Deuteronomy 18:14

Translation
King James Version
For these nations, which thou shalt possess, hearkened unto observers of times, and unto diviners: but as for thee, the LORD thy God hath not suffered thee so to do.
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KJV (with Strong's)
For these nations H1471, which thou shalt possess H3423, hearkened H8085 unto observers of times H6049, and unto diviners H7080: but as for thee, the LORD H3068 thy God H430 hath not suffered H5414 thee so to do.
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Complete Jewish Bible
For these nations, which you are about to dispossess, listen to soothsayers and diviners; but you, ADONAI your God does not allow you to do this.
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Berean Standard Bible
Though these nations, which you will dispossess, listen to conjurers and diviners, the LORD your God has not permitted you to do so.
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American Standard Version
For these nations, that thou shalt dispossess, hearken unto them that practise augury, and unto diviners; but as for thee, Jehovah thy God hath not suffered thee so to do.
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World English Bible Messianic
For these nations that you shall dispossess listen to those who practice sorcery and to diviners; but as for you, the LORD your God has not allowed you so to do.
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Geneva Bible (1599)
For these nations which thou shalt possesse, hearken vnto those that regarde the times, and vnto sorcerers: as for thee, the Lord thy God hath not suffred thee so.
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Young's Literal Translation
for these nations whom thou art possessing, unto observers of clouds, and unto diviners, do hearken; and thou--not so hath Jehovah thy God suffered thee.
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See also
Acts 14:16Genesis 20:6Deuteronomy 18:10Psalms 147:19Psalms 147:20
In the KJVVerse 5,399 of 31,102

Study This Verse

SUMMARY

Deuteronomy 18:14 serves as a profound divine prohibition against the pagan religious practices prevalent among the nations Israel was destined to dispossess. It sharply contrasts the abominable customs of the Canaanites, who sought guidance from observers of times and diviners, with the distinct and exclusive path God ordained for His covenant people, Israel. This verse underscores the foundational principle that Israel's identity and security were to be rooted solely in their unwavering trust in the LORD and His revealed word, rather than in any form of occultic manipulation or divination.

CONTEXT

  • Literary Context: This verse is situated within Moses' final, extensive discourses to the Israelites on the plains of Moab, just before their entry into the Promised Land. Specifically, it concludes a crucial section (Deuteronomy 18:9-14) that explicitly forbids various forms of divination and occult practices. The preceding verses, Deuteronomy 18:9-12, meticulously list a litany of "detestable practices" (Hebrew: to'evah), including child sacrifice, soothsaying, enchantments, witchcraft, charming, consulting with familiar spirits, wizardry, and necromancy. Verse 14 functions as a summary and a strong concluding rationale for these prohibitions, emphasizing that the nations Israel was to dispossess engaged in these very acts, which rendered them an abomination in the LORD's sight and led to their expulsion. The immediate follow-up in Deuteronomy 18:15 then pivots to God's alternative provision for guidance: a prophet like Moses, foreshadowing the ultimate Prophet, Jesus Christ.
  • Historical & Cultural Context: The Israelites were on the cusp of entering Canaan, a land saturated with polytheistic religions and their associated cultic practices. The Canaanite worldview was deeply animistic and superstitious, believing that various deities and spirits could be appeased or manipulated through rituals, omens, and magical practices to reveal the future or influence events. Practices like consulting "observers of times" (astrologers, omen interpreters) and "diviners" (fortune-tellers, sorcerers) were integral to their daily life, governance, and warfare. These practices were often linked to fertility cults, astral worship, and even child sacrifice, as seen in Deuteronomy 18:10. God's command in Deuteronomy 18:14 was not merely a theological statement but a practical imperative for Israel's survival and distinctiveness amidst such pervasive paganism. Their very existence as God's holy nation depended on their absolute separation from these practices, which represented a direct affront to God's sovereignty and exclusive claim over their lives.
  • Key Themes: This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Deuteronomy and the broader Pentateuch. Firstly, it highlights Divine Distinction, emphasizing that God's covenant with Israel set them apart as a unique people, whose practices were to be governed solely by divine revelation, not by human or demonic attempts to manipulate the future. Secondly, it underscores the theme of Exclusive Trust in God's Guidance. Instead of seeking answers from omens, horoscopes, or pagan diviners, Israel was commanded to rely entirely on the LORD, who would provide true prophetic guidance through His chosen servants, culminating in the promise of the "Prophet like Moses" in Deuteronomy 18:15. Lastly, it reinforces the absolute Rejection of Idolatry and Occultism. The practices of "observers of times" and "diviners" were fundamentally rooted in a lack of trust in God's sovereignty and a desire to gain knowledge or control outside of His divine will, thus constituting a form of spiritual adultery. The call to be "blameless before the LORD your God" in Deuteronomy 18:13 directly precedes and informs this prohibition.

EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

Key Word Analysis

  • Observers of times (Hebrew, ʻânan', H6049): This term (H6049) derives from a root meaning "to cover," but used as a denominative from "cloud over," figuratively meaning "to act covertly, i.e., practice magic." It refers to those who engage in divination by observing signs, often associated with atmospheric phenomena, celestial bodies, or specific times (e.g., auspicious days). It implies a reliance on external, natural phenomena or superstitious beliefs to predict the future or gain advantage, rather than on God's direct word or providence. This practice was a direct challenge to God's sole authority over time and destiny.
  • Diviners (Hebrew, qâçam', H7080): This term (H7080) is a broader and more general term for those who practice fortune-telling or use various magical techniques to discover hidden knowledge or future events. Its primitive root means "to distribute," implying determination by lot or magical scroll. It encompasses a wide range of occult practices, including casting lots, interpreting entrails, or using other forms of sorcery to manipulate or discern unseen forces. The root qasam is consistently used in the Old Testament to denote forbidden pagan practices.

Verse Breakdown

  • "For these nations, which thou shalt possess, hearkened unto observers of times, and unto diviners:" This clause provides the primary justification for the prohibition. It highlights the stark contrast between the practices of the Canaanite nations—who were about to be dispossessed by Israel—and God's expectations for His people. The phrase "hearkened unto" (Hebrew: shâmaʿ, H8085) implies not just passive listening but actively obeying, consulting, and relying upon these forbidden sources of information and power. This reliance on occultic practices was a defining characteristic of their spiritual depravity and a reason for their impending judgment and expulsion by the Israelites (Hebrew: yârash, H3423, "to occupy by driving out previous tenants").
  • "but as for thee, the LORD thy God hath not suffered thee so [to do]." This pivotal clause establishes Israel's unique covenantal relationship with Yahweh (Hebrew: Yᵉhôvâh, H3068) and His protective, guiding hand. The phrase "but as for thee" (Hebrew: wəʾattah) creates a strong adversative, emphasizing Israel's distinct identity and calling as God's chosen nation (Hebrew: gôwy, H1471). The LORD (H3068), as "thy God" (Hebrew: ʼĕlôhîym, H430), has not "suffered" (Hebrew: nâthan, H5414, meaning "given" or "permitted") Israel to engage in such practices. This is not merely a lack of permission but an active divine prohibition, underscoring God's desire for Israel's purity, exclusive devotion, and complete reliance on Him alone for guidance and security.

Literary Devices

The verse employs several key literary devices. Contrast is central, sharply juxtaposing the practices of the "nations" (who "hearkened unto observers of times, and unto diviners") with the divine prohibition placed upon "thee" (Israel, whom "the LORD thy God hath not suffered thee so to do"). This contrast underscores Israel's distinctiveness as a covenant people set apart for God. Repetition of the concept of forbidden practices, building upon the detailed list in Deuteronomy 18:9-12, reinforces the gravity and comprehensive nature of the command. The use of Exposition provides the rationale for the prohibition, explaining why Israel must not engage in these acts by pointing to the abominable behavior of the nations they are displacing. The repeated phrase "the LORD thy God" functions as a Theological Marker, constantly reminding Israel of the personal, covenantal relationship that underpins all of God's commands and distinguishes Him from the false deities of the surrounding cultures.

THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS

Deuteronomy 18:14 profoundly articulates God's unwavering demand for exclusive worship and trust from His people. It reveals that any attempt to gain knowledge or control over the future through means other than divine revelation is an affront to God's sovereignty and an act of spiritual infidelity. This prohibition is rooted in the very nature of God as omniscient and omnipotent, the sole source of all true wisdom and guidance. To consult diviners or observers of times is to deny God's sufficiency and to seek power from illicit, often demonic, sources. It is a call to radical dependence on God, acknowledging that His ways are higher than human attempts to manipulate destiny. This principle extends beyond ancient occult practices to any modern-day reliance on superstitions, horoscopes, or New Age practices that subtly divert trust from the Creator.

REFLECTION AND APPLICATION

Deuteronomy 18:14 holds enduring relevance for believers today, serving as a timeless call to absolute trust in God and a rejection of all forms of spiritual compromise. In a world still fascinated by the mystical, the occult, and various attempts to predict or control the future outside of God's will, this verse challenges us to examine where we truly seek our guidance and security. Do we subtly rely on superstitions, horoscopes, or even popular self-help philosophies that lack a biblical foundation? Are we tempted to seek "signs" or "omens" rather than patiently waiting on God's revealed word and Spirit-led discernment? This passage compels us to cultivate a radical dependence on God, recognizing that true wisdom and peace come from Him alone. It is a call to maintain our distinctiveness as followers of Christ, living in a way that reflects our allegiance to His authority and truth, rather than conforming to the world's often subtle, yet spiritually dangerous, allurements.

Questions for Reflection

  • In what ways might modern society's fascination with horoscopes, psychics, or "manifesting" subtly echo the ancient practices forbidden in this verse?
  • How does a complete trust in God's sovereignty protect us from the anxieties that drive people to seek forbidden forms of guidance?
  • What practical steps can I take to ensure my reliance for guidance is solely on God's Word and the Holy Spirit, rather than on external, unbiblical sources?
  • How can I effectively communicate the dangers of occultic practices and the sufficiency of Christ to those around me who may be drawn to them?

