or (shortened) גֹּרָל; from an unused root meaning to be rough (as stone); properly, a pebble, i.e. a lot (small stones being used for that purpose); figuratively, a portion or destiny (as if determined by lot); lot.
Transliteration:gôwrâl
Pronunciation:go-rawl'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew noun `{{H1486}}`, *gôwrâl* (or *gōrāl*), derives from an unused root meaning "to be rough," pointing to its literal meaning as a "pebble" or "small stone." This literal sense forms the basis for its primary usage: an object used in the ancient practice of casting lots. From this, the meaning extends to the "lot" itself, referring to the act of casting or the outcome determined by it. Figuratively, `{{H1486}}` signifies a "portion," "share," "inheritance," or "destiny," implying an allocation or outcome as if determined by lot, thereby often pointing to a divinely appointed or predetermined share. Its semantic range thus moves from a concrete object to an abstract concept of pre-determined allocation, often with theological implications of divine oversight.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term `{{H1486}}` appears approximately 47 times in the Old Testament, predominantly in the books of Numbers, Joshua, 1 Chronicles, Nehemiah, and Psalms. Its occurrences reveal several key contexts:
1. **Division of Land:** The most prominent use of `{{H1486}}` is in the allocation of the Promised Land among the tribes of Israel. This method, explicitly commanded by God, emphasized divine guidance in the distribution of the inheritance. For instance, [[Numbers 26:55]] states, "However, the land shall be divided by lot; according to the names of the tribes of their fathers they shall inherit." Similarly, [[Joshua 14:2]] and [[Joshua 18:6]] detail the use of lots for this purpose, underscoring that the land was a divine gift, not merely a human conquest.
2. **Selection and Appointment:** Lots were cast to select individuals for specific roles or to identify culprits. Saul was chosen as king by lot in [[1 Samuel 10:20-21]]. In [[Jonah 1:7]], lots were cast to identify the one responsible for the storm. Priestly and Levitical duties were also assigned by lot, as seen in [[1 Chronicles 24:5]] and [[Nehemiah 10:34]], ensuring an orderly and divinely sanctioned system of service.
3. **Division of Spoils or Property:** `{{H1486}}` is used in contexts of dividing spoils of war or other possessions. [[Joel 3:3]] and [[Obadiah 1:11]] speak of enemies casting lots over captives or the land. Most poignantly, [[Psalm 22:18]] (a messianic psalm) foretells the soldiers casting lots for the garments of the crucified Messiah, a detail fulfilled in [[John 19:24]].
4. **Figurative "Portion" or "Destiny":** Beyond the literal casting of lots, `{{H1486}}` often denotes one's allotted "portion" or "destiny," whether positive or negative. In [[Psalm 16:5]], the psalmist declares, "The Lord is the portion of my inheritance and my cup; You support my lot." Here, God Himself is the ultimate `{{H1486}}`, the source of the psalmist's security and blessing. Conversely, [[Isaiah 17:14]] speaks of the "lot" of plunderers, referring to their inevitable destruction. [[Proverbs 16:33]] provides a crucial theological insight: "The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the Lord." This verse encapsulates the biblical understanding that what appears to be random chance is, in fact, under divine sovereignty.
### Related Words & Concepts
The concept of `{{H1486}}` is intertwined with several related lexical and theological concepts:
1. **`{{H5307}}` (נָפַל - *nāphal*):** The verb "to fall" is frequently used in conjunction with `{{H1486}}`, as in "the lot fell upon" someone or something, emphasizing the outcome of the casting process.
2. **`{{H2256}}` (חֶבֶל - *chebhel*):** While primarily meaning "cord" or "line," `{{H2256}}` also carries the meaning of "portion" or "inheritance," particularly in the context of land (e.g., "measuring line" for an allotted territory). This parallels the figurative use of `{{H1486}}` for one's assigned share.
3. **Divine Sovereignty:** The most significant theological concept linked to `{{H1486}}` is God's absolute control over all things. The casting of lots was not a game of chance but a recognized means of discerning God's will or allowing Him to determine an outcome. [[Proverbs 16:33]] is the quintessential statement on this.
4. **Inheritance (נַחֲלָה - naḥălāh):** The allocation of the land by lot firmly connects `{{H1486}}` to the concept of inheritance, especially the divinely promised and distributed inheritance of Israel.
5. **Justice and Judgment:** In some instances, `{{H1486}}` served as a means to reveal truth or execute justice, such as identifying a guilty party.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H1486}}` is profound, primarily asserting God's meticulous sovereignty over all events, even those seemingly left to chance.
1. **Divine Providence:** The consistent use of lots in significant decisions (like land distribution or selecting leaders) highlights the biblical conviction that God is actively involved in the details of human affairs. The outcome of the lot was never considered arbitrary but divinely directed, a tangible expression of God's providence. It served as a reminder that the Lord governs all things according to His purpose.
2. **Revelation of God's Will:** In a pre-prophetic or pre-Holy Spirit era, casting lots was a legitimate means by which God could reveal His specific will or choice to His people. It provided clarity and divine sanction to important decisions, removing human bias or error.
3. **Security in God's Allotment:** For the righteous, `{{H1486}}` could signify God's generous provision and secure blessing. As seen in [[Psalm 16:5]], having the Lord as one's "lot" implies ultimate satisfaction and security, a portion far superior to any earthly inheritance.
4. **Diminished Practice in the New Covenant:** While lots were cast to select Matthias in [[Acts 1:26]], the practice largely faded with the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. The direct indwelling and guidance of the Spirit (e.g., [[John 16:13]]) rendered the external mechanism of lots less necessary for discerning God's will, signaling a new and more intimate form of divine guidance.
### Summary
The Hebrew word `{{H1486}}`, *gôwrâl*, literally a "pebble," extends semantically to the "lot" cast and, figuratively, to one's "portion" or "destiny." Its biblical usage profoundly underscores the theological truth of divine sovereignty. Whether used for the precise division of the Promised Land, the selection of leaders, or the allocation of duties, `{{H1486}}` consistently points to God's active and ultimate control over seemingly random outcomes. It serves as a powerful reminder that "the lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the Lord" [[Proverbs 16:33]]. Thus, `{{H1486}}` encapsulates the reverent belief that even in what appears to be chance, God's hand is meticulously at work, ordering all things according to His wise and sovereign plan.
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