That which the verse said: “Casting lots may quiet contentions” (Proverbs 18:18) – because he had written an indicator for each and every tribe, from Jacob: “Zebulun shall dwell at the shore of seas” (Genesis 49:13); “Issachar…lying among the sheepfolds” (Genesis 49:14); “from Asher, his bread is rich” (Genesis 49:20) – you have permission to distribute only by means of lots. “According to the lot one’s inheritance shall be divided, whether numerous or few” (Numbers 26:56).
The lot entailed miraculous acts: Elazar son of Aaron was dressed in the Urim and the Tumim, and the receptacle of the lots was before Joshua, as it is stated: “I will cast lots for you here before the Lord [our God]” (Joshua 18:6). Before the lots are drawn, Elazar says by means of the Divine Spirit: Such and such tribe will be drawn, which will receive in such and such place. Joshua extends his hand and it is drawn, as it is stated: “These are the inheritances that Elazar the priest and Joshua son of Nun…apportioned [by lot]” (Joshua 19:51).
Moreover, the lot would cry out as it is being drawn: ‘I am the lot of such and such tribe; I have been drawn in such and such place.’ From where is it derived that the lot would speak? It is as it is written: “According to [al pi]11Literally, by the mouth, or at the directive. the lot.”