FAQ

What does "observers of times" specifically refer to in this context?

Answer: "Observers of times" (Hebrew: ʿōněnîm, from H6049) refers to those who practiced divination by interpreting omens, often derived from specific times, atmospheric phenomena, or celestial observations. This could include astrologers, those who interpreted cloud formations, or individuals who sought "auspicious" days for actions. It was a form of magic or soothsaying that relied on reading signs in the natural world, believing them to reveal hidden knowledge or future events, rather than seeking direct revelation from God. This practice was considered an abomination because it attributed power and knowledge to created things or demonic forces, thereby diminishing the unique sovereignty and omniscience of the LORD.

CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT

Deuteronomy 18:14 finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who is the promised "Prophet like Moses" mentioned in Deuteronomy 18:15. While the nations sought guidance from unreliable and forbidden sources, God promised Israel a true and perfect guide. Jesus embodies this promise, not merely as a prophet, but as the very Word of God made flesh (John 1:1, John 1:14). He is the one through whom God has spoken His final and complete revelation (Hebrews 1:1-2). Unlike the fallible diviners and observers of times who offered deceptive insights, Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life (John 14:6), offering not just predictions but eternal life and perfect guidance through the Holy Spirit (John 16:13). In Him, all the shadows of ancient prohibitions against false guidance are illuminated by the light of His perfect revelation, calling believers to an exclusive and unwavering trust in His person and His finished work on the cross (Colossians 2:8-10).

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Commentary on Deuteronomy 18 verses 9–14

One would not think there had been so much need as it seems there was to arm the people of Israel against the infection of the idolatrous customs of the Canaanites. Was it possible that a people so blessed with divine institutions should ever admit the brutish and barbarous inventions of men and devils? Were they in any danger of making those their tutors and directors in religion whom God had made their captives and tributaries? It seems they were in danger, and therefore, after many similar cautions, they are here charged not to do after the abominations of those nations, Deu 18:9.

I. Some particulars are specified; as, 1. The consecrating of their children to Moloch, an idol that represented the sun, by making them to pass through the fire, and sometimes consuming them as sacrifices in the fire, Deu 18:10. See the law against this before, Lev 18:21. 2. Using arts of divination, to get the unnecessary knowledge of things to come, enchantments, witchcrafts, charms, etc., by which the power and knowledge peculiar to God were attributed to the devil, to the great reproach both of God's counsels and of his providence, Deu 18:10, Deu 18:11. one would wonder that such arts and works of darkness, so senseless and absurd, so impious and profane, could be found in a country where divine revelation shone so clearly; yet we find remains of them even where Christ's holy religion is known and professed; such are the powers and policies of the rulers of the darkness of this world. But let those give heed to fortune-tellers, or go to wizards for the discovery of things secret, that use spells for the cure of diseases, are in any league or acquaintance with familiar spirits, or form a confederacy with those that are - let them know that they can have no fellowship with God while thus they have fellowship with devils. It is amazing to think that there should by any pretenders of this kind in such a land and day of light as we live in.

II. Some reasons are given against their conformity to the customs of the Gentiles. 1. Because it would make them abominable to God. The things themselves being hateful to him, those that do them are an abomination; and miserable is that creature that has become odious to its Creator, Deu 18:12. See the malignity and mischievousness of sin; that must needs be an evil thing indeed which provokes the God of mercy to detest the work of his own hands. 2. Because these abominable practices had been the ruin of the Canaanites, of which ruin they were not only the witnesses but the instruments. It would be the most inexcusable folly, as well as the most unpardonable impiety, for them to practise themselves those very things for which they had been employed so severely to chastise others. Did the land spue out the abominations of the Canaanites, and shall Israel lick up the vomit? 3. Because they were better taught, Deu 18:13, Deu 18:14. It is an argument like that of the apostle against Christians walking as the Gentiles walked (Eph 4:17, Eph 4:18, Eph 4:20): You have not so learned Christ. "It is true these nations, whom God gave up to their own hearts' lusts, and suffered to walk in their own ways (Act 14:16), did thus corrupt themselves; but thou art not thus abandoned by the grace of God: the Lord thy God had not suffered thee to do so; thou art instructed in divine things, and hast fair warning given thee of the evil of those practices; and therefore, whatever others do, it is expected that thou shouldest be perfect with the Lord thy God," that is, "that thou shouldest give divine honours to him, to him only, and to no other, and not mix any of the superstitious customs of the heathen with his institutions." One of the Chaldee paraphrasts here takes notice of God's furnishing them with the oracle of urim and thummim, as a preservative from all unlawful arts of divination. Those were fools indeed who would go to consult the father of lies when they had such a ready way of consulting the God of truth.

Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 9–14. Public domain.
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Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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