Psalm 16/Notes/Lexical.v. 5.70985

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  • The word lot (גּוֹרָל) refers to a "specially marked object, such as a pebble or piece of pottery, ► used in order to decide questions" (SDBH). Lots were used to divide property, especially land (see, e.g., Num 26:55; also clothing in Ps 22:19). The term "lot" can also refer figuratively to the "decision" indicated by the lot, the property ("allotment") which is acquired by the lot, or the "destiny" of an individual "described as an allotment from God" (SDBH). The last of these definitions seems most appropriate to Ps 16:5: "you hold my lot" >> "you control my destiny" (CEB; cf. NJPS).