Casting lots with arrows is a practice mentioned in the Bible that involves divination or seeking guidance through the use of arrows. This method is part of a broader ancient Near Eastern tradition of divination, where various objects were used to discern divine will or make decisions. The practice is notably referenced in the context of the Babylonian king Nebuchadnezzar, as described in the book of Ezekiel.

Biblical Reference:

The primary biblical reference to casting lots with arrows is found in Ezekiel 21:21 : "For the king of Babylon will stand at the fork in the road, at the junction of the two roads, to seek an omen. He will cast lots with arrows; he will consult his idols; he will examine the liver."

In this passage, the prophet Ezekiel describes a scene where King Nebuchadnezzar is depicted as using various forms of divination to make a strategic military decision. The casting of lots with arrows is one of the methods he employs, alongside consulting idols and examining the liver, which were common divinatory practices in the ancient world.

Historical and Cultural Context:

In the ancient Near East, divination was a widespread practice used by kings and leaders to seek guidance from the divine. The casting of lots, in general, was a method used to make decisions or determine outcomes believed to be influenced by divine will. The use of arrows in this context likely involved inscribing or marking arrows with different outcomes or decisions, then drawing or shooting them to determine the will of the gods.

The practice of casting lots is seen elsewhere in the Bible, though not always with arrows. For example, lots were used to divide the land among the tribes of Israel (Joshua 18:10) and to select the scapegoat on the Day of Atonement (Leviticus 16:8). However, the specific use of arrows as described in Ezekiel is unique and highlights the syncretism of Babylonian religious practices.

Theological Implications:

From a theological perspective, the use of divination, including casting lots with arrows, is generally viewed negatively in the Bible. The practice is often associated with pagan rituals and a reliance on human methods rather than seeking guidance from the one true God. In Deuteronomy 18:10-12, the Israelites are explicitly warned against engaging in divination and other occult practices: "Let no one be found among you who sacrifices his son or daughter in the fire, practices divination or conjury, interprets omens, practices sorcery, casts spells, consults a medium or spiritist, or inquires of the dead. For whoever does these things is detestable to the LORD."

The account in Ezekiel serves as a critique of Nebuchadnezzar's reliance on such practices, contrasting the futility of pagan divination with the sovereignty and omniscience of the God of Israel. It underscores the biblical theme that true guidance and wisdom come from God alone, not from human or demonic sources.

Conclusion:

While casting lots with arrows is a specific form of divination mentioned in the Bible, it serves as a broader symbol of the futility of seeking guidance apart from God. The practice reflects the cultural and religious milieu of the ancient Near East, yet it stands as a cautionary tale within the biblical narrative, emphasizing the importance of trusting in God's providence and revelation.