How does Leviticus 19:31 connect with Deuteronomy 18:10-12 on occult practices? Setting the Scene in Leviticus 19:31 “You must not turn to mediums or spiritists; do not seek them out, so that you will be defiled by them. I am the LORD your God.” • Placed in the holiness code (Leviticus 17-26), this command follows repeated calls to be holy because the LORD is holy (Leviticus 19:2). • The prohibition is absolute—“must not”—underscoring a zero-tolerance stance toward occult guidance. • Defilement is the stated danger: occult contact pollutes the covenant community, separating the people from God’s presence (Leviticus 20:6). Defining the Occult Menu in Deuteronomy 18:10-12 “Let no one be found among you who sacrifices his son or daughter in the fire, practices divination, interprets omens, engages in witchcraft, casts spells, consults a medium or spiritist, or inquires of the dead. For whoever does these things is detestable to the LORD, and because of these detestable things the LORD your God is driving out the nations before you.” • Moses lists eight forbidden practices, moving from child sacrifice to every form of supernatural manipulation. • The reason given: they are “detestable” (Heb. toʿevah)—a strong moral condemnation. • These practices marked the Canaanite nations slated for judgment; Israel must remain distinct to remain in the land (Deuteronomy 18:12). Threads That Tie the Two Passages Together • Same Object of Allegiance – Leviticus: “I am the LORD your God.” – Deuteronomy: “the LORD your God is driving out the nations.” Both passages frame the occult ban around loyalty to Yahweh alone. • Same Consequence – Leviticus stresses personal and communal defilement. – Deuteronomy warns of expulsion from the land, echoing defilement on a national scale (Leviticus 20:22-23). • Same Scope – Leviticus singles out mediums and spiritists. – Deuteronomy expands the list but includes the same two terms (Heb. ’ōb, yiddeʿonī), showing continuity. • Same Goal – Protect covenant purity, ensuring that revelation comes through God-appointed channels—priests (Leviticus 10:10-11) and prophets (Deuteronomy 18:15-18)—not occult substitutes. Why God Takes the Occult Personally • It competes with His sovereignty (Isaiah 8:19-20). • It enslaves rather than liberates (1 Corinthians 10:20). • It distorts truth, leading to deception and judgment (2 Thessalonians 2:9-11). New Testament Echoes • Acts 19:17-20—new believers burn occult scrolls, illustrating repentance. • Galatians 5:20—“sorcery” listed among works of the flesh. • Revelation 21:8—“sorcerers” excluded from the New Jerusalem. The same line drawn in Leviticus and Deuteronomy runs straight into the church age. Living It Out Today • Reject modern parallels—horoscopes, psychic readings, tarot, occult games, paranormal entertainment. • Seek divine guidance through Scripture, prayer, and the Holy Spirit (James 1:5; John 16:13). • Remember that holiness is both a gift and a calling (1 Peter 1:15-16). |
    |