Proverbs 16:33

The lot is cast into the lap,.... Of a man's garment, or into his bosom, or into a hat, cap, urn, or whatsoever he has in his lap, and from whence it is taken out; which used to be done in choosing

The lot is cast into the lap; but the whole disposing thereof is of the LORD. The lot is cast into the lap; but the whole disposing (literally, judgment) thereof is of the Lord.

The lot is cast into the lap; as the ancient practice was in dividing inheritances, and deciding doubtful things, of which see ,21 14:41,42 Pr 1:14 . The whole disposing thereof is of the Lord; the event, though casual to men, is directed and determined by God’ s counsel and providence.

Proverbs 16:33 The lot is cast into the lap; but the whole disposing thereof [is] of the LORD.Ver. 33. The lot is cast into the lap.] This sentence at first sight seems light and unworthy of the place it holds in this book. But as every line in the holy Bible is pure, precious, and profitable, so this sets forth a matter of very great moment - viz., that the providence of God extendeth to the disposing of all things, even those things, also, that in regard of as are merely contingent and casual. Lottery is guided by providence, as in the finding out of Achan, designing of Saul to be king, dividing the land among the Israelites, &c. Chance-medley is providence Cambyses, lighting off his horse, after he had been showing great cruelty to them of Athens, his sword flew out of his scabbard and slew him. Disponit Deus membra pulicis et culicis, saith Augustine: God disposeth of gnats and flies. Birds flying seem to fly at liberty, yet are they guided by an overruling hand; he teacheth them to build their nests; ÷ in the word ÷ï for a nest there is written bigger than ordinary, to imply so much, say Hebricians; he also provides them their meat, their several meats in due season - the young raven especially, if that be true that Aristotle reporteth. This doctrine of God’ s particular providence rightly resented, yields incredible profit and comfort. See my Love Tokens, pp. 11, 12. Accident or casualty not purely accidental, but of a mixed character. Chiefly in manslaughter by chance-medley (for which later writers often use chance-medley itself): ‘ the casual killing of a man, not altogether without the killer’ s fault, though without an evil intent; homicide by misadventure; homicide mixt’ (Cowel). Hist. animal., lib. ix. cap. 31.

(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] On the lot, See Clarke on Numbers 26:55. How far it may be proper now to put difficult matters to the lot, after earnest prayer and supplication, I cannot say. Formerly, it was both lawful and efficient; for after it was solemnly cast, the decision was taken as coming immediately from the Lord. It is still practiced, and its use is allowed even by writers on civil law. But those who need most to have recourse to the lot are those who have not piety to pray nor faith to trust to God for a positive decision. The lot should never be resorted to in indifferent matters; they should be those of the greatest importance, in which it appears impossible for human prudence or foresight to determine. In such cases the lot is an appeal to God, and he disposes of it according to his goodness, mercy, and truth. The result, therefore, cannot be fortuitous.

33. the lap] from the folds of which it was drawn or shaken out. disposing] Lit. judgement. The decision, which when appealed to as arbiter it pronounces, is not its own but Jehovah’s. The religion of the O.T. incorporated into itself the use of the lot as it did many other common customs (see Joshua 7:14-18; 1 Samuel 14:42). With the gift of Pentecost, however, the religious use of it appears to have ceased. No mention is found of it in the N.T. after Acts 1:26.

Disposing - Better, the judgment or sentence which depends upon the lot. The lots were thrown into the gathered folds of a robe, and then drawn out.

33. Lap — Literally, bosom. It may mean the hollow part of a vase or urn. It is also applied to the receptacles formed by the mode of wearing the long loose garments peculiar to the East.