Jonah 1:7

It appears to have been common among the heathen to cast lots to determine who was responsible for some catastrophe (cf. John 19:24). Saul resorted to this when he could not get a direct response from the Lord (cf. 1 Samuel 14:36-42). Casting lots was a divinely prescribed method of learning God’s will in Israel (e.g., Leviticus 16:8-10; Numbers 26:55-56; Numbers 33:54; Numbers 34:13; Numbers 36:2-3; Joshua 14:2; Joshua 15:1; Joshua 16:1; et al.). However as practiced by pagans, it was a superstitious practice. In this case God overruled and gave the sailors the correct answer to their request (cf. Proverbs 16:33).

". . . Jonah won the lottery-or lost it." [Note: Allen, p. 208.]