In the ancient world, casting lots was a universally viewed form of divination by which the will of God was revealed. The book of Proverbs assures us that “the lot is cast (‘goral’) into the lap (of the diviner); but the decision (‘mishpat’) is from the Lord” (16:33). Casting lots is not the same thing as divination, which involves the attempt to foretell future events or discover hidden knowledge by occult or supernatural means. In the ancient world, casting lots was a common method of divination, often used in connection with the division of the land under Joshua (Joshua chapters 14-21).
The tradition of casting lots is referenced several times in the Bible, and a variety of objects were used to cast a lot, depending on the place and local. Under the Old Law, casting lots was a common way of determining God’s will. The apostles cast lots to determine the will of God, and it was a specific ritual whereby a priest or petitioner through a priest could inquire of God.
Cleromancy is a form of sortition (casting of lots) in which an outcome is determined by means that normally would be considered random. Casting of lots occurs relatively frequently in the Bible, and many biblical scholars think that the Urim and Thummim served this purpose. The common goal of all these practices seems to have been to reveal some inherent, hidden truth, perhaps even a cosmic one.
📹 What Does The Bible Say About Casting Lots? Is It Divination?
Casting Lots A Return to Biblical Divination Joseph said to them, “What is this you have done? Don’t you know that a man like me …
What does it mean to cast one’s lot?
The term “cast one’s lot” is used to indicate a decision to become associated with someone or something that is believed to have the potential to win or succeed. The earliest documented instance of this term’s usage was in 1785. To access a more comprehensive lexical resource and advanced search functionality, please subscribe to America’s largest dictionary.
What does the Bible say about divination?
Exodus 22:18, Leviticus 19:26, Leviticus 20:27, and Deuteronomy 18:10-11 all prohibit the practice of necromancy, divination, and soothsaying. These laws are portrayed as foreign and are the only part of the Hebrew Bible to mention such practices. The presence of laws forbidding necromancy proves that it was practiced throughout Israel’s history.
The exact difference between the three forbidden forms of necromancy mentioned in Deuteronomy 18:11 is uncertain, as yidde’oni (“wizard”) is always used together with ob (“consulter with familiar spirits”) and its semantic similarity to doresh el ha-metim (“necromancer” or “one who directs inquiries to the dead”) raises the question of why all three are mentioned in the same verse. The Jewish tractate Sanhedrin distinguishes between a doresh el ha-metim, a person who would sleep in a cemetery after starving himself, to become possessed, and a yidde’oni, a wizard.
In summary, the prohibition of necromancy in the Hebrew Bible is a significant aspect of Jewish history.
What falls under divination?
Divination, a practice that originated in ancient Roman culture, has evolved over time to encompass a wider range of beliefs and practices. In some societies, divination is a common practice but not solely focused on discovering the will of the gods. The concept of godly providence controlling human affairs is unusual, but humbler spirits are often thought to intervene in troublesome ways.
Divination is universally concerned with practical problems, private or public, and seeks information for decision-making. The source of such information is not mundane, and the technique of obtaining it is often fanciful. There are many mantic (divinatory) arts, and a broad understanding can only be gained from a survey of actual practices in various cultural settings.
Divination is attended by respect and the attitude of participants may be religious, but the subject matter is ephemeral, such as an illness, a worrisome portent, or a lost object. Divination is a consultative institution, and the matter posed to a diviner may range from a few lost coins to high questions of state. The casual or solemn nature of the matter is usually matched by that of the diviner in terms of attitude, technique, and style.
The diviner’s art has many rationales, and it is difficult to describe them as a distinctive social type. They may be a shaman, priest, sorcery peddler, or a holy person who speaks almost with the voice of prophecy. To appreciate the significance of the diviner’s art in any culture or era, one must be familiar with prevailing beliefs about man and the world.
Why do Christians no longer cast lots?
