Casting
Lots
Unkonwn
In
ancient days several stones, or perhaps precious gems called lots, would
have been cast or thrown from a clay jug to make important decisions. The
casting of lots was a custom or rite used then to make important
decisions, much as we practice drawing straws or flipping a coin today.
Several examples of this practice occur in both the Old and New
Testaments. Lots were cast by the high priest to select the scapegoat on
the Day of Atonement (Lev. 16:8-10). This method was also used to divide
the land of Canaan after its conquest under Joshua (Num. 26:55, 56; Josh.
14:2). Lots were cast to select warriors to fight against the men of
Gibeah (Judg. 20:9, 10) and apparently to choose Saul as the first king of
Israel (1 Sam. 10:19-21). Sailors on the ship bound for Tarshish with
Jonah on board used lots to determine who had caused the stormy seas (John.
1:7).
In the New Testament, Roman soldiers cast lots for
Jesus' garments (Matt. 27:35). After prayer, the apostles used lots to
choose Matthias as successor to Judas (Acts 1:24-26).
We can only speculate about what materials were used
in the casting of lots. Some scholars believe several stones, or perhaps
precious gems, were cast from a clay jug. Others connect the practice with
the Urim and Thummim, precious stones that were on, by, or in the
breastplate of the high priest of Israel. The high priest used these
stones in making important decisions, but it is not known exactly how this
was done (Ex. 28:30).
Proverbs 16:33 demonstrates that casting lots was not
considered magic, because the decision was from the Lord. Despite this,
there seems to be little justification for this practice today. Since the
coming of God's Holy Spirit at Pentecost,
we have had this ever-present resource to guide us in our decision making.
As enlightened believers, we are urged to bring our needs to the Father in
prayer and rely on the direction of the Holy Spirit (John 14:13; 15:16).
Elders have a "health plan" for their
congregation that effectively treats whatever injuries or diseases may
afflict the flock. Open sin within a congregation is like a sickness. Left
unchecked, it will infect the entire church. 1 Corinthians 5:6. Diseases
that are not treated will inevitably grow worse and ultimately result in
death.
