But matters must go forward now. Accordingly the people were to present themselves before the Lord by their tribes and by their thousands that the lot might be taken. This was necessary in order that no questions should be raised afterward. It was true that the Lord had looked out for them just such a man as they desired, and it was also a fact that the prophet had already anointed him, but not until the Mizpeh gathering did any public dealing take place. The lot was the familiar appeal of the people to God, settling all controversy. “The lot is cast into the lap; but the whole disposing thereof is of the Lord” (Prov. 16:33). The last mention of the lot in Scripture is in connection with the appointment of Matthias to fill Judas's place in the apostolic band (Acts 1:26). The Scriptures being now complete, and the Holy Spirit being in personal residence in the church on earth, the lot has ceased to have any place in the ways of God.