How does Leviticus 20:6 connect with Deuteronomy 18:10-12 on occult practices? Key Scriptures Leviticus 20:6 — “Whoever turns to mediums or spiritists and prostitutes himself with them, I will set My face against that person and cut him off from his people.” Deuteronomy 18:10-12 — “Let no one be found among you who sacrifices his son or daughter in the fire, practices divination or sorcery, interprets omens, engages in witchcraft, or casts spells, or who is a medium or spiritist or who consults the dead. For whoever does these things is detestable to the LORD; and because of these detestable practices, the LORD your God is driving out the nations before you.” What both passages condemn • Mediums, spiritists, and any attempt to contact the dead • Divination, sorcery, witchcraft, casting spells, interpreting omens • Child sacrifice as the darkest expression of idolatrous power-seeking Shared themes • Occult practices are spiritual adultery (“prostitutes himself,” Leviticus 20:6) • God labels every form of the occult “detestable” (Deuteronomy 18:12) • Judgment is certain—personal exclusion (Leviticus 20) and national expulsion of pagans (Deuteronomy 18) • The issue is loyalty: seeking power, knowledge, or protection outside the LORD is treason against His covenant (see Isaiah 8:19-20) Distinct emphases • Leviticus 20: Personal warning inside Israel—God “sets His face against” the offender, cutting him off from the community. • Deuteronomy 18: National perspective—Israel must remain pure so God can judge Canaanite nations and prevent the same sins from defiling the land (cf. Numbers 33:55-56). The theological logic • God is holy (Leviticus 19:2); therefore His people must not mingle with unclean spiritual forces. • The occult is an idolatrous substitute for God’s sovereign guidance (Deuteronomy 13:1-4). • Consulting spirits is a direct rejection of God’s revealed Word; thus it incurs the same penalty as outright idolatry (1 Samuel 15:23). Practical implications today • Reject all forms of fortune-telling, horoscopes, séances, tarot, crystals, spiritism, and occult entertainment. • Guard homes and churches from media that glamorize magic apart from God (Galatians 5:19-21). • When temptation arises, remember that God offers guidance through Scripture and the Holy Spirit (Psalm 119:105; John 16:13). • Encourage repentance and deliverance for anyone entangled in occult practices (Acts 19:17-20; James 4:7). Supporting scriptural witnesses • 1 Samuel 28:3-25 — Saul’s downfall illustrates Leviticus 20:6 in action. • 2 Kings 21:6 and 23:24 — Occult revival under Manasseh and its purge under Josiah. • Revelation 21:8 — “Sorcerers” listed among those in the lake of fire, showing the timelessness of God’s verdict. Summary connection Leviticus 20:6 and Deuteronomy 18:10-12 present a unified, uncompromising stance: any dabbling in occult practices breaks covenant with the LORD, provokes His active opposition, and brings severe judgment—personally and corporately. Holiness demands exclusive reliance on God’s Word and Spirit, leaving no room for forbidden spiritual shortcuts. |
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