Deuteronomy 18:14

KJV

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].

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.

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.

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.

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.

Commentary

### 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](/deuteronomy/18-9 "Deuteronomy 18:9-12 - Forbidden Practices"), 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](/deuteronomy/18-15 "Deuteronomy 18:15 - The Promise of a Prophet") 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](/deuteronomy/18-10 "Deuteronomy 18:10 - The Abomination of Child Sacrifice"). God's command in [Deuteronomy 18:14](/deuteronomy/18-14 "Deuteronomy 18:14 - Do Not Imitate Pagan Practices") 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](/deuteronomy/18-15 "Deuteronomy 18:15 - The Promise of a Prophet"). 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](/deuteronomy/18-13 "Deuteronomy 18:13 - Be Blameless Before God") directly precedes and informs this prohibition.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Observers of times (Hebrew, _ʿōněnîm'_):** This term derives from a root meaning "to practice soothsaying, to interpret omens, to 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, _qōsĕmîm'_):** This 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. 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* signifies "to practice divination" and 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: *shamaʿ*) implies not just 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 judgment.
* **"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 and His protective, guiding hand. The phrase "but as for thee" (Hebrew: *wəʾattah*) creates a strong adversative, emphasizing Israel's distinct identity and calling. The LORD, as "thy God," has not "suffered" (Hebrew: *nātan*, 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" with the divine prohibition placed upon "thee" (Israel). This contrast underscores Israel's distinctiveness as a covenant people set apart for God. **Repetition** of the concept of forbidden practices, building upon the list in [Deuteronomy 18:9-12](/deuteronomy/18-9 "Deuteronomy 18:9-12 - Detestable Practices"), 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 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.

* [Leviticus 19:31](/leviticus/19-31 "Leviticus 19:31 - Do Not Turn to Mediums")
* [Isaiah 8:19](/isaiah/8-19 "Isaiah 8:19 - Seek God, Not Mediums")
* [Acts 16:16-18](/acts/16-16 "Acts 16:16-18 - Paul and the Divining Spirit")

### 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*) 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](/deuteronomy/18-15 "Deuteronomy 18:15 - The Prophet Like Moses"). 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/1-1 "John 1:1 - The Word Was God"), [John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")). He is the one through whom God has spoken His final and complete revelation ([Hebrews 1:1-2](/hebrews/1-1 "Hebrews 1:1-2 - God Has Spoken Through His Son")). Unlike the fallible diviners and observers of times who offered deceptive insights, Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus, The Way, The Truth, The Life")), offering not just predictions but eternal life and perfect guidance through the Holy Spirit ([John 16:13](/john/16-13 "John 16:13 - The Spirit of Truth Will Guide You")). 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](/colossians/2-8 "Colossians 2:8-10 - Beware of Empty Deception")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Acts 14:16

Who in times past suffered all nations to walk in their own ways.

Genesis 20:6

And God said unto him in a dream, Yea, I know that thou didst this in the integrity of thy heart; for I also withheld thee from sinning against me: therefore suffered I thee not to touch her.

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,

Psalms 147:19

He sheweth his word unto Jacob, his statutes and his judgments unto Israel.

Psalms 147:20

He hath not dealt so with any nation: and [as for his] judgments, they have not known them. Praise ye the LORD.