Bridges on Proverbs 18:18
 
 
Charles Bridges on Proverbs 18:18
 
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18.  The lot causeth contentions to cease, and parteth between the mighty.
 
The general use of the lot has been before explained. (Chapter 16:33.) It is here adverted to, as an ordinance of peaceful settlement. Whether from the evenness of the balance, or from want of confidence in the judgment, a legal appeal might be of doubtful authority. Contending parties therefore agree to abide by the decision of the lot. Important matters of order under the Divine Theocracy were thus determined.† How many contentions would there have been between the mighty, in settling the respective boundaries of the tribes, had not this means been adopted to make them cease!† When Saul was thus chosen to the Kingdom,† and Matthias “numbered among the Apostles,”† the election was acquiesced in, as the voice of God. There seems therefore no scriptural prohibition to the use of this ordinance; provided it be exercised in a reverential dependence upon God,† and not profaned for common purposes or worldly ends.
At the same time, as we have before observed, the word of God appears to be more fully recognized as the arbiter of the Divine will. All contentions cease in a simple, childlike, unreserved readiness to be guided by this “more sure rule.” The extent of forgiveness is here clearly defined (Matthew 18:21, 22), and the principle and motive for its exercise effectively supplied. (Colossians 3:13.) Perhaps it is more easy to abide by the decision of the lot than of the word. The last requires more self-denial, humility and patience, and therefore is more practically useful.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Proverbs 16:33
33 ¶ The lot is cast into the lap; but the whole disposing thereof is of the LORD.
 
 
Footnote:
1 Chronicles 6:63; 24:31. Nehemiah 11:1.
 
 
1 Chronicles 6:63
63 Unto the sons of Merari were given by lot, throughout their families, out of the tribe of Reuben, and out of the tribe of Gad, and out of the tribe of Zebulun, twelve cities.
 
1 Chronicles 24:31
31 These likewise cast lots over against their brethren the sons of Aaron in the presence of David the king, and Zadok, and Ahimelech, and the chief of the fathers of the priests and Levites, even the principal fathers over against their younger brethren.
 
Nehemiah 11:1
1 ¶ And the rulers of the people dwelt at Jerusalem: the rest of the people also cast lots, to bring one of ten to dwell in Jerusalem the holy city, and nine parts to dwell in other cities.
 
 
Footnote:
Numbers 33:54.
 
 
Numbers 33:54
54 And ye shall divide the land by lot for an inheritance among your families: and to the more ye shall give the more inheritance, and to the fewer ye shall give the less inheritance: every man’s inheritance shall be in the place where his lot falleth; according to the tribes of your fathers ye shall inherit. {give the more...: Heb. multiply his inheritance} {give the less...: Heb. diminish his inheritance}
 
 
Footnote:
1 Samuel 10:20-24.
 
 
1 Samuel 10:20-24
20 And when Samuel had caused all the tribes of Israel to come near, the tribe of Benjamin was taken. 21 When he had caused the tribe of Benjamin to come near by their families, the family of Matri was taken, and Saul the son of Kish was taken: and when they sought him, he could not be found. 22 Therefore they enquired of the LORD further, if the man should yet come thither. And the LORD answered, Behold, he hath hid himself among the stuff. 23 And they ran and fetched him thence: and when he stood among the people, he was higher than any of the people from his shoulders and upward. 24 And Samuel said to all the people, See ye him whom the LORD hath chosen, that there is none like him among all the people? And all the people shouted, and said, God save the king. {God...: Heb. Let the king live}
 
 
Footnote:
Acts 1:26.
 
 
Acts 1:26
26 And they gave forth their lots; and the lot fell upon Matthias; and he was numbered with the eleven apostles.
 
 
Footnote:
Acts 1:24, 25.
 
 
Acts 1:24, 25.
24 And they prayed, and said, Thou, Lord, which knowest the hearts of all men, shew whether of these two thou hast chosen, 25 That he may take part of this ministry and apostleship, from which Judas by transgression fell, that he might go to his own place.
 
 
Matthew 18:21, 22
21 ¶ Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times? 22 Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven.
 
 
Colossians 3:13
13 Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. {quarrel: or, complaint}