Lot.

The custom of deciding disputed and doubtful matters by lot is mentioned from the most ancient times and was in almost universal use. The Jews regarded this as a direct appeal for a decision from the Almighty (Prov. 16:33), and therefore resorted to it only in important and extreme cases. By lot, for example, it was decided which of the two goats on the Day of Atonement should be offered in sacrifice, and which should be sent away as the scapegoat into the wilderness (Lev. 16:8).

The land of Canaan was divided among the twelve tribes, and it was decided by lot to whom each portion should belong (Num. 33:54; and elsewhere). From this latter citation of the book of Proverbs it appears that the lot was used in courts of judgment in Solomon’s time, though probably only by mutual agreement of the disputing parties. The Apostle Matthias was chosen by lot to take the place of the fallen Judas (Acts 1:15–26). Haman likewise appointed the day for the destruction of the Jews by lot (Esth. 3:7).

“They that crucified our Lord,” relates the holy Evangelist Matthew, “parted his garments, casting lots” (27:35). How lots were cast or drawn, Holy Scripture does not say. Solomon speaks of the lot cast “into the lap” (of a garment), but the word “lap” may also mean a vessel or urn. In all likelihood, dice were cast into some vessel, which was then shaken, and one or another of them was thrown out.