Man's Plans and Casting Lots

For many Bible readers, the Old Testament practice of ‘casting lots’ seems like the use of chance in making decisions. Bible dictionaries suggest that ’lots’ might have been sticks of various lengths, flat stones, or even some kind of ancient dice. Such descriptions resemble today’s ’drawing straws,’ ‘flipping coins’ and ‘rolling dice,’ all ways of deciding by chance. And yet...

The lot is cast into the lap,

But its every decision is from the Lord.

--Proverbs 16:33

What are we supposed to do with this proverb?

Here are a few Bible examples of casting lots to make decisions:

• Lots were cast to select one of two goats for sacrifice. (Leviticus 16:8)
• Lots were cast for the land inheritance of Israel’s tribes. (Joshua 18)
• The apostles cast lots for the man to replace Judas. (Acts 1:16-26)
• Sailors cast lots to discover who was responsible for a storm that endangered their lives. The lot fell to Jonah. (Jonah 1)

In the first three examples it is unclear whether God influenced the outcomes or left each outcome to chance. However, in the case of Jonah, God’s involvement is clear.

It could be argued that when no moral issues are involved and a choice is unclear, a flip of a coin might be wiser than voting or leaving a decision to a committee or other group within a congregation.

King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon was eager for wisdom in making decisions. He consulted His advisors but over time realized that these wise men were either using personal wisdom, relating speculation, or applying chance in their use of astrology, charms, divination, etc. They might as well have been casting lots.

We might be just as eager for wisdom in making decisions, but how can we be sure that God has given us His answer or influenced the outcome? How can we be sure that our eventual course is approved by God? Consider Proverbs 18:18...

The cast lot puts an end to strife

And decides between the mighty ones.

In the numerous passages about casting lots, it appears that God used this as a means of taking the decision out of the hands of men. Whether He caused a certain outcome or allowed chance is not always clear. And yet, it ended strife between people and ended potential anxiety in individuals.

In our day people often look for signs when making decisions. And yet, God does not promise angelic messages, signs in the sky or in dreams. Nor has He instructed us to cast lots. So, when making decisions, first consult God’s written wisdom, the Bible...and follow what you discover. Second, seek wise counsel from someone older and with more experience...and listen! When indecision lingers, you can be sure of two paths that are unwise:

• Praying but doing what you secretly know you want to do. (Read Jeremiah 42 as an example.)
• Praying for guidance and doing nothing when you can do something, and at the same time expecting the Lord to make something happen. (Remember the Parable of the Talents in Matthew 25:14-30.)

Finally, if ever a choice must be made and the options are equivalent, perhaps wisdom reaches for the ‘lots’ simply to remove human strife.

Mark Stinnett

July 5, 2026