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Introduction
“Casting lots” shows up repeatedly in the Bible, and it raises questions for modern Christians. Was it gambling? Was it divine guidance? Is it something believers should do today?
To answer that, we need to examine what casting lots meant in its original context and how Scripture treats it. The Bible doesn’t shy away from showing people use this method for decision-making, justice, and assigning roles. But the way it’s used — and when it stops — tells us something important about how God communicates.
What Was Casting Lots?
Casting lots was a physical method for making decisions. It likely involved stones, sticks, or marked pieces (like dice), tossed or drawn randomly. The result was seen as determined by God.
Think of it like drawing straws or flipping a coin — but with the belief that God controlled the outcome.
“The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the Lord.” — Proverbs 16:33 (ESV)
When and Why Were Lots Cast?
1. To Divide Land or Assign Duties
When Israel entered the Promised Land, land was distributed by lot to the twelve tribes.
“Only by lot shall the land be divided for inheritance according to the names of the tribes of their fathers.” — Numbers 26:55
2. To Choose Leaders or Assign Roles
Lots were used to assign priestly duties and temple roles.
“They cast lots also for his son among the chief men of his father’s house, as they cast lots for their brothers the sons of Aaron…” — 1 Chronicles 24:31
3. To Discover Guilt
In the book of Jonah, sailors cast lots to find out who caused the storm.
“So they cast lots, and the lot fell on Jonah.” — Jonah 1:7
4. To Choose a Replacement for Judas
After Judas betrayed Jesus and died, the apostles cast lots to pick his replacement.
“And they cast lots for them, and the lot fell on Matthias, and he was numbered with the eleven apostles.” — Acts 1:26
This was the last time lots are mentioned in the New Testament — and that matters.
Why Did Casting Lots Stop?
After Acts 1, lots disappear from Christian practice. Why?
Because the Holy Spirit came.
After Pentecost (Acts 2), the early church received direct guidance through the Spirit, not physical methods like lots. Decisions were made through prayer, counsel, and spiritual discernment.
“For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.” — Romans 8:14
Should Christians Cast Lots Today?
No. Casting lots belonged to an earlier way of relating to God. It was valid before the Holy Spirit was given to believers. Now, Christians are told to seek wisdom through Scripture, prayer, godly counsel, and the Spirit’s leading — not random chance.
“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously… and it will be given him.” — James 1:5
Conclusion
Casting lots was a real and God-honored practice in the Old Testament and up to the beginning of the church. But it ended once the Holy Spirit began guiding believers directly. Today, Christians don’t need tokens or games of chance to know God’s will — they have the Spirit, the Word, and the wisdom of the body of Christ.
