Customs and Artifacts

The Columbia Encyclopedia, 6th ed. A Dictionary of the Bible Further reading

lots

The Columbia Encyclopedia, 6th ed. | 2008 | Copyright

lots The casting of lots was an ancient method of making a choice, settling a dispute, or determining a course of action. In biblical times lots were cast to determine the will of God (it is believed that the Urim and Thummim, mysterious sacred objects carved on the breastplate of the high priest, were originally used for casting lots and determining a course of action), to discover the guilty, to select officials, and in numerous other instances. The lot, probably a stone, die, or other object, was cast upon the ground, the manner of its fall determining the question in doubt; in other cases, lots were cast into a receptacle and drawn from it. It is possible that dice originated not as a game but as a device for casting lots.

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"lots." The Columbia Encyclopedia, 6th ed.. 2008. Encyclopedia.com. 10 Feb. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

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lots

A Dictionary of the Bible | 1997 | | Copyright

lots A common means of making decisions among the Hebrews which continued into NT times, although the procedure of casting lots is never described. It was believed that God indicated his preferences by means of the lot, as when Saul was invited to be king (1 Sam. 10: 19–26). In the NT the soldiers divided Jesus' coat at the crucifixion by lot (Mark 15: 24), and Matthias was chosen by lot to replace Judas as one of the Twelve apostles (Acts 1: 26).

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W. R. F. BROWNING. "lots." A Dictionary of the Bible. 1997. Encyclopedia.com. 10 Feb. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

W. R. F. BROWNING. "lots." A Dictionary of the Bible. 1997. Encyclopedia.com. (February 10, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O94-lots.html

W. R. F. BROWNING. "lots." A Dictionary of the Bible. 1997. Retrieved February 10, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O94-lots.html

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