The Hebrew word ʻânan, represented by H6049, is a primitive root meaning to cover or cloud over. It is used figuratively to describe acting covertly, specifically through practicing magic. It appears 11 times across 11 unique verses and is translated as "observer of times," "soothsayer," "enchanter," and "Meonenim." In one instance, it is used idiomatically to mean "bring," in the context of bringing a cloud.
In biblical law, H6049 is consistently listed among practices strictly forbidden by God. The Israelites are warned not to have an observer of times among them Deuteronomy 18:10 and are explicitly commanded not to observe times Leviticus 19:26. The practice is cited as a reason for God's judgment and a characteristic of pagan nations Deuteronomy 18:14. It is also listed as one of the wicked deeds of King Manasseh, who observed times and provoked the Lord to anger (2 Kings 21:6, 2 Chronicles 33:6). Prophets like Jeremiah and Isaiah warned against heeding these soothsayers and enchanters (Jeremiah 27:9, Isaiah 2:6). The word appears once literally, when God promises to bring a cloud over the earth Genesis 9:14, and once as a place name, the plain of Meonenim Judges 9:37.
Several related words help clarify the context of occult practices forbidden in Scripture:
- H6051 ʻânân (a cloud): This word is the root from which H6049 is derived, linking the figurative act of soothsaying (clouding/obscuring) with its literal origin. It is used to describe the pillar of cloud that led Israel Exodus 13:21 and the cloud representing God's glory Exodus 40:34.
- H5172 nâchash (to prognosticate): This term, meaning to whisper a spell, is often listed alongside H6049 in prohibitions against occultism, such as "neither shall ye use enchantment, nor observe times" Leviticus 19:26.
- H3784 kâshaph (to inchant or practise magic): Translated as sorcerer or witch, this word appears with H6049 in lists of detestable acts Deuteronomy 18:10. The practice of witchcraft is also condemned in the evil deeds of King Manasseh 2 Chronicles 33:6.
- H7080 qâçam (to divine): This word for divination is frequently associated with H6049 in passages warning Israel not to listen to diviners or observers of times Deuteronomy 18:14.
The theological weight of H6049 is significant, primarily serving as a negative example of faithlessness and rebellion.
- Divine Prohibition: The act of being an "observer of times" is explicitly and repeatedly forbidden, marking a clear boundary between the worship of God and the practices of other nations (Deuteronomy 18:10, Leviticus 19:26).
- Sign of Apostasy: The practice is a hallmark of wicked rulers and a people who have forsaken God. King Manasseh's engagement in this activity is described as doing "much wickedness in the sight of the LORD" 2 Kings 21:6. Isaiah identifies the presence of soothsayers as a reason for God forsaking the house of Jacob Isaiah 2:6.
- Subject to Judgment: Scripture warns that practitioners of such arts will be cut off. Micah prophesies a time when God will "cut off witchcrafts...and thou shalt have no more soothsayers" Micah 5:12.
In summary, H6049 is a term predominantly associated with the forbidden act of soothsaying or observing times. Its etymological connection to H6051, "cloud," suggests a core idea of obscuring truth through covert, magical means. While it has a single literal use connected to clouds and a single use as a place name, its overwhelming presence in Scripture is as a stern warning against seeking guidance or power from any source other than the Lord.
TRV