Dictionary of Bible Themes – 7392 lots, casting of
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7392 lots, casting of

7392 lots, casting of

A means of determining the will of God, prior to the giving of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. The casting of lots was also used by pagans for the same purpose. Such use reflects the belief that nothing occurred by chance.

Casting lots to determine the will of God

Pr 16:33

In the ministry of the high priest Ex 28:30 The “Urim and Thummim” were sacred lots maintained for the purpose of determining God’s will. See also Lev 8:7-9; Lev 16:6-10; Nu 27:21; Dt 33:8; 1Sa 28:6; Ezr 2:63 pp Ne 7:65

To apportion land Nu 33:54 See also Nu 26:54-56; Jos 14:2; Jos 18:10

To select individuals 1Sa 14:41-42 See also Jos 7:14-18; Jdg 20:9-10; 1Sa 10:20-21; Jnh 1:7
Ac 1:15-26

To assign priestly duties 1Ch 24:5 See also 1Ch 26:12-13; Ne 10:34; Lk 1:8-9

To settle disputes Pr 18:18

Casting lots as a means of divination

Eze 21:21-22 See also Est 3:7; Est 9:24-27 The word “purim” is the plural of “pur” and means “lots”.

Casting lots as a means of distributing plunder

Joel 3:2-3 See also Na 3:10
Mt 27:35 pp Mk 15:24 pp Lk 23:34 pp Jn 19:24 See also Ps 22:18

See also

1429prophecy, OT fulfilment
2366Christ, prophecies concerning
4155divination
4912chance
7376high priest
7706apostles
7766priests
8124guidance
8408decision-making

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