Definition and Purpose
Division by lot is a practice found in the Bible where decisions or distributions are made by casting lots, a method believed to reveal God's will. This practice is seen as a means of ensuring impartiality and divine guidance in decision-making processes. The casting of lots is often associated with the allocation of land, the selection of individuals for specific roles, and the determination of God's will in uncertain situations.

Biblical Instances
The use of lots is mentioned numerous times throughout the Scriptures, serving various purposes:

1. Allocation of Land: One of the most prominent uses of casting lots in the Bible is the division of the Promised Land among the tribes of Israel. In the Book of Joshua, lots were cast to distribute the land among the tribes, ensuring that each tribe received its divinely appointed inheritance. 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."

2. Selection of Leaders and Servants: Lots were also used to select individuals for specific roles or tasks. For example, in 1 Samuel 14:41-42, Saul used lots to identify Jonathan as the one who had violated his oath. Similarly, in 1 Chronicles 24:5, lots were cast to organize the divisions of the priests: "They divided them impartially by lot, for there were officials of the sanctuary and officials of God among the descendants of both Eleazar and Ithamar."

3. Determining God's Will: The casting of lots was sometimes employed to discern God's will in situations where human judgment was insufficient. In the Book of Jonah, sailors cast lots to determine who was responsible for the storm threatening their ship, and the lot fell on Jonah (Jonah 1:7): "Come, let us cast lots, so we may know who is to blame for this calamity that is upon us. So they cast lots, and the lot fell on Jonah."

4. Choosing the Apostles: In the New Testament, the apostles used lots to select Matthias as the replacement for Judas Iscariot. Acts 1:26 records, "Then they cast lots, and the lot fell to Matthias; so he was added to the eleven apostles."

Theological Significance
The practice of casting lots is rooted in the belief that God is sovereign over all events and that He can direct the outcome of the lots to reveal His will. Proverbs 16:33 underscores this belief: "The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the LORD." This verse highlights the conviction that, while humans may cast the lot, the ultimate decision is determined by God.

Cultural and Historical Context
In ancient Near Eastern cultures, casting lots was a common practice not only among the Israelites but also among other nations. The method of casting lots varied, but it often involved the use of stones, sticks, or other objects that were thrown or drawn to produce a random outcome. The Israelites, however, distinguished their practice by seeking divine guidance through the lots, often in a religious or sacred context.

Contemporary Reflections
While the practice of casting lots is not commonly used in modern Christian decision-making, the underlying principle of seeking God's guidance remains central. Christians today are encouraged to seek God's will through prayer, Scripture, and the counsel of the Holy Spirit, trusting in His sovereignty and wisdom in all matters.