Micah 5:12
And I will cut off witchcrafts out of thine hand; and thou shalt have no more soothsayers:
Original Language Analysis
Cross References
Historical Context
Despite Mosaic law forbidding occultism, Israel repeatedly fell into these practices. King Manasseh practiced witchcraft, used divination, and consulted mediums (2 Kings 21:6). Jezebel promoted Baal worship intertwined with sorcery (2 Kings 9:22). Isaiah condemned those who "seek unto them that have familiar spirits, and unto wizards" instead of seeking God (Isaiah 8:19). The exile purged some idolatry, yet occult fascination persisted. By Jesus's time, Simon the sorcerer amazed Samaritans (Acts 8:9-11), and Bar-jesus the sorcerer opposed Paul (Acts 13:6-8). Throughout church history, occult practices have infiltrated Christianity—medieval alchemy, Renaissance mysticism, modern New Age syncretism. Each generation must guard against spiritual adultery, trusting God's revealed Word rather than hidden knowledge.
Questions for Reflection
- What modern forms of "witchcraft and soothsaying" (horoscopes, psychics, fortune-telling, occult entertainment) subtly tempt believers to seek guidance from sources other than God?
- How does dabbling in occult practices constitute spiritual adultery, violating exclusive covenant relationship with God?
- What practical steps can you take to ensure you seek guidance solely through Scripture, prayer, and the Holy Spirit rather than worldly or demonic sources?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
And I will cut off witchcrafts out of thine hand; and thou shalt have no more soothsayers. God continues His purge of false securities, now targeting occult practices. "Witchcrafts" (כְּשָׁפִים, keshaphim) refers to sorcery, magic arts, and divination—attempts to manipulate spiritual forces or gain hidden knowledge through forbidden means. "Soothsayers" (מְעוֹנְנִים, me'onenim) were practitioners of augury, reading omens, consulting spirits. Deuteronomy 18:10-12 strictly forbids these practices: "There shall not be found among you any one...that useth divination, or an observer of times, or an enchanter, or a witch...For all that do these things are an abomination unto the LORD."
Why does God hate occult practices? Because they represent reliance on demonic powers rather than dependence on Yahweh. When Israel consulted mediums, witches, and astrologers, they sought guidance from darkness rather than light. Leviticus 19:26, 31 commands: "Ye shall not...use enchantment, nor observe times...Regard not them that have familiar spirits...I am the LORD your God." God alone knows the future; seeking knowledge from other sources is spiritual adultery. King Saul's consultation with the witch of Endor (1 Samuel 28) marked his final apostasy.
In Messiah's kingdom, God's people abandon occult dabbling. Acts 19:18-19 describes Ephesian converts confessing practices and burning magic books worth fifty thousand pieces of silver. Paul lists witchcraft among "works of the flesh" excluding people from God's kingdom (Galatians 5:19-21). Modern interest in horoscopes, tarot cards, psychics, and New Age spirituality reflects the same idolatry. Believers seek guidance through Scripture, prayer, and the Holy Spirit—not occult sources.