“And the soul that turneth after such as have familiar spirits, and after wizards, to go a whoring after them, I will even set my face against that soul, and will cut him off from among his people.”
Context: The book of Leviticus is part of the Pentateuch, also known as the Torah or the Law of Moses. It contains various laws and regulations given by God to the Israelites through Moses. Leviticus 20 deals with various laws regarding sexual immorality, idolatry, and other sins punishable by death.
Familiar Spirits and Wizards: In this verse, God is addressing the issue of seeking after familiar spirits and consulting wizards. Familiar spirits refer to spirits or demons that some people believed they could communicate with or receive guidance from. Wizards or mediums were individuals who claimed to have the ability to contact and communicate with the spirit realm.
Idolatry and Spiritual Adultery: The phrase “to go a whoring after them” symbolically represents idolatry and spiritual adultery. It indicates that turning to familiar spirits and wizards is a form of spiritual unfaithfulness and rebellion against God. Instead of seeking God and His guidance, the people were turning to supernatural entities and practices that were forbidden by God.
God’s Response: God declares that He will set His face against the person who turns after familiar spirits and wizards. This means that God will oppose and judge those who engage in such practices. The phrase “will cut him off from among his people” implies that the person involved in such activities will face severe consequences, possibly including being excommunicated from the community or even facing capital punishment.
Spiritual Implications: Leviticus 20:6 serves as a reminder of the importance of remaining faithful to God and not seeking supernatural guidance from sources that are not aligned with His will. God desires His people to trust in Him alone and seek His guidance through prayer, His Word, and a relationship with Him. Turning to occult practices or seeking guidance from spiritual entities apart from God is not only forbidden but also has serious spiritual implications.
Application for Today: While Leviticus contains specific laws and regulations given to the Israelites, the principles behind these laws can still be applied to our lives today. As Christians, we are called to seek God’s guidance, trust in Him, and turn away from any form of idolatry or spiritual adultery. This includes avoiding practices associated with the occult, divination, or seeking supernatural guidance outside of a relationship with God.
In conclusion, Leviticus 20:6 warns against turning after familiar spirits and wizards, emphasizing the importance of remaining faithful to God and avoiding spiritual practices that are contrary to His will. It reminds us of the need to seek God’s guidance and trust in Him alone.
