Allotting Land

Allotting land. When land has been measured, "the lot" determines what section each man will secure. Those wishing to farm this land gather together usually at a threshing floor, where the man in charge of operations has a bag and pebbles. A certain distinguishing mark is put on each pebble to indicate the portion of land it represents. Then these small stones are put in the bag, and the bag is given to a small boy, who takes out the pebbles one by one, and hands one to each man desiring the use of the land. Each man upon receiving his "1ot," says: "May GOD maintain my lot." This reminds the Bible reader of the words of the Psalm writer: "Thou maintainest my lot" (Psalm 16:5). Each man soon discovers whether his portion is desirable or not. David used this as an illustration of GOD's goodness to him, when he said, "The lines are fallen unto me in pleasant places; yea, I have a goodly heritage" (Psalm 16:6). It would seem, then, that the method used for allotting land by certain Arabs in modern days is similar to that used by the Jews in the days of the Old Testament. [Manners And Customs of Bible Lands]

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