Bible study online

Deuteronomy 18:10

King James Version (KJV)

“In our prayers we talk to God, in our Bible study God talks to us, and we had better let God do most of the talking.”
— D.L. Moody

Deuteronomy 18:10

Verse 10 of 22

Scripture focus

There shall not be found among you [any one] that maketh his son or his daughter to pass through the fire, [or] that useth divination, [or] an observer of times, or an enchanter, or a witch,

Deuteronomy 18:10 — KJV

Commentary

Commentary on Deuteronomy 18:10

Theological / Devotional

Maketh his son. Rather, “burns his son” (RSV). See Lev. 18:21; 20:2-5. This was one of the abominations referred to in Deut. 12:31. In later years it was widely practiced in Israel (2 Kings 16:3; 21:6; Jer. 32:35). The worship of Moloch first produced illegitimate children, and then slew them — both acts were considered most pleasing to him. From early times fire was worshipped and honored by heathen peoples as a god.

Fire worship survives in Persia today.

Useth divination. Literally, “the diviner practicing divinations.” Apparently used in connection with the fire ceremony (2 Chron. 33:6; Eze. 20:31). This is thought to have been done by drawing lots consisting of headless arrows (see Eze. 21:21).

An observer of times. Literally, “an observer of the clouds.” The “observer of times” may therefore have been one who made predictions based on a study of clouds (see also Lev. 19:26; 2 Kings 21:6; 2 Chron. 33:6).

By SdaBc