Deuteronomy 18:10

There shall not be found among you any one that maketh his son or his daughter to pass through the fire, or that useth divination, or an observer of times, or an enchanter, or a witch,

Deuteronomy 18:10 (KJV)

Context

Deuteronomy records Moses’ final speeches to Israel before they enter the Promised Land. This verse forbids practices common among the neighboring nations.

First, it prohibits making a son or daughter pass through the fire, a reference to child sacrifice, especially to the god Molech. This was an abomination to God.

Divination is the attempt to gain hidden knowledge or guidance through occult means. It includes consulting mediums, fortune-telling, or using objects like tarot cards. The Lord warns Israel not to rely on such forces.

The phrase “observer of times” refers to astrology or trying to discern future events by observing celestial signs. God calls His people to trust Him for their future rather than depend on astrological signs.

An enchanter casts spells or uses incantations. Witchcraft involves sorcery and occult practices. The broader list also includes a charmer, a consulter with familiar spirits, a wizard, and a necromancer, all expressly prohibited.

Meaning

This verse is part of a larger section where God commands Israel to be blameless and not to imitate the detestable practices of the nations they are dispossessing. The underlying principle is that God’s people must rely on Him alone for guidance and must not turn to occult or pagan means. This prohibition is rooted in the covenant relationship between God and Israel, and it sets Israel apart from the surrounding nations.

In summary, Deuteronomy 18:10 enumerates several occult and pagan practices—child sacrifice, divination, astrology, enchantment, witchcraft, and related sorceries—that God commands His people to reject. He desires that Israel place its trust wholly in Him, seeking guidance from the Almighty alone.

Application

For the Christian, this passage underscores the importance of complete trust in God and rejection of all forms of occultism, divination, and idolatry. It also points to the sufficiency of God’s revelation through His Word and His Spirit, making it unnecessary and sinful to seek guidance through forbidden means. The verse serves as a warning against syncretism and the adoption of pagan practices, and it calls believers to holiness and exclusive devotion to God.