Deuteronomy 18:12

12 "For whoever does these things is detestable to the LORD; and ¹because of these detestable things the LORD your God will drive them out before * you.

Deuteronomy 18:12 Meaning and Commentary

Deuteronomy 18:12

For all that do these things are an abomination to the
Lord
Not that do all these things, but whoever does any of them, as Jarchi notes; all such persons that use such unlawful methods, or any of them, to gain knowledge; and likewise all those that consult them, and make use of them; and especially it must be very abominable in the people of Israel to encourage such persons and practices, who had the knowledge of the true God, and him to consult on all occasions; had his law and testimony to attend unto as the rule of their conduct, and his prophets to advise with in matters of difficulty; see ( Isaiah 8:20 )

and because of these abominations the Lord thy God doth drive them
out from before thee;
as well as other sins mentioned in ( Leviticus 18:24-28 ) and, as before observed from Cicero, all nations have been addicted to the arts of divination here condemned.

Deuteronomy 18:12 In-Context

10 "There shall not be found among you anyone who makes his son or his daughter pass through the fire, one who uses divination, one who practices witchcraft, or one who interprets omens, or a sorcerer,

11 or one who casts a spell, or a medium , or a spiritist, or one who calls up the dead.

12 "For whoever does these things is detestable to the LORD ; and because of these detestable things the LORD your God will drive them out before you.

13 "You shall be blameless before the LORD your God.

14 "For those nations, which you shall dispossess, listen to those who practice witchcraft and to diviners, but as for you, the LORD your God has not allowed you to do so.

Cross References

• 1. Leviticus 18:24