God’s command here reveals that seeking supernatural help apart from Him is an act of spiritual betrayal.
“As for the person who turns to mediums and to spiritists, to play the harlot after them, I will also set My face against that person and will cut him off from among his people.” (v.6) In this verse, Moses (who led Israel roughly between 1526 BC and 1406 BC) warns the Israelites in the wilderness near Mount Sinai against seeking supernatural guidance through illicit means. God’s people were to remain faithful to Him rather than consort with those who claimed power through conjuring, divination, or necromancy. By describing this pursuit of “mediums and spiritists” as spiritual infidelity, the text makes clear that God views such practices as a rejection of His authority, an act that severs the covenant relationship He established with Israel.In the broader context of the Mosaic Law, turning to mediums (Hebrew "owb") