the second to Jedaiah,
8 the third to Harim, the fourth to Seorim,
9 the fifth to Malchijah, the sixth to Mijamin,
10 the seventh to Hakkoz, the eighth to Abijah,
11 the ninth to Jeshua, the tenth to Shecaniah,
12 the eleventh to Eliashib, the twelfth to Jakim,
13 the thirteenth to Huppah, the fourteenth to Jeshebeab,
14 The fifteenth to Bilgah, the sixteenth to Immer,
15 The seventeenth to Hezir, the eighteenth to Happizzez
16 The nineteenth to Pethahiah, the twentieth to Jehezkel,
17 the twenty-third to Delaiah, the twenty-fourth to Maaziah.
18 the twenty-third to Delaiah, the twenty-fourth to Maaziah.
19 These had as their appointed duty in their service to come into the house of the Lord according to the procedure established for them by Aaron their father, as the Lord God of Israel had commanded him.
Nehemiah 10:34-39: 34 We obligate ourselves to bring the firstfruits of our ground and the firstfruits of all fruit of every tree, year by year, to the house of the Lord;
35 We obligate ourselves to bring the firstfruits of our ground and the firstfruits of all fruit of every tree, year by year, to the house of the Lord;
36 also to bring the first of our dough, and our contributions, the fruit of every tree, the wine and the oil, to the priests, to the chambers of the house of our God; and to bring to the Levites the tithes from our ground, for it is the Levites who collect the tithes in all our towns.
37 and to bring the first of our dough, and our contributions, the fruit of every tree, the wine and the oil, to the priests, to the chambers of the house of our God; and to bring to the Levites the tithes from our ground, for it is the Levites who collect the tithes in all our towns where we labor.
38 And the priest, the son of Aaron, shall be with the Levites when the Levites receive the tithes. And the Levites shall bring up the tithe of the tithes to the house of our God, to the chambers of the storehouse.
39 For the people of Israel and the sons of Levi shall bring the contribution of grain, wine, and oil to the storerooms where the vessels of the sanctuary are, as well as the priests who minister, and the gatekeepers and the singers. We will not neglect the house of our God.”
Esther 3:7-13: 7 In the first month, which is the month of Nisan, in the twelfth year of King Ahasuerus, they cast Pur (that is, they cast lots) before Haman day after day; and they cast it month after month till the twelfth month, which is the month of Adar.
8 Then Haman said to King Ahasuerus, “There is a certain people scattered abroad and dispersed among the peoples in all the provinces of your kingdom. Their laws are different from those of every other people, and they do not keep the king’s laws, so that it is not to the king’s profit to tolerate them.
9 If it please the king, let it be decreed that they be destroyed, and I will pay 10,000 talents of silver into the hands of those who have charge of the king’s business, that they may put it into the king’s treasuries.”
10 So the king took his signet ring from his hand and gave it to Haman the Agagite, the son of Hammedatha, the enemy of the Jews.
11 Then the king’s scribes were summoned on the thirteenth day of the first month, and an edict, according to all that Haman commanded, was written to the king’s satraps and to the governors over all the provinces and to the officials of all the peoples, to every province in its own script and every people in its own language. It was written in the name of King Ahasuerus and sealed with the king’s signet ring.
12 Then the king’s scribes were summoned on the thirteenth day of the first month, and an edict, according to all that Haman commanded, was written to the king’s satraps and to the governors over all the provinces and to the officials of all the peoples, to every province in its own script and every people in its own language. It was written in the name of King Ahasuerus and sealed with the king’s signet ring.
13 Letters were sent by couriers to all the king’s provinces with the order to destroy, to kill, and to annihilate all Jews, young and old, women and children, in one day, the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, which is the month of Adar, and to plunder their goods.
Jonah 1:7-10: 7 And they said to one another, “Come, let us cast lots, that we may know on whose account this evil has come upon us.” So they cast lots, and the lot fell on Jonah.
8 Then they said to him, “Tell us on whose account this evil has come upon us. What is your occupation? And where do you come from? What is your country? And of what people are you?”
9 And he said to them, “I am a Hebrew, and I fear the Lord, the God of heaven, who made the sea and the dry land.”
10 Then the men were exceedingly afraid and said to him, “What is this that you have done!” For the men knew that he was fleeing from the presence of the Lord, because he had told them.
Acts 1:23-26: 23 And they put forward two, Joseph called Barsabbas, who was also called Justus, and Matthias.
24 And they prayed and said, “You, Lord, who know the hearts of all, show which one of these two you have chosen.
26 And they cast lots for them, and the lot fell on Matthias, and he was numbered with the eleven apostles.
26 And they cast lots for them, and the lot fell on Matthias, and he was numbered with the eleven apostles.
Reverend Ogunlade is a seasoned Church Minister with over three decades of experience in guiding and nurturing congregations. With profound wisdom and a serene approach, Reverend Ogunlade has carried out various pastoral duties, including delivering uplifting sermons, conducting religious ceremonies, and offering sage counsel to individuals seeking spiritual guidance. Their commitment to fostering harmony and righteousness within their community is exemplified through their compassionate nature, making them a beloved and trusted figure among the congregation.