Casting lots is an ancient practice mentioned numerous times in the Bible, often used to make decisions or discern God's will. In the context of assigning residents, casting lots was a method employed to distribute land or determine the dwelling places of individuals or groups within the community of Israel. This practice is rooted in the belief that God sovereignly controls the outcome, ensuring a fair and divinely guided decision.

Biblical Instances

1. Division of the Promised Land: One of the most significant uses of casting lots for residents is found in the allocation of the Promised Land among the tribes of Israel. In the Book of Joshua, the land is divided by lot as a means to distribute the inheritance fairly among the tribes. Joshua 18:10 states, "And Joshua cast lots for them in Shiloh before the LORD, and there Joshua divided the land to the Israelites according to their divisions." This process underscores the belief that God was directly involved in the distribution, ensuring each tribe received its allotted portion.

2. The Levitical Cities: The Levites, who were set apart for religious duties, did not receive a contiguous territory like the other tribes. Instead, they were given specific cities within the territories of the other tribes. Numbers 35:2-3 describes this process: "Command the Israelites to give the Levites cities to dwell in from the inheritance they possess, along with pasturelands around the cities." The allocation of these cities was also determined by casting lots, as seen in Joshua 21:4 : "The lot came out for the clans of the Kohathites. So the Levites who were descendants of Aaron the priest received by lot thirteen cities from the tribes of Judah, Simeon, and Benjamin."

3. The Return from Exile: After the Babylonian exile, the returning exiles used casting lots to determine who would live in Jerusalem. Nehemiah 11:1 records, "Now the leaders of the people settled in Jerusalem, and the rest of the people cast lots to bring one out of every ten to live in Jerusalem, the holy city, while the remaining nine were to stay in their own towns." This ensured that Jerusalem was adequately repopulated and maintained as a central place of worship and governance.

Theological Significance

Casting lots for residents reflects a deep trust in God's providence and sovereignty. The practice acknowledges that human wisdom is limited and that divine guidance is essential for making just and equitable decisions. By relying on this method, the Israelites demonstrated their faith in God's ability to direct their communal life according to His purposes.

Cultural and Historical Context

In the ancient Near East, casting lots was a common practice not only among the Israelites but also among other cultures. The method typically involved using stones, sticks, or other objects that were cast or drawn to reveal a decision. The Israelites, however, imbued the practice with theological significance, viewing it as a means to seek God's will.

Conclusion

Casting lots for residents in the Bible serves as a testament to the Israelites' reliance on divine guidance in their communal and individual lives. It highlights the importance of seeking God's direction in matters of governance and community organization, ensuring that decisions align with His divine plan.