What is the meaning of Deuteronomy 18:12? For whoever does these things • “These things” points back to the occult practices listed in Deuteronomy 18:10-11—child sacrifice, divination, sorcery, witchcraft, casting spells, consulting spirits, and necromancy. • God had already forbidden such acts in Leviticus 19:31 and 20:27. They represent willful rebellion against His revealed will (1 Samuel 15:23). • By saying “whoever,” the text underscores personal accountability. No social status, ethnicity, or good intention excuses participation (Acts 10:34-35). is detestable to the LORD • “Detestable” stresses how utterly incompatible these practices are with God’s holy nature (Proverbs 6:16-19). • Scripture equates them with idolatry—giving allegiance to spiritual forces opposed to God (Exodus 20:3-5; 1 Corinthians 10:20). • God’s moral verdict is not arbitrary; it protects His people from deception and spiritual bondage (Isaiah 8:19-20; John 8:44). And because of these detestable things • The cause-and-effect link shows divine justice at work (Romans 2:5-6). • Canaanite culture had filled up “the measure of its sins” (Genesis 15:16). Persistent, unrepentant evil brought corporate judgment, just as later happened to Israel herself (2 Kings 17:15-18). • God’s judgments warn every generation that unchecked sin brings consequences (Psalm 9:17; Revelation 18:4-5). the LORD your God is driving out the nations before you • Israel’s conquest of Canaan was not mere territorial ambition; it was God’s judicial action against entrenched wickedness (Leviticus 18:24-25; Joshua 24:12-13). • The same Lord who judges also grants mercy; Israel was reminded that she stood only by grace and would face exile if she copied those practices (Deuteronomy 28:58-63). • For believers today, this underscores the call to separate from occult influence and shine God’s light among the nations (2 Corinthians 6:14-18; Ephesians 5:11). summary Deuteronomy 18:12 teaches that every person who engages in occult practices places themselves in direct opposition to God’s holiness. Such deeds are so offensive that they provoked the Lord to expel entire nations, demonstrating His righteous judgment and His zeal to preserve a people devoted to Him. The verse calls God’s people to reject all forms of spiritual compromise, trust His perfect justice, and walk in wholehearted obedience. |
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