Topical Encyclopedia The term "allotted" in the Bible refers to the distribution or assignment of land, roles, or responsibilities as determined by God or His appointed leaders. This concept is deeply rooted in the biblical narrative, particularly in the context of the Israelites and their inheritance of the Promised Land.Old Testament Context 1. Inheritance of the Promised Land: The most prominent use of "allotted" is found in the distribution of the Promised Land among the tribes of Israel. After the Israelites entered Canaan, the land was divided by lot under the leadership of Joshua. This process was seen as divinely guided, ensuring that each tribe received its portion according to God's will. Joshua 14:2 states, "Their inheritance was assigned by lot to the nine and a half tribes, as the LORD had commanded through Moses." 2. Levitical Cities: The Levites, who were set apart for priestly duties, did not receive a territorial inheritance like the other tribes. Instead, they were allotted cities within the territories of the other tribes. Numbers 35:2 instructs, "Command the Israelites to give the Levites cities to live in from the inheritance they will possess, and you are also to give the Levites pasturelands around the cities." 3. Role of Casting Lots: The casting of lots was a common practice in ancient Israel for making decisions and determining God's will. This method was used not only for land distribution but also for other important decisions, such as selecting leaders or determining guilt. Proverbs 16:33 reflects this practice: "The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the LORD." New Testament Context 1. Apostolic Ministry: In the New Testament, the concept of allotment extends to spiritual gifts and roles within the Church. The Apostle Paul speaks of the distribution of spiritual gifts by the Holy Spirit, emphasizing that each believer is allotted a specific role for the edification of the body of Christ. In 1 Corinthians 12:11 , Paul writes, "All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, who apportions them to each one as He determines." 2. Judas' Replacement: The selection of Matthias to replace Judas Iscariot as an apostle was determined by casting lots, demonstrating the continued use of this practice in the early Church. Acts 1:26 records, "Then they cast lots, and the lot fell to Matthias; so he was added to the eleven apostles." Theological Significance The concept of allotment underscores the sovereignty of God in the distribution of resources, roles, and responsibilities. It reflects the belief that God has a specific plan and purpose for each individual and community. This divine allocation is not arbitrary but is intended to fulfill God's overarching plan for His people. In the broader biblical narrative, allotment serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness and provision. Whether it is the physical land given to the Israelites or the spiritual gifts bestowed upon believers, the act of allotment is a testament to God's meticulous care and intentionality in guiding His people. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (imp. & p. p.) of Allot.Greek 4102. pistis -- faith, faithfulness ... I say to everyone among you not to think more highly of himself than he ought to think; but to think so as to have sound judgment, as God has allotted to each ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4102.htm - 18k 3307. merizo -- to divide 2819. kleros -- a lot 3648. holokleros -- complete, entire Strong's Hebrew 1486. goral -- a lot (for casting)... Word Origin from an unused word Definition a lot (for casting) NASB Word Usage allotted (2), allotted portion (1), choice (1), land (1), lot (53), lots (15 ... /hebrew/1486.htm - 6k 3185. Yachtsiel -- Jahziel 5307. naphal -- to fall, lie 5157. nachal -- to get or take as a possession 2505a. chalaq -- to divide, share 1961. hayah -- to fall out, come to pass, become, be Library Men Shall be Actually Raised: the World Shall not be Annihilated ... Eunomius Again Speaks of the Son as Lord and God The Second Epistle of St. Peter An Hour and a Time for all Men. "We Must," He Says, "Observe the Laws, not Only Because it Has ... The Preacher as an Apostle. Scruples --Heavenly Favors --Journey to Barcelona Preparations for the Invasion of Greece. All the Apostles Urge the Observance of the Order of the Church. Human Generation, and the Work of God Therein Set Forth. Thesaurus Allotted (54 Occurrences)...Allotted (54 Occurrences). Acts 1:17 For Judas was reckoned as one of our number, and a share in this ministry was allotted to him." (WEY RSV). ... /a/allotted.htm - 22k Jokneam (5 Occurrences) Watch (203 Occurrences) Cup (86 Occurrences) Apportioned (24 Occurrences) Share (138 Occurrences) Shimron (6 Occurrences) Simeon (48 Occurrences) Astrology Zorah (10 Occurrences) Resources Who/what was Tirzah in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about time management? | GotQuestions.org What is the meaning of “redeeming the time” in Ephesians 5:16? | GotQuestions.org Allotted: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Allotted (54 Occurrences)Acts 1:17 Acts 17:26 Romans 12:3 1 Peter 5:3 2 Peter 1:1 Revelation 21:8 Leviticus 7:35 Numbers 34:2 Numbers 36:3 Deuteronomy 4:19 Deuteronomy 29:26 Deuteronomy 32:9 Joshua 13:29 Joshua 13:31 Joshua 13:32 Joshua 14:1 Joshua 14:5 Joshua 17:1 Joshua 17:6 Joshua 18:11 Joshua 19:49 Joshua 21:4 Joshua 21:5 Joshua 21:6 Joshua 21:8 Joshua 21:9 Joshua 21:20 Joshua 21:25 Joshua 21:40 Joshua 23:4 Joshua 24:33 Judges 1:3 Judges 18:1 1 Samuel 18:26 1 Chronicles 6:54 1 Chronicles 6:61 1 Chronicles 6:62 1 Chronicles 6:63 1 Chronicles 6:65 1 Chronicles 6:77 1 Chronicles 26:15 Nehemiah 5:14 Nehemiah 5:18 Nehemiah 9:22 Job 7:3 Job 15:20 Job 21:21 Job 23:12 Psalms 78:55 Psalms 125:3 Ezekiel 16:27 Ezekiel 47:22 Daniel 12:13 Hosea 5:7 Subtopics Related Terms |