Customs and Artifacts

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

lots

The Columbia Encyclopedia, 6th ed. | 2011 | 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.

Cite this article
Pick a style below, and copy the text for your bibliography.

MLA
Chicago
APA

"lots." The Columbia Encyclopedia, 6th ed.. 2011. Encyclopedia.com. 27 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

"lots." The Columbia Encyclopedia, 6th ed.. 2011. Encyclopedia.com. (May 27, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1E1-lots.html

"lots." The Columbia Encyclopedia, 6th ed.. 2011. Retrieved May 27, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1E1-lots.html

Learn more about citation styles

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).

Cite this article
Pick a style below, and copy the text for your bibliography.

MLA
Chicago
APA

W. R. F. BROWNING. "lots." A Dictionary of the Bible. 1997. Encyclopedia.com. 27 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

W. R. F. BROWNING. "lots." A Dictionary of the Bible. 1997. Encyclopedia.com. (May 27, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O94-lots.html

W. R. F. BROWNING. "lots." A Dictionary of the Bible. 1997. Retrieved May 27, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O94-lots.html

Learn more about citation styles

Free newspaper and magazine articles

	Interview: Kurt Vonnegut discusses his book, "Slaughterhouse-Five" about his... Transcript from: NPR Morning Edition; 9/10/2003
	Analysis: State of the war on terror Transcript from: NPR Morning Edition; 9/11/2003
	Analysis: Interaction between blacks and whites in early country music Transcript from: NPR Morning Edition; 9/12/2003