CASTING OF LOTS (BIBLICAL PERSPECTIVE TO GAMBLING)
By David Olaluwoye
Hi!, thank you for reading, I genuinely hope you’re doing well.
I had a dream this morning that made me decide now is the time to write this and in this dream, a fellow believer was complaining about how he’s addicted to gambling, I want to believe this was a prophetic call to write this so please read on.
Recent Global Gambling Statistics from Gambling industry news reveal that approximately 4.2 billion people engage in gambling activities at least once annually. A comprehensive study spanning 44 countries found that 56% of respondents had gambled within the past year. It’s logical to assume that Christians are represented within this demographic.
A common argument in favor of gambling cites biblical examples, such as Lot’s casting of lots and the Apostles’ alleged participation. However, it’s essential to examine the biblical context and definition of "casting lots" to provide clarity on its relevance to modern gambling.
Proverbs 16:33 “The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the Lord.”
Truly, huge props to them since the practice of casting lots is mentioned seventy times in the Old Testament and seven times in the New Testament. But the acts of casting lots wasn’t originally used for gambling but was universally viewed as a 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”. That is to say, the result of the casting of lots is controlled or manipulated by God so that his will is manifest through the lot-taking.
In biblical times, casting lots involved using various objects, such as:
- Colored or marked stones
- Sticks of different lengths
- Flat stones or coins
- Early forms of dice
These objects produced binary outcomes, providing yes/no answers to important questions. The book of Proverbs assures us that God controlled the results, revealing His will through the lot-taking process. Today, flipping a coin is perhaps the closest modern equivalent to casting lots, highlighting the contrast between ancient divine guidance and modern chance-based decision-making.
There are several popular examples of lot casting and you’ll find them even in the Holiest places like with the Priests that served the Lord’s duty;
1. Selection of Zechariah the High Priest (1 Chronicles 24:31), In King David’s time, lots determined Zechariah’s selection as high priest.
2. Day of Atonement Scapegoat (Leviticus 16:8-10) The high priest used lots to choose the scapegoat for the Day of Atonement sacrifice.
3. Assigning Priestly Duties (1 Chronicles 25:8, 26:13-16; Nehemiah 10:34). Lots assigned specific duties to priestly families.
4. Zacharias’ Selection (Luke 1:9) Zacharias was chosen by lot to tend the incense altar.
Considered a type of lot-taking, the Urim and Thummim were carried by the high priest on his breastplate (Exodus 28:30; Leviticus 8:8). The word "mishpat" (judgment/decision) in Proverbs 16:33 is the same used to describe the Urim and Thummim’s purpose. "Urim" means "lights" in Hebrew, suggesting a possible connection to reflective or semi-transparent materials. Scholars believe the Urim and Thummim may have influenced the lot-taking practices.
Proverbs 18:18 (NIV) states, "Casting the lot settles disputes and keeps strong opponents apart."
In the daily life of the Israelites, lot casting was a common practice. For instance: The conquered lands of Canaan were divided among the Israelites by lot, as recorded in Joshua 18:10. Specifically, Joshua cast lots for the tribes in Shiloh, in the presence of the Lord, distributing the land according to their tribal divisions (Joshua 18-19, Ezekiel 45:1, 47:22, Acts 13:19). Ezekiel’s prophecy regarding land division during the Messiah’s reign (Ezekiel 45:1, 47:22).
Lot casting served as a powerful tool for providential intervention among God’s people, enabling them to identify sinners. Notable examples include:
- Jonathan, identified for eating the forbidden honey (1 Samuel 14:42)
- Achan, exposed for stealing sacred items (Joshua 7:14-26)
- Jonah, singled out for fleeing God’s command (Jonah 1:7)
Interestingly, the early Christians employed lot casting to select Matthias as Judas’ replacement (Acts 1:21-26). Before casting lots, they prayed, seeking divine guidance. Viewed through the lens of providence, this practice reveals trust in God’s sovereignty. The Israelites and early Christians recognized that lot casting wasn’t a game of chance, but rather a means to uncover God’s will and purpose, acknowledging God’s control over outcomes
Initially, lot casting held spiritual significance, but over time it evolved into a game of chance, often involving wagers. This transformation is evident in various historical and modern contexts. During Jesus’ crucifixion, Roman soldiers cast lots to decide who would keep His seamless robe, fulfilling Psalm 22:18 (John 19:23-24).
Ironically, the term "lot" has been adopted in Lotteries, linking chance selection to financial gain. Unfortunately, gambling’s influence has spread, even infiltrating sacred spaces, as evidenced by my observance of a brother organizing a bet game during a church meeting. This stark contrast highlights the shift from lot casting’s original spiritual purpose to its modern association with chance and material gain.
The biblical practice of lot casting, originally a means of seeking divine guidance, was corrupted over time and transformed into a betting game. Scripture warns against gambling, emphasizing the dangers of loving money (1 Timothy 6:10). Gambling has devastating consequences, destroying homes, separating families, and enslaving individuals. The false hope of winning fuels the addiction, leaving many disillusioned.
As someone who has experienced gambling’s grip, I can attest that the lure of potential wealth is deceiving, The true reality is that most never win and even occasional wins can’t compensate for the damage that has been done to them. Kids are now being recruited to magnify popular gambling sites, they are now being advertised everywhere you care to look, it’s truly a dangerous place to be considering the economy of the nation but you can quit it.
To break free from gambling’s hold:
1. Recognize and hate the sin, seeking God’s help.
2. Trust God for financial provision.
3. Seek support from trusted individuals or organizations.
4. Cultivate gratitude and appreciation.
5. Surround yourself with supportive community.
6. Fill the void with meaningful activities.
Freedom from gambling is possible through faith, support, and the power of God’s Spirit.
Lastly, The true church of Christ should promote godliness with contentment, not encouraging materialism (1 Timothy 6:6). We shouldn’t make people see gambling as a nice option or alternative through our sermons. I hope this blessed you! Shalom!
Reference:
https://gamblingindustrynews.com/global-gambling-statistics/#:~:text=It%20is%20estimated%20that%20around,past%2012%20months%20%5B1%5D.