Casting lots was a method used to determine God’s direction, which is why the Bible does not condemn it. Today, we don’t have to cast lots anymore, as God will guide us through his Holy Spirit. Our job is to be in tune with the Holy Spirit, as this will help us know what God wants us to do and have the ability to do it. Clarence L. Haynes Jr., a Bible teacher and co-founder of The Bible Study Club, is known for his books, The Pursuit of Purpose and The Pursuit of Victory, which help readers understand God’s will and live a victorious Christian life. He also helps 10, 000 people learn how to study the Bible and has released his first Bible study course, Bible Study Basics. For more information, visit clarencehaynes. com.
What does the Bible say about casting lots?
Proverbs 16:33 (NIV) states that “the lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the Lord”. This verse suggests that despite the seemingly random outcome, God is in control of the decision. Casting lots is a method of making decisions or determining outcomes by drawing or throwing objects and then interpreting the results based on chance. In ancient times, people used various objects like stones, sticks, or marked tokens as lots, and the decision or outcome was considered to be guided by divine providence or fate. The Bible mentions casting lots in several instances to make decisions or determine God’s will.
What does it mean when you cast lots?
The act of making a chance decision using lots, also known as drawing lots or sortition, entails the making of a decision or determination about a particular matter.
Is casting lots considered divination?
Casting lots was a form of divination in ancient times, where the will of God was revealed through the lot-taking process. The Bible provides references to this practice, but the exact process is not always clear. There were likely several methods, such as using colored or marked stones to produce binary outcomes or using broken pottery with names or marks to offer a wider array of possible outcomes.
Casting lots was also connected to Israelite temple practice and assigning temple duties. The high priest was selected by lots at the time of David, and Matthias was selected as an apostle by casting lots. Other specific duties to be performed by priestly families were also assigned by lot, such as the selection of Zacharias to tend the incense altar in Luke 1:9. In Leviticus 16:8-10, the high priest selected the scapegoat for the Day of Atonement sacrifice by lot.
In conclusion, casting lots was a significant practice in ancient Israel, with various methods used to determine outcomes and assign temple duties.
What is the spiritual meaning of lot?
Lot, the son of Haran, represents the expanding of faith in man’s consciousness. Lot’s metaphysical meaning is covering, veiling, muffling, hidden, concealed, covert, secret, clandestine, black art, magic, sorcery, dark-colored, and sad. Abram represents the expanding of faith in consciousness, and when Abram went out to seek a new country in response to the call of Spirit, Lot went with him. Metaphysically, when the division between Abram and Lot occurred, Lot chose the “Plain of the Jordan”, symbolizing equilibrium of forces and inferiority. It is important to be cautious when linking the I AM with faith established in the flesh, as Lot is allied to the negative.
Was casting lots in the Bible gambling?
The practice of lot-casting in the Bible is not regarded as gambling and does not align with the characteristics of a zero-sum game. Conversely, the deployment of artificial intelligence (AI) in business decision-making exhibits similarities to the process of casting lots.
Did God say gambling is a sin?
The Bible does not explicitly prohibit gambling, but it does mention the act of “casting lots” (using dice for random chance to determine God’s will) 70 times throughout scripture. Although the Holy Spirit and God’s wisdom have replaced the need to cast lots in modern times, gambling is not declared as sinful. Instead, we are called to look to our heart’s desires and motivations for actions or activities to find God’s will on a personal level. While a particular action may be fine for one person, it might not be for another.
What is the difference between fortune telling and divination?
Fortune telling is an unproven spiritual practice that involves predicting information about a person’s life, similar to divination but with a less serious or formal setting. It originated from the use of the crystal ball in the 1st century CE by soothsayers, and has evolved over time, with Western images of fortune telling originating from folkloristic reception of Renaissance magic and the adoption of methods from non-Western cultures like the I Ching. Examples of fortune telling as purely pop culture items with little or no occult beliefs include the Magic 8-Ball sold by Mattel and the octopus Paul the Octopus used to predict match outcomes.
