How does Leviticus 20:27 emphasize the seriousness of consulting mediums or spiritists? Opening the text “ ‘A man or woman who is a medium or spiritist must surely be put to death. They are to be stoned; their blood is on their own heads.’ ” (Leviticus 20:27) Why God speaks so strongly • Mediums and spiritists invite contact with spiritual powers outside of God’s authority. • Scripture frames such contact as outright rebellion, not harmless curiosity. • The death penalty in Israel’s civil law underscored that this practice attacked the covenant relationship between God and His people. Key phrases that heighten the warning • “must surely be put to death” – the Hebrew construction doubles the verb for emphasis, highlighting certainty and urgency. • “Their blood is on their own heads” – guilt rests fully on the offender; no excuses, no shifting blame. Placing verse 27 in its chapter Leviticus 20 lists penalties for sins that corrupt the community: child sacrifice, sexual perversions, cursing parents. God includes consulting spirits in the same list to show it is equally destructive. Supporting passages that echo the warning • Deuteronomy 18:10-12 – consulting the dead is called “detestable.” • Isaiah 8:19 – “Should not a people consult their God?” • 1 Chronicles 10:13-14 – Saul’s kingdom ends in tragedy “because he consulted a medium.” • Galatians 5:19-21 – sorcery remains a “work of the flesh” that bars entrance to God’s kingdom. The spiritual logic behind the penalty 1. Protect worship purity – Israel was set apart for exclusive devotion (Exodus 20:3). 2. Guard against deception – evil spirits masquerade as truth (2 Corinthians 11:14). 3. Preserve life – occult practices open doors to bondage and destruction (John 10:10). 4. Maintain covenant community – sin tolerated by one endangers all (Joshua 7:12-13). Practical takeaways today • Reject any form of occult entertainment or guidance—tarot, séances, horoscopes, “angel cards,” or modern rebrandings. • Seek God alone for wisdom (James 1:5). • Test every spirit by Scripture (1 John 4:1). • Celebrate Jesus’ victory over the powers of darkness (Colossians 2:15). |
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