Lots

LOTS, a method used to determine chances or preferences or to decide a debate. The decision by lot was often resorted to in former times, but always with the strictest reference to the interposition of God; as in the choice of the apostle Matthias, Acts 1:26, and in the cases of Saul and Jonathan, and Jonah and his companions to determine who had offended God. 1 Sam 14:41-42; Jon 1:7. In the division of the Promised Land among the tribes of Israel the use of the lot was expressly commanded by God himself, it being understood that the extent of territory should be proportioned to the population of each tribe. Num 26:55. So the selection of the scapegoat on the day of atonement was to be determined by lot. Lev 16:8. Property was divided in the same way. Ps 22:18; Matt 27:35. The orders of the priests and their daily service were also assigned by lot. 1 Chr 24-25. As to the manner of casting lots we have no certain information. It is supposed by some that the stones or marks which were used in determining the lot were thrown together into the lap or fold of a garment, or into an urn or vase, and that the person holding them shook them violently, so that there should be a perfect mingling of the whole contents, to prevent all preference by the hand of him who should draw; so that the passage Prov 16:33 is paraphrased thus: "In a lot-vase the lots are shaken in all directions; nevertheless, from the Lord is the whole decision or judgment."

LOTS, FEAST OF. See Purim.