Devarim 18:12

12 For all that do these things are a to’avat Hashem; and because of these to’evot, Hashem Eloheicha is about to drive them out before thee.

Devarim 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.

Devarim 18:12 In-Context

10 There shall not be found among you any one that maketh his ben or his bat to pass through the eish (i.e., be burned as an idol’s offering) or kosem kesamim (a diviner of divination) or a m’onen (soothsayer, astrologer), or a m’nachesh (one who interprets omens), or a mekhashshef (witch).

11 Or one who casts spells, or one who inquires of a ghost or a familiar spirit, or a doresh el hamesim (a consulter of the dead ones, i.e., a necromancer).

12 For all that do these things are a to’avat Hashem; and because of these to’evot, Hashem Eloheicha is about to drive them out before thee.

13 Thou shalt be tamim (blameless) before Hashem Eloheicha.

14 For these Goyim, which thou shalt dispossess, paid heed unto soothsayers, and unto diviners; but as for thee, Hashem Eloheicha hath not suffered thee so to do.