Topical Encyclopedia In biblical literature, the term "charmers" refers to individuals who practice enchantment or sorcery, often associated with the use of spells or incantations to influence or control others. The practice of charming is explicitly condemned in the Scriptures, as it is seen as an attempt to manipulate the natural order established by God and to seek power apart from Him.Old Testament References The Old Testament contains several references to charmers, often in the context of prohibitions against various forms of witchcraft and divination. In Deuteronomy 18:10-12 , the Israelites are warned: "Let no one be found among you who sacrifices his son or daughter in the fire, practices divination or conjury, interprets omens, practices sorcery, 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." The Hebrew word often translated as "charmer" is "lachash," which can mean to whisper or to use incantations. This term is used in Isaiah 3:3 , where charmers are listed among those who will be removed from Jerusalem and Judah as part of God's judgment: "the captain of fifty and the dignitary, the counselor, the cunning magician, and the clever enchanter." Cultural Context In the ancient Near East, charmers were believed to have the ability to control or influence spiritual forces through their secret knowledge and rituals. This practice was common among the surrounding pagan nations, and the Israelites were repeatedly warned against adopting such practices. The reliance on charmers was seen as a rejection of trust in the LORD, who alone holds sovereign power over creation. New Testament Perspective While the New Testament does not specifically mention "charmers," it continues the Old Testament's condemnation of sorcery and magic. In Acts 8:9-24 , Simon the Sorcerer is rebuked by the Apostle Peter for attempting to buy the power of the Holy Spirit, illustrating the incompatibility of sorcery with the Christian faith. Additionally, in Galatians 5:19-21 , sorcery is listed among the "acts of the flesh," which are contrary to the life led by the Spirit. Theological Implications From a theological standpoint, the practice of charming is seen as an affront to the sovereignty and authority of God. It represents a human attempt to usurp divine power and to seek control over the spiritual realm through illicit means. The Bible consistently calls believers to trust in God alone and to reject any form of occult practice. Moral and Ethical Considerations The biblical prohibition against charmers underscores the importance of maintaining spiritual purity and integrity. Engaging in or consulting with charmers is viewed as a breach of the covenant relationship with God, who demands exclusive worship and allegiance. The moral and ethical teachings of Scripture call believers to rely on God's wisdom and guidance rather than seeking power through forbidden practices. Conclusion The biblical stance on charmers is clear and unequivocal: such practices are detestable to God and are to be avoided by His people. The Scriptures call for a life of faith and obedience, trusting in God's provision and protection rather than resorting to the deceptive and ultimately powerless practices of charmers. ATS Bible Dictionary CharmersPsalm 58:4,5; Ecclesiastes 10:11; Jeremiah 8:17, persons very common throughout India and Egypt, who claim to have the faculty of catching, taming, and controlling serpents, even the most venomous. Strong's Hebrew 3907. lachash -- to whisper, charm... 3906, 3907. lachash. 3908 . to whisper, charm. Transliteration: lachash Phonetic Spelling: (law-khash') Short Definition: charmers. Word Origin a prim. ... /hebrew/3907.htm - 6k Library Moreover, Flies Falling into Myrrh, and Suffocated Therein, Make ... The Learned Pagans had Means and Opportunities of Informing ... Holy Baptism The Fear of God. Whether it is Unlawful to Wear Divine Words at the Neck? Answer to the Objection of the Heathen, that it was not Right to ... Prayer and Transfiguration If You Wish Me to Keep Silence, Cease from Accusing Me. Lay Down ... A Prayer when one Begins to be Sick. The Holy War, Thesaurus Charmers (4 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance Charmers (4 Occurrences). Psalms 58:5 which doesn't listen to the voice of charmers, no matter how skillful the charmer may be. ... /c/charmers.htm - 7k Charmer (5 Occurrences) Wizards (10 Occurrences) Tune (15 Occurrences) Ear (670 Occurrences) Enchantment (4 Occurrences) Binder (3 Occurrences) Charming (4 Occurrences) Caster (2 Occurrences) Charmer's (1 Occurrence) Resources How were Pharaoh's magicians able to perform miracles? | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Charmers (4 Occurrences)Psalms 58:5 Isaiah 3:3 Isaiah 19:3 Isaiah 47:13 Subtopics Charmers and Charming of Serpents Charmers and Charming: General Scriptures Concerning Charmers and Charming: Prohibited Related Terms |
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