Proverbs 1:14
Cast in thy lot among us; let us all have one purse:
Original Language Analysis
גּ֭וֹרָ֣לְךָ
in thy lot
H1486
גּ֭וֹרָ֣לְךָ
in thy lot
Strong's:
H1486
Word #:
1 of 7
properly, a pebble, i.e., a lot (small stones being used for that purpose); figuratively, a portion or destiny (as if determined by lot)
תַּפִּ֣יל
Cast
H5307
תַּפִּ֣יל
Cast
Strong's:
H5307
Word #:
2 of 7
to fall, in a great variety of applications (intransitive or causative, literal or figurative)
אֶ֝חָ֗ד
us let us all have one
H259
אֶ֝חָ֗ד
us let us all have one
Strong's:
H259
Word #:
5 of 7
properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first
Historical Context
Casting lots was common in ancient decision-making, determining distribution of resources or responsibilities. A shared purse represented economic partnership and mutual obligation. Bandit gangs in antiquity operated through such economic cooperation—equal risk, equal reward. This pseudo-community appealed to young men seeking belonging, but founded fellowship on violence rather than virtue. True covenant community serves; counterfeit community exploits.
Questions for Reflection
- How does evil's co-opting of community language warn us to examine foundations, not merely forms, of fellowship?
- What does the shared purse teach us about corporate responsibility—we share in guilt for groups we join?
Analysis & Commentary
The final enticement: 'Cast in thy lot among us; let us all have one purse.' This promise of communal sharing and equal distribution appeals to fairness and brotherhood. Yet this 'brotherhood' is founded on violence and theft. The single purse represents socialist equality in distribution of stolen goods. This exposes how evil can co-opt good concepts (sharing, community) for wicked purposes. True brotherhood serves others; false brotherhood exploits victims. The one purse creates corporate guilt—all share in the crime.