Proverbs 16:33

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. Whatever happens to man by allotment is not by chance, but by the Lord's appointment. The lots were cast into the cloak, cap, urn, or whatever else the judge or umpire bare in his lap, and then were drawn forth in order. They were used in dividing inheritances, in electing a king, and subsequently an apostle, in detecting the guilty one among a multitude, etc. (; ; ; ; .) The employment of the term 'judgment' implies that it was only in weightier cases that resort was had to judgment by lot; especially as God Himself was regarded as the Arbiter in the judgment by lot. Hence, it was entered upon with great solemnity: in , with a preparatory sanctification of the people. Eleazar used to preside on such occasions. Everything is a wheel of Providence. The unparalleled story of Joseph seems to be made up of nothing else but chances and little contingencies, all tending to mighty ends. The sleepless night of Ahasuerus () was overruled to save the Jews from extinction (cf. Bridges).