Topical Bible: Feats Of Lots

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The term "Feats of Lots" is not directly found in the Bible; however, it is often associated with the casting of lots, a practice used throughout the Scriptures to discern God's will or make decisions. This practice is seen as a means of divine guidance, where the outcome is believed to reflect God's sovereign choice. The casting of lots is mentioned in various contexts, from the allocation of land to the selection of leaders and the resolution of disputes.

Old Testament Instances

1. Allocation of Land: One of the most significant uses of lots in the Old Testament is the division of the Promised Land among the tribes of Israel. In the Book of Joshua, lots were cast to distribute the land, ensuring that each tribe received its inheritance according to God's will. Joshua 18:10 states, "Joshua cast lots for them in Shiloh in the presence of the LORD, and there he distributed the land to the Israelites according to their divisions."

2. Selection of Leaders and Priests: The casting of lots was also used to select leaders and priests. In 1 Chronicles 24:5 , lots were cast to determine the order of service for the priests: "They divided them impartially by drawing lots, for there were officials of the sanctuary and officials of God among the descendants of both Eleazar and Ithamar."

3. Resolution of Disputes: Proverbs 18:18 highlights the use of lots to resolve disputes: "Casting the lot ends quarrels and separates strong opponents." This suggests that the practice was seen as a fair and impartial way to settle disagreements.

4. Achan's Sin: In Joshua 7, lots were used to identify Achan as the one who had sinned by taking forbidden items during the conquest of Jericho. Joshua 7:14 records, "In the morning you must present yourselves tribe by tribe. The tribe that the LORD selects by lot shall come forward clan by clan; the clan that the LORD selects shall come forward family by family; and the family that the LORD selects shall come forward man by man."

New Testament Instances

1. Selection of Matthias: In the New Testament, the casting of lots is notably used in the selection of Matthias as an apostle to replace Judas Iscariot. Acts 1:26 states, "Then they cast lots, and the lot fell to Matthias; so he was added to the eleven apostles." This event underscores the early church's reliance on divine guidance in decision-making.

Theological Significance

The practice of casting lots is seen as an acknowledgment of God's sovereignty and control over human affairs. It reflects a trust in God's providence and a desire to align human decisions with His divine will. While the specific method of casting lots is not detailed in Scripture, it is understood to involve some form of random selection, such as drawing marked stones or sticks.

In the broader biblical narrative, the casting of lots serves as a reminder of God's active involvement in the lives of His people, guiding them in matters both great and small. It is a testament to the belief that nothing happens by chance, but rather by the will and purpose of God.

Smith's Bible Dictionary

Feats Of Lots

[PURIM]

Library

Vive Jesus. Preface.
... which made the royal prophet say If you sleep among the midst of lots; you shall
be ... of Paris, and as it contained a true abridgment of the heroic feats of the ...
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From the Close of the General Conference of 1820 to the Beginning ...
... scenes of amusement among the females, and one of those Indian plays which was
conducted with a rude display of Indian dexterity, and daring feats of ferocious ...
/.../chapter 6 from the close.htm