Moses had commanded the people that the casting of lots was the means by which they would discover which parts of the land were their inheritance (Numbers 26:52–56; Numbers 33:54). It was understood by everyone that casting lots meant that God was in control of the land division (see Joshua 18:6, Joshua 18:8, Joshua 18:10; Proverbs 16:33). It is not entirely clear how this casting of lots would have taken place. It may have involved the use of small stones or clay markers, perhaps also the Urim and Thummim (Exodus 28:29–30; Numbers 27:21; Numbers 34:17).1 Presumably these stones or markers were then placed in a container which was then shaken and thrown onto the ground to render the result.2
2 Their inheritance was by lot, just as the LORD had commanded by the hand of Moses for the nine and one-half tribes.