The Casting of Lots in the Bible
The current essay is devoted to the casting of lots in the Bible topic. The casting of lots has been mentioned several times in the Bible. The primary purpose of the tradition was to arrive at crucial decisions that are unbiased. Casting lots proved its impartiality by showing no intervention of any personal interest of political and other elites. Moreover, the concept of destiny versus chance is presented and discussed.
Casting lots can be seen numerous times in Biblical subjects. One of the examples is the following: “Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” And They divided up his clothes by casting lots” (Luke 23:34, King James Bible). Moreover, another example can be found in the Bible: “He is to cast lots for the two goats – one lot for the LORD and the other for the scapegoat” (Leviticus 16:8, King James Bible). In my personal opinion, the casting of lots procedure was extensively used in the Bible, as many instances are cited in scriptures. The tradition helped people remove responsibility from their actions by relying on fate (or on God, some assume that God can help them make decisions).
Concerning the concept of destiny versus chance, some people believe that chance is destiny. Others share the opinion that they are two different concepts: the future is exact and unchanged, whereas an opportunity can occur at any moment of our lives. I believe that nothing happens without a particular reason, so the same is true when it comes to chance. All people receive different opportunities, but it is their choice whether to use them or not. Also, I think that destiny is something that we can create ourselves.
In conclusion, it should be said that the casting of lots is the old tradition that takes its routes from the Bible. In my personal view, it was used for two primary purposes: for demonstrating no intervention of any particular interest of elites and for removing responsibility from oneself. Regarding the concept of destiny versus chance, there are diverse views on how they interconnect. However, my personal belief is that destiny is a certain number of chances that we can take or refuse to do so.
Reference
King James Bible. (2017). King James Bible Online. Web.