### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **yâdad**, represented by `{{H3032}}`, is a primitive root meaning to handle or, more specifically, **to throw or cast**, such as when casting lots. It is a rare term, appearing only **3 times** across **3 unique verses** in the Bible. In each instance, it describes an act of conquest and subjugation, where lots are cast to divide conquered people or cities.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H3032}}` is consistently used to portray the actions of an invading force treating the vanquished as spoils of war. The prophet Obadiah describes foreign armies entering Jerusalem's gates to **cast** lots upon the city [[Obadiah 1:11]]. Similarly, Nahum depicts the fall of a great city where conquerors **cast** lots for its honorable men after its children were dashed in pieces and its great men bound in chains [[Nahum 3:10]]. The prophet Joel uses the term to describe enemies who have **cast** lots for God's people, subsequently trading them for things of no value [[Joel 3:3]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words clarify the devastating context surrounding the act of casting lots:
* `{{H1486}}` **gôwrâl** (a lot): This word, defined as a pebble or lot, represents the object being thrown by the action of `{{H3032}}`. It appears alongside `{{H3032}}` in all three of its occurrences ([[Joel 3:3]], [[Obadiah 1:11]], [[Nahum 3:10]]) and figuratively refers to a portion or destiny.
* `{{H7628}}` **shᵉbîy** (captive(-ity)): This term for exile or captives is directly linked to the events in Nahum's prophecy, where the city goes into **captivity** `{{H7628}}` before lots are cast for its people [[Nahum 3:10]]. It establishes the context of military defeat and subjugation.
* `{{H4376}}` **mâkar** (to sell): This primitive root highlights the ultimate outcome of being treated as plunder. In Joel's prophecy, after lots are cast, a girl is **sold** `{{H4376}}` for wine, demonstrating the complete dehumanization of the conquered people [[Joel 3:3]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H3032}}` is found in its portrayal of judgment and the consequences of rebellion.
* **Sign of Conquest and Humiliation:** The act of casting lots for people is a definitive symbol of their total defeat and subjugation. It reduces honorable men and entire populations to mere objects to be distributed among victors ([[Nahum 3:10]], [[Obadiah 1:11]]).
* **Commodification of Humanity:** By linking the casting `{{H3032}}` of lots directly to the giving `{{H5414}}` and selling `{{H4376}}` of people for trivial items, the scripture condemns the act as one of profound dehumanization [[Joel 3:3]].
* **Execution of Judgment:** In each prophetic context, the casting of lots is part of a larger divine judgment being enacted upon a city or a people. The action signifies a loss of control and destiny, which is now in the hands of foreign powers.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H3032}}` is far more than a simple verb for "to cast." Its exclusive use in contexts of military defeat, subjugation, and the division of human spoils gives it a dark and specific meaning. It illustrates a key aspect of divine judgment in the prophetic books, where the humiliation of being parceled out by lot serves as a tangible sign of a nation's fall. The word **yâdad** encapsulates a moment of ultimate powerlessness and degradation for the conquered.
TRV