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NASB | Proverbs 16:33 The lot is cast into the lap, But its every decision is from the LORD. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Proverbs 16:33 The lot is cast into the lap, But its every decision is from the LORD. |
Subject: pleasestate your undestandingof verse |
Bible Note: Hi, Keliy... The casting of lots was a common means used by the Israelites (Leviticus 16:8; Joshua 18:6-10; etc.) and others (Ester 3:7; Jonah 1:7; etc.) of making judgments of various kinds. God is sovereign over the entire universe (Psalm 103:19; Romans 8:28; Ephesians 1:11). God is sovereign over all of nature (Psalm 135:6-7; Matthew 5:45; 6:25-30). God is sovereign over the angels, including Satan (Psalm 103:20-21; Job 1:12). God is sovereign over nations (Psalm 47:7-9; Daniel 2:20-21; 4:34-35). God is sovereign over human beings (1 Samuel 2:6-7; Galatians 1:15-16). God is sovereign over animals (Psalm 104:21-30; 1 Kings 17:4-6). God is sovereign over "accidents" (Proverbs 16:33; John 1:7; Matthew 10:29). God is sovereign over the free acts of men (Exodus 3:21; 12:25-36; Ezekiel 7:27). God is sovereign even over the sinful acts of men and Satan (2 Samuel 24:1; 1 Chronicles 21:1; Genesis 45:5; 50:20). See also post #193851. As creator, He rightfully disposes, decrees, and discharges all things such that He will receive the most glory (Isaiah 42:8) and the greatest good will be achieved for His elect (Romans 8:28-30). So determining the flip of a coin or the roll of the dice is nothing to Him! And yet, it is everything to us (see post #182821). John Gill writes that the result determined by the casting of lots "is to be ascribed, not to blind chance and fortune, to the influence of the stars, or to any invisible created being, angel or devil, but to the Lord only; there is no such thing as chance, or events by chance; those events which seem most fortuitous or contingent are all disposed, ordered, and governed, by the sovereign will of God." I think the Amplified version expresses the sense of this verse perfectly well: "The lot is cast into the lap, but the decision is wholly of the Lord [even the events that seem accidental are really ordered by Him]." This verse is a proper and comforting reminder that not even the slightest thing is not being perfectly and precisely controlled by the almighty, all knowing and wise, and perfectly loving Lord God. In Him, Doc |