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 a is providence Exo 22:1-31 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; Mat 10:26-31 he teacheth them to build their nests; Psa 84:3 ק in the word קן 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, Psa 147:9 if that be true that Aristotle b reporteth. This doctrine of God's particular providence rightly resented, yields incredible profit and comfort. See my Love Tokens, pp. 11, 12.
a 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).
b Hist. animal., lib. ix. cap. 31.