* Why? *
Lots were usually made from wood, stone or metal. They were used both publicly and privately in order to give a decision that was impartial and unbiased. The religious use of lots, especially by Jerusalem's High Priest, called upon God to reveal his will through the lots.
"The lot is cast into the lap, but the whole disposing of it is from the Lord" (Proverbs 16:33).
"Casting lots causes contentions to cease, and keeps the mighty apart" (Proverbs 18:18).
* Uses *
The High Priest, starting with Aaron, used lots on the Day of Atonement to decide which goat would represent the Lord and which would represent "Azazel" (Leviticus 16:8, 10, 26).
The Promised Land was divided up by lots (Joshua 18:6).
King David used lots to divide up, in twenty-four courses, the priestly responsibilities given to the descendants of Aaron (1Chronicles 24).
Nehemiah used lots to decide who carried the wood used to burn upon the altar at Jerusalem's temple (Nehemiah 10:34).
The remaining eleven apostles, after the death of Judas, used lots to determine that a disciple named Matthias should replace him (Acts 1:26).
* Lots for Jesus' Clothes *
The most famous use of lots were by four Roman soldiers at Jesus' crucifixion. After dividing up his clothes amongst themselves, they discovered the Lord's tunic (coat) was seamless (John 19:23). This meant it was a quality garment that took extra time to make. Instead of tearing up and ruining such a highly prized garment, they decided to cast lots to see which one of them would get it.
"Let us not tear it, but let us cast lots for it to determine whose it shall be" . . . (John 19:24).
Their act of casting lots for Jesus' clothes was prophecied to occur by King David (Psalm 22:18).
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