Pro 16:33 | KingComments | STEP | This verse is about the practice of seeking Divine guidance by casting lots. What is decided by lot is ultimately the LORD’s decision. Even if unbelievers do it, He is above it. He determines the course of events. Nothing happens outside of Him, without His will. He is involved in everything and it happens according to His counsel. We see His hand in everything, a hand that directs all events with wisdom. We see that the chapter ends as it began, with a word about God’s sovereignty. In the Old Testament, the lot was cast, among other things, to 1. arrange service in the temple ( ); 2. bring the truth to light ( ); 3. to detect transgressors ( ); 4. cause disputes to cease ( ); 5. divide the land of Canaan among the tribes ( ). The last mention of the use of the lot in Scripture is in connection with the question of who was to succeed Judas Iscariot as apostle ( ). The Christian does not need the lot, for he has the Holy Spirit dwelling within him, Who guides him into all the truth ( ). He also has at his disposal the complete Word of God in which he can learn the will of God. Thereby prayer is at his disposal. He may approach God directly as his Father to ask Him about His will.

‏ Proverbs 16:33

Man Considers, but God Decides

This verse is about the practice of seeking Divine guidance by casting lots. What is decided by lot is ultimately the LORD’s decision. Even if unbelievers do it, He is above it. He determines the course of events. Nothing happens outside of Him, without His will. He is involved in everything and it happens according to His counsel. We see His hand in everything, a hand that directs all events with wisdom. We see that the chapter ends as it began, with a word about God’s sovereignty.

In the Old Testament, the lot was cast, among other things, to

1. arrange service in the temple (1Chr 24:5 ; 31 ; 1Chr 25:7-8);

2. bring the truth to light (1Sam 14:41);

3. to detect transgressors (Jos 7:16);

4. cause disputes to cease (Pro 18:18);

5. divide the land of Canaan among the tribes (Num 26:55).

The last mention of the use of the lot in Scripture is in connection with the question of who was to succeed Judas Iscariot as apostle (Acts 1:26).

The Christian does not need the lot, for he has the Holy Spirit dwelling within him, Who guides him into all the truth (Jn 16:13). He also has at his disposal the complete Word of God in which he can learn the will of God. Thereby prayer is at his disposal. He may approach God directly as his Father to ask Him about His will.