The lot is cast into the lapIn ancient times, casting lots was a common practice used to make decisions or discern divine will. This method involved throwing stones, sticks, or other objects to determine an outcome. The practice is seen throughout the Old Testament, such as in
Leviticus 16:8, where lots were used to choose between the scapegoat and the goat for sacrifice. The phrase "into the lap" suggests a personal and intimate setting, indicating that the decision-making process was often done in a private or sacred context. The use of lots was a way to seek God's guidance, reflecting a belief in His sovereignty over seemingly random events.
but its every decision is from the LORD
This phrase emphasizes the belief in God's ultimate control over all events, even those that appear to be left to chance. It reflects the theological understanding that nothing happens outside of God's will or knowledge. This concept is echoed in other scriptures, such asProverbs 19:21, which states, "Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the LORD’s purpose that prevails." The idea that God directs the outcome of casting lots underscores His omnipotence and omniscience. It also points to the trust believers are to have in God's providence, knowing that He orchestrates all things for His purposes. This trust in divine sovereignty is a recurring theme throughout the Bible, reinforcing the belief that God is actively involved in the world and in the lives of His people.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
SolomonTraditionally attributed as the author of Proverbs, Solomon was the son of King David and known for his wisdom. His writings often explore themes of divine sovereignty and human responsibility.
2.
Ancient IsraelThe cultural and historical context of Proverbs is ancient Israel, where casting lots was a common practice for making decisions and seeking divine guidance.
3.
Casting LotsAn ancient practice used to discern God's will or make decisions. It involved throwing marked stones or sticks and interpreting the outcome as a divine decision.
Teaching Points
Divine SovereigntyGod is ultimately in control of all outcomes, even those that seem random or left to chance. This should encourage trust in His plans and purposes.
Human ResponsibilityWhile God is sovereign, humans are still responsible for their actions and decisions. We should seek His guidance in all things.
Trust in God's DecisionsEven when outcomes are uncertain, believers can have confidence that God’s decisions are for their good and His glory.
Prayerful Decision-MakingBefore making decisions, especially significant ones, seek God’s wisdom and guidance through prayer and Scripture.
Faith in UncertaintyIn times of uncertainty, remember that God’s will prevails. This should bring peace and assurance to believers.
Lists and Questions
Top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 16
What does casting lots mean in the Bible?
Is gambling considered sinful?
Is poker considered sinful?
Does gambling align with biblical teachings on stewardship?(33)
The lot is cast into the lap . . .--In other words, much that we attribute to chance is due to the providence of God. (Comp.
Matthew 10:29-30.) This should be an encouragement to trust in Him.
Verse 33. -The lot is cast into the lap. The bosom or fold of the garment (Proverbs 6:27;Proverbs 17:23;Proverbs 21:14). It is not quite clear what articles the Jews used in their divinations by lot. Probably they employed stones, differing in shape or colour, or having some distinguishing mark. These were placed in a vessel or in the fold of a garment, and drawn or shaken thence. Such a practice has been common in all ages and countries; and though only cursorily mentioned in the Mosaic legislation (Numbers 26:55), it was used by the Jews from the time of Joshua, and in the earliest days of the Christian Church (seeJoshua 18:10;Judges 20:9;1 Samuel 10:20, 21;Acts 1:28, etc.). As by this means man's agency was minimized, and all partiality and chicanery were excluded, the decision was regarded as directed by Providence. There is one case only of ordeal in the Law, and that under suspicion of adultery (Numbers 5:12, etc.). In the Epistle to the Hebrews, in place of the lot we read (Hebrews 6:16), "An oath for confirmation is to them an end of all strife."The whole disposing thereof is of the Lord. In these cases the Jew learned to see, in what we call chance, the overruling of Divine power. But this was not blind superstition. He did not feel justified in resorting to this practice on every trivial occasion, as persons used theSortes Virgilianae or even the verses of the Bible for the same purpose. The lot was employed religiously in cases where other means of decision were not suitable or available; it was not to supersede common prudence or careful investigation; but, for example, in trials where the evidence was conflicting and the judges could not determine the case, the merits were ascer-rained by lot (comp. ch. 18:18). After the effusion of the Holy Spirit, the apostles never resorted to divination, and the Christian Church has wisely repudiated the practice of all such modes of discovering the Divine will. Septuagint, "For the unrighteous all things fall into their bosom, but from the Lord are all just things," which may mean either that, though the wicked seem to prosper, God still works out his righteous ends; or the evil suffer retribution, and thus God's justice is displayed.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
The lot
הַגּוֹרָ֑ל(hag·gō·w·rāl)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 1486:Lot -- a lot (for casting)
is cast
יוּטַ֣ל(yū·ṭal)
Verb - Hofal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 2904:To pitch over, reel, to cast down, out
into the lap,
בַּ֭חֵיק(ba·ḥêq)
Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 2436:The bosom
but its every
כָּל־(kāl-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605:The whole, all, any, every
decision
מִשְׁפָּטֽוֹ׃(miš·pā·ṭōw)
Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 4941:A verdict, a sentence, formal decree, divine law, penalty, justice, privilege, style
is from the LORD.
וּ֝מֵיְהוָ֗ה(Yah·weh)
Conjunctive waw, Preposition-m | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068:LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel
Links
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Proverbs 16:33 Biblia Paralela
Proverbs 16:33 Chinese Bible
Proverbs 16:33 French Bible
Proverbs 16:33 Catholic Bible
OT Poetry: Proverbs 16:33 The lot is cast into the lap (Prov. Pro Pr)
