Casting Lots, Biblical Divination

[Ninjakitten]

Does anyone know about the practice of casting lots in the way that is similar to what the Disciples did in the Book of Acts to find the new Disciple after Judas killed himself? Does anyone practice this? I'm also looking for information on other Christian and Jewish divination practices.

[~*Ginger*~]

I could be mistaken, it's been a long, long time, since I've been anywhere that this was discussed, but if my understanding is correct, it is like taking one dark stone, and several light, and then each choosing in someway their stone/lot.
Or the shorter straw.

I think.

[Ninjakitten]

:bumpsmili

[Ninjakitten]

Bumpies!

[ShadowcatX]

From what I learned in Church that is correct. It was mostly just done so that God could influence the random factors and have things fall where they will.

Interesting note if I remember my Sunday School lessons right: The Jewish high Priest (The one who got to go into the Holy of Holys (sp?)) was chosen by this method.

[TarotCanada]

Easton's Bible Dictionary - Lot
(Heb. goral, a "pebble"), a small stone used in casting lots (Numbers 33:54; Jonah 1:7).
The lot was always resorted to by the Hebrews with strictest reference to the
interposition of God, and as a method of ascertaining the divine will (Proverbs 16:33),
and in serious cases of doubt (Esther 3:7). Thus the lot was used at the division of
the land of Canaan among the serveral tribes (Numbers 26:55; 34:13), at the
detection of Achan (Joshua 7:14,18), the election of Saul to be king
(1 Samuel 10:20,21), the distribution of the priestly offices of the temple service
(1 Chronicles 24:3,5,19; Luke 1:9), and over the two goats at the feast of
Atonement (Leviticus 16:8). Matthias, who was "numbered with the eleven"
(Acts 1:24-26), was chosen by lot.

Urim and Thummim, with the Ephod were part of the Breastplate of judgment. According to Jewish historian, Josephus, the Urim and Thummim consisted of two sardonyx stones, each contained in a pouch in the Breastplate worn by the High Priest. One of the two stones shone brightly when God was present (or involved).

[Ninjakitten]

Wow! Thanks for that resource!