There is opposition to fortune telling in Christianity, Islam, Baháʼísm, and Judaism due to scriptural prohibitions against divination. Terms for those who claim to see into the future include fortune teller, crystal-gazer, spaewife, seer, soothsayer, sibyl, clairvoyant, and prophet, and related terms include oracle, augur, and visionary. Skeptics dismiss fortune telling as based on pseudoscience, magical thinking, and superstition.
📹 What do you think of casting lots to determine God’s will?
I remember about a year ago studying the bible i realized it supports divination when used to get guidance or clarity from Yah the Most High. The urim and the thummim set it in stone for me that Yah actually has asked us to use divination to receive guidance. But also as stated in the bible beware of those hypocrites who say they are diviners but arent doing it by the authority of Yah but for the love of money and selfishness. Really informative article! Thank you for being a conduit of Yahs love and light
A gift God bestowed on US! Now it’s our responsibility to use his gift to communicate with only HIM the Great I AM. I’ve used holy divination for over 10 years. Problem is its gotten a really bad wrap by Christians that don’t actually understand the translations. As a diviner I can see clearly the verses regarding casting lots and Urim and Thummim is exactly the same principle used and the same source, the same God is being requested to answer. I’m pleased you have taken the time to create this article and thankful I found it! Good job, I don’t think we are rewriting the verses either, I think we are using an open mind to discern exactly what God is asking of us. Prayer is wonderful but let’s face it, sometimes we don’t receive answers for weeks, we have to be clear headed to receive with our hearts, but with tools, annointed tools, well, we can get to fulfilling God’s divine will instantly in most cases. God bless and Happy Easter Passover 2020
Hebrews 11:1-6 King James Version (KJV) 11 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. 2 For by it the elders obtained a good report. 3 Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear. Our eyes do not look at the created stones but the Creator who reveals all things in and through our hearts and confirms it with His Word.
Leviticus 19:26, 31 “You shall not practice divination or soothsaying” and “Do not turn to ghosts and do not inquire of familiar spirits to be defiled by them.” Yah never wanted his people to use divination. Just because they did it doesn’t mean he condones it. Just like multiple wives, just because men did it doesn’t mean Yah condones it. What about the fact that casting of lots stopped after the Holy Spirit fell and that decisions were made by prayer. The Holy Spirit is to be our guide and it is His Spirit that will answer our questions and guide us. Those practicing divination need to repent.
Concerning casting lots..you can cast lot to determine the outcome of things but also there is a higher witnesss which is the spirit of God…. So your casting lots shouldn’t be done outside God but should be done just like in the act of the apostles…. If casting lots will make your fellow brother think you are a socerer, then do it with wisdom. Just a thought, I stand to be corrected.
Spoke about this the other day to a bunch of my old Christian friends. They couldn’t comprehend this. You can use anything to divine with in my opinion. As you as you feel at peace with it. I use Divination only as another way of hearing God. There are many ways. God just wants to converse with us full stop it only us that puts confines on it. I’ve taught Christians with a household dinner tray and small household objects like keys/coins/buttons etc, and spiritually open Christian people have been able to hear. They help us to let go of our thoughts and relax our minds. It’s just tools in my opinion. Once we say “they must be like this, or they must be like that.” then we start to be like the confining Church that entraps the people with dogma.
I’m asking this with genuine curiosity and hoping you’ll have a response. But how do you interpret this passage in Deuteronomy 18? No one among you is to sacrifice his son or daughter in the fire,fn practice divination, tell fortunes, interpret omens, practice sorcery, “cast spells, consult a medium or a spiritist, or inquire of the dead. “Everyone who does these acts is detestable to the LORD, and the LORD your God is driving out the nations before you because of these detestable acts. “You must be blameless before the LORD your God. “Though these nations you are about to drive out listen to fortune-tellers and diviners, the LORD your God has not permitted you to do this.” It doesn’t say the reason is because some of them were lying. The reason given is because the Lord had not permitted this to His children. I understand your opinion is the reason being that they would lie. I’m just wondering where you see that reason given in scripture. If you look at the word “divination” in the Blue Letter Bible app and view the interlinear concordance it says to divine, to practice divination as a verb is always used of the false prophets, evokers of the dead and prophets of strange nations. Have you found anywhere in scripture where the word divination is being used in a positive way? The acts you describe are certainly supernatural acts of God. I’m not denying that and I’m not denying that. I’m just trying to gain more understanding through clear supportive biblical passages and I truly do look forward to your response.
