Dictionary of Bible Themes » 4000 Creation » 4900 Time » 4912 chance
The occurrence of events at random, as undesigned happenings. While people may perceive events as random, in Scripture all events are subject to God's sovereignty.
Chance in human life
Chance events
2 Chronicles 18:33-34 pp 1 Kings 22:34-38 See also 1 Samuel 6:7-9; Proverbs 26:10
Human life seems to be governed by chance, not merit
Ecclesiastes 9:11 See also Ecclesiastes 2:17-19
Providence at work through apparent chance
Jonah 1:17 See also Ruth 2:3; Luke 23:44-45 pp Matthew 27:45 pp Matthew 27:51 pp Mark 15:33 pp Mark 15:38; Acts 16:26
Chance events overruled by God's sovereignty
The casting of lots and the element of chance
Proverbs 16:33 See also Numbers 33:53-54; Judges 20:8-10; Nehemiah 10:34; Nehemiah 11:1; Luke 23:34 pp Matthew 27:35 pp Mark 15:24; Acts 1:23-26
Urim and Thummim, seeming to be dependent on chance
Exodus 28:29-30 The Urim and Thummim were used by the high priest to declare God's will. It was a form of casting lots showing either an affirmative or negative response to an enquiry. See also Numbers 27:21; 1 Samuel 28:4-6; Ezra 2:62-63 pp Nehemiah 7:64-65
See also
1130 God, sovereignty 1355 providence 4937 fate, fatalism 7392 lots, casting of 8124 guidance
