Deuteronomy Chapter 18 · Verse 14
For these nations, which thou shalt possess, hearkened unto observers of times, and unto diviners: but as for thee, the LORD thy God hath not suffered thee so to do.
Original Language Analysis
כִּ֣י׀
H3588
כִּ֣י׀
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
1 of 19
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
הַגּוֹיִ֣ם
For these nations
H1471
הַגּוֹיִ֣ם
For these nations
Strong's:
H1471
Word #:
2 of 19
a foreign nation; hence, a gentile; also (figuratively) a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts
אֲשֶׁ֤ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֤ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
4 of 19
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
יוֹרֵ֣שׁ
which thou shalt possess
H3423
יוֹרֵ֣שׁ
which thou shalt possess
Strong's:
H3423
Word #:
6 of 19
to occupy (by driving out previous tenants, and possessing in their place); by implication, to seize, to rob, to inherit; also to expel, to impoverish
אוֹתָ֔ם
H853
אוֹתָ֔ם
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
7 of 19
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
מְעֹֽנְנִ֥ים
unto observers of times
H6049
מְעֹֽנְנִ֥ים
unto observers of times
Strong's:
H6049
Word #:
9 of 19
figuratively, to act covertly, i.e., practise magic
קֹֽסְמִ֖ים
and unto diviners
H7080
קֹֽסְמִ֖ים
and unto diviners
Strong's:
H7080
Word #:
11 of 19
properly, to distribute, i.e., determine by lot or magical scroll; by implication, to divine
יִשְׁמָ֑עוּ
hearkened
H8085
יִשְׁמָ֑עוּ
hearkened
Strong's:
H8085
Word #:
12 of 19
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
לֹ֣א
H3808
לֹ֣א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
14 of 19
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
כֵ֔ן
H3651
כֵ֔ן
Strong's:
H3651
Word #:
15 of 19
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
נָ֥תַן
hath not suffered
H5414
נָ֥תַן
hath not suffered
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
16 of 19
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
Historical Context
Canaanite religion was profoundly divinatory. Clay liver models for haruspicy (divination by examining animal organs), astral observation texts, and dream interpretation manuals have been discovered throughout the ancient Near East. Israel entered a culture saturated with these practices. Later biblical history shows Israel's chronic failure—Saul consulting the witch of Endor (1 Samuel 28), Manasseh practicing divination (2 Kings 21:6), and the prophets condemning Israel's reliance on diviners rather than God's word (Isaiah 8:19-20; Jeremiah 27:9-10).
Questions for Reflection
- How do modern forms of seeking control over the future (fortune-telling, astrology, manifestation techniques) parallel ancient divination?
- What does your reaction to uncertainty reveal about whether you trust God's sovereign provision or seek to manipulate outcomes through spiritual techniques?
Analysis & Commentary
For these nations, which thou shalt possess, hearkened unto observers of times, and unto diviners—Me'onenim (observers of times) likely refers to those who interpreted omens from clouds or practiced astrology. Qosemim (diviners) encompasses various techniques for discerning the future or the will of deities—examining animal entrails, casting lots, observing bird flight patterns. These practices assumed that hidden knowledge could be obtained through manipulation of supernatural forces.
But as for thee, the LORD thy God hath not suffered thee so to do—The Hebrew natan (suffered/permitted) indicates God's sovereign prohibition. Israel's distinctiveness wasn't cultural preference but divine command. Why? Because occultism represents humanity's attempt to control the future and manipulate divine will rather than submitting in faith to God's revealed word. It's the epistemological arrogance of the Fall—seeking forbidden knowledge apart from God. Israel's alternative: trust the prophetic word God provides (vv. 15-22).