a primitive root; (compare יָדָה); properly, to handle, i.e. to throw, e.g. lots; cast.
Transliteration:yâdad
Pronunciation:yaw-dad'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word H3032 (יָדַד, yâdad) is a primitive root, appearing only once in the Masoretic Text in its verbal form. Its core meaning, as suggested by its etymology and comparison to `{{H3034}}` (yâdâh), revolves around the concept of "handling" which extends to "throwing" or "casting." The explicit connection to `{{H3034}}` highlights a shared semantic field related to movement away from the hand. While `{{H3034}}` develops a broad range of meanings including "to praise" or "to give thanks" (by casting forth the hands or voice), H3032 appears to retain a more specific and concrete sense of physical "casting," particularly in the context of lots. Its rare occurrence suggests either a highly specialized usage or a root that largely merged into related, more common verbs.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The sole occurrence of H3032 in the Hebrew Bible is found in [[Joel 3:3]]: "And they have cast lots for my people; and have given a boy for an harlot, and sold a girl for wine, that they might drink." In this prophetic lament, the verb yâdad is used in the Piel stem (וַיַּדּוּ, wayyaddû), indicating an intensive or repeated action, though the nuance here is primarily active and causative. The context is one of severe injustice and exploitation perpetrated by the nations against God's people, Israel. The act of "casting lots" (yâdad gôrâl) for people signifies their reduction to mere commodities or spoils of war. It underscores their dehumanization, as their fate is determined by chance, much like the division of plunder. This specific instance of lot-casting is not for divine revelation or equitable distribution, but for arbitrary, cruel, and self-serving purposes, illustrating the depths of the nations' contempt for God's chosen. The subsequent actions—selling a boy for a harlot and a girl for wine—further emphasize the utter degradation and profanity of their actions.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most direct linguistic relation to H3032 is `{{H3034}}` (יָדָה, yâdâh), from which it is likely derived or with which it shares a common ancestor. While H3032 specifically denotes "to cast lots," `{{H3034}}` possesses a much wider semantic range, encompassing "to throw," "to cast," "to shoot," and significantly, "to give thanks" or "to praise" (often with the hands extended). The concept of "casting lots" itself is prevalent in the Bible, often expressed with other verbs such as `{{H5307}}` (נָפַל, nâphal, "to fall," as lots falling) or in conjunction with the noun `{{H1486}}` (גּוֹרָל, gôrâl, "lot"). Biblical instances of lot-casting include the division of the land among the tribes [[Numbers 26:55]], identifying a culprit [[Joshua 7:16-18]], selecting individuals for service [[1 Samuel 14:41-42]], or even in the allocation of priestly duties [[1 Chronicles 24:5]]. In the case of H3032, the act of casting lots is explicitly linked to the subjugation and mistreatment of people, setting it apart from more neutral or divinely sanctioned uses.
### Theological Significance
The singular use of H3032 in [[Joel 3:3]] carries profound theological weight. The act of "casting lots" for human beings, particularly God's covenant people, represents the ultimate indignity and a profound violation of divine order. It portrays humans as mere objects, devoid of inherent value, whose destinies are determined by the caprice of their oppressors rather than by divine purpose or justice. This specific context highlights God's righteous indignation against those who exploit and dehumanize others, especially His chosen people. The arbitrary nature of the lot-casting stands in stark contrast to the meticulous and just ordering of the world by God. While lot-casting could, at times, be a means by which God's will was revealed (e.g., in the Urim and Thummim), here it is an instrument of human wickedness, demonstrating the nations' utter disregard for divine law and human dignity. The prophetic declaration in Joel serves as a stern warning that such actions will not go unpunished, underscoring God's role as the ultimate judge who will avenge the wrongs committed against His people.
### Summary
H3032 (יָדַד, yâdad) is a rare Hebrew verb meaning "to cast" or "to throw," specifically used in the context of "casting lots." Its sole appearance in [[Joel 3:3]] powerfully depicts the dehumanizing act of nations casting lots for God's people, treating them as mere property to be exploited. This usage highlights the profound injustice and cruelty of the oppressors, serving as a poignant illustration of the divine indignation against those who violate human dignity and God's moral order. The word, though infrequent, thus contributes significantly to the biblical understanding of divine judgment against exploitation and the sanctity of human life.
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