With all the books taken out of the Bible what else did they INTENTIONALLY alter …..that’s what you have to ask In the 1500’s esque era there was a Pope nicknamed the “Holy Bull” whom converted the Mayan “heathens” as they put it but kept some teachings as they were beneficial to mankind, but gave it to the ELITE……that information was astrology teachings which composed together made up the farmer’s almanac They even knew what zodiacs shoul/shouldn’t eat certain foods/herbs etc based on solely that Occult means hidden Another thing God isn’t happy about when man puts self righteousness over HIS righteousness He didn’t share that knowledge for it to be hoarded Only he reveals layer by layer, bit by bit There’s even a verse somewhere I THINK in the emerald tablets stating that if we stay divided we’re doomed to start all over AGAIN and be like babbling children etc illiterate Probably why teachings seemed to go from advanced (Atlantis) to drawings in caves then stones etc History repeats itself and nothing new under the sun He’s also shown me reincarnation is his way of the ultimate slap in the face against evil bc it gives us chance after chance to get it right and until we do we repeat the cycle Hence why we when awakened we’re attacked so much This FBI stuff that’s going on right now is not only bc of what was done to me but many others Kidnapped and placed in family cults that have been at this for generations Idk exactly how but them jailing Tim Ballard has something to do with it too I’m called to write a book about it and they felt so threatened they sent someone to kill me I woke up to a glow coming back from going astral to find a man scared shitless in a black mask I was in a hotel room at the time with my 3 small children This was after they tried poisoning me which didn’t work and I had my first vision ever Then in prayer while simultaneously studying up on narcissism bc of what abuse I was going through I realized I had witchcraft done on me since a child when God led me to a physic tarot reader (which the Mayans also practiced) I feel this was a Moses moment when God gave him the magic to use against the Pharaoh’s So I’m putting together the story pieces as well as other people I’ve never met personally but I’m seeing play out in real life.
This was a divinely appointed and revealed priestly act for the house of Israel. The true priesthood of Jehovah was requisite, and that seperated the practice from the counterfeits done by gentiles not of the house of Israel. So be careful from just being practitioners of this act without the divine authority, mandate and inspiration of God. It was a priestly act and a priestly function.
Acts 17: “Therefore, being offspring of God, we should not think that the Divine Being is like gold or silver or stone, an image formed by man’s skill and imagination. 30 Although God overlooked the ignorance of earlier times, He now commands all men everywhere to repent. 31 For He has set a day when He will judge the world with justice by the Man He has appointed. He has given proof of this to all men by raising Him from the dead.” Acts 17:30
Been a while since I watched some of your content. I’ll set aside some time and watch a bunch of stuff. I was just thinking back and felt some of the vibes I had when I first discovered you Truthseekah. They were really good vibes. You and Loc Saint are awesome. I’d like to see more duets with you two in them.
I think it’s sad that you are laughing and ridiculing a method that not only was used by the apostles but also used throughout the entire Bible by prophets…. please go research the amount of Bible verses that proves that casting lots is one of the ways that God uses to give us direction. The whole key is to do it the right and biblical way and with a heart of faith not doubting that He will answer us. The Word of God promises us that the Lord will ALWAYS answer us when we ask for wisdom and with faith. “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord.” James 1:5-7 Of course the Word of God renews our minds but God’s ways are not our ways and many times we don’t know whether to go through door number 1 or door number 2. If there’s no clear Bible verse telling us that either of the doors is a sin, then what do we do? Just choose based on our own hunches? Or should we choose based on our own human logic? That contradicts Isaiah 55:8 “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways, declares the LORD.” That seems like a life directed by self (flesh) and not a life directed by the Lord. If we want to grow in relationship with the Holy Spirit and not in “religion” then we want to communicate with God in all the ways that He has already shown us that we can.
I’ve been a Christian for 50 years and never found a reliable way to determine God’s will. It’s very frustrating. The only thing that comes close is feeling at peace in your spirit. I’ve never felt peace so never done anything with my life. Please God make it easier for your children to know your will Amen.
How is casting lots a bad idea??😂 if his apostles did it, why shouldn’t we?? This is rediculous, I’m sorry it’s absolutely wrong that these preachers are claiming that you shouldn’t. If it’s given as an example in the bible it’s clear we should. It’s very clear that you don’t have enough faith in God that he would do it.
A few important things to understand: 1. Matthias wasn’t chosen by chance. Acts 1: 23-26 states that the Apostles, “prayed, and said, Thou, Lord, which knows the hearts of all men, shew whether of these two thou hast chosen”. They met as a group and asked the Lord who should be chosen as the new Apostle. 2. Casting lots isn’t always a game of chance. Though the exact method of casting lots in this instance is not know, one ancient method involved each voter writing a name on a broken piece of pottery and then putting it forth to be read or counted. The Apostles prayed, individually received revelation and inspiration on who should be chosen, and each put forth the answer they received from God. I assume the lots were unanimously in favor of Matthias, because God’s will and revelation was that Matthias be the next Apostle. Here is a great link with more information: lds.org/manual/new-testament-student-manual/acts/chapter-29-acts-1-2?lang=eng
Guys, the reason why the Apostles cast lots in Acts 1:26 is this, before then, they had not yet received the promised gift of the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:4). Immediately after vs 26, is the story about the Holy Spirit coming upon them! And Acts 1:26 was the last account in the Bible of lots being cast. From then on, the disciples depended solely on the Holy Spirit for guidance.
I have Questions…What was the “how to play” way?… did Aaron cast his lot the same as Luke? Etc? I’ve been intrigued as to what the rules were more than the practice itself for each time it was mentioned in the Bible… Did they use stones? How many stones? How did they use them? Did the practice evolve? Is there evidence in the Bible of going against a lot? I was reading Acts 1 and now stuck on this curiosity about evolution of casting lots in the Bible. Thank you. 🙂
Casting of lots was done in the old testament and was no longer necessary in the new testament. Now we are operating by faith which is a substance of things hoped for. Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. Faith is the Lord’s will and with it you are already fulfilling it(God’s will). Faith directs you in everything. Hebrews 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. Casting a lot on top of the faith you have, is a sign of doubt. It is like trying to operate in Grace era using the Law and ordinance methods. Casting lots is giving God an option He should answer with, which is obviously not His will but yours. With faith you are just waiting on Him to do what He wills without offering any websites for Him to take in answering what you are praying for.
Proverbs 16:33 The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the Lord. I completely agree that we should always seek out the will of God. Ultimately and absolutely! But I don’t believe that the disciples were wrong in the situation of Matthias. The Bible does mention casting lots in various places through out.
I don’t see a biblical command against lots (coin flips, dice, numbers from hats, rngs, etc.) but it does make sense to start where we know we’ll find the counsel of God. The scriptures and counsel of other believers along with prayer should accompany our decisions. But if after these, we don’t have clarity and we must make a decision in a short amount of time, lots can be a way of expressing our desire for God to be involved in a decision rather than our own fallible judgment.
Preachers in Pulpits rarely give you the truth. There is a glaring problem with this. In the old Testament God commanded the priests to use the lot to make decisions When did God renounce his lordship over the lot? Sure, maybe you’re so holy that you walk with God every second of the day. But for us mere mortals, how many decades are we supposed to wrestle over a simple decision?
I’m very devout to scripture, but I have no idea how the casting of lots were done or used. So, I’m avoiding anything that reminds me of luck, random type choosing in my service to God. However, I do find that in so many ways, God directs me, without my knowledge, to things I need. As in, yesterday, I wanted to fix my old bicycle and went to a large store to see what could be done. (The rear wheel needed replacing) On arriving, I found they had a new wheel another customer had ordered but had cancelled. So, ready for me was this wheel. I bought it immediately, and asked that they make it ready with tire and all. This kind of “happenstance” I give thanks for, and find that they happen a lot when I need to buy things, whether food or utilitarian things. Thus I find God’s “finger” assisting me in many things, many before I am aware of needing His help.
I love your heart and sincerity But that doesn’t help…don’t cast lots but do it sometimes? I think if the New Testament Apostles did it and they are to be an example of godly living then if we have an immediate decision we can cast lots of a situation gives you the time to earnestly seek Gods will and you just want a microwave answer all the time and you cast lots for every decision that is on you. I know the Holy Spirit is with you and I appreciate you. Gods blessings.
Here is the thing, if you are listening to God and waiting on His will, He will put a prompting on your heart for what it is He wants and you will KNOW it. He makes it clear to you. There is no need to cast lots because the entire point of Grace is that we can come boldy before the throne of grace and petition Jesus for our every need in seeking God’s will.
In the Bible, Did the apostles cast lots after the Holy Spirit finally came in Acts2????? I believe not!!!! I believe the method of how they had to choose the new member was to show how significant the HolySpirit is to us- like a introduction done in a practical exercise. If you read Acts6 when Stephen and others were selected you will find that no casting of lots was done as the HolySpirit was now here and being active in God’s people. Casting of lots Was a carnal method of decision making because before Christ The Holy Spirit did not stay was only a visitation relationship but what Christ did allowed The HolySpirt to have a habitation relationship with us and what God is calling us into is relational decision making and that is the significance of The Holy Spirit- only He can help in that renewing process of our minds moment by moment. Sadly a lot of us still treating The Holy Spirit like some strange guest in our dwelling and that is why we get easily confused – he is opening up to us but we are ignoring for whatever reasons might be, be it guilt or pride either way the aim of the HolySpirit is intamacy. Already our darkest secret is known by Him so might as well get to know Him. So NO NO NO on casting of lots- go knock on the room door -that place in yourself you have seemingly put the Counselor in AND forgot He is there.
As a fellowship instituted only of students, when we go for electing of our new leaders and other executive members, we do ballot casting of vote system, and since this ballot system can cause favouritism, we bring it down to 2 individuals with the highest vote and pray for God to choose among the 2, and we cast a lot.
When it came to collecting money, the Holy Spirit was all over the place (Acts 5). But when it came to selecting the 12th disciple, they had to roll the dice to pick Matthias via a game of chance. And they lied on GOD Almighty and said that the result of the casting of the lots was from GOD Almighty. But the Holy Spirit was supposedly there from the first place. So why couldn’t It just speak Matthias’ name and be done with it? Why the game of chance at all? We read: Matthew 10:20 for it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you. Mark 13:11 Whenever you are arrested and brought to trial, do not worry beforehand about what to say. Just say whatever is given you at the time, for it is not you speaking, but the Holy Spirit. VS. Acts 1 23 So they nominated two men: Joseph called Barsabbas (also known as Justus) and Matthias. 24 Then they prayed, “Lord, you know everyone’s heart. Show us which of these two you have chosen 25 to take over this apostolic ministry, which Judas left to go where he belongs.” 26 Then they cast lots, and the lot fell to Matthias; so he was added to the eleven apostles. They rolled the dice while dismally failing to just speak Matthias’ name. And we’re talking about choosing the Prince of the 12th Divine Throne? As if that is not important enough for the Holy Spirit? The New Testament’s confusing, incoherent and oxymoronic statements had caused for sinful things to become lawful and for lawful things to become sinful, and for pious believers to be considered disbelievers, and for disbelievers and hypocrites to be considered pious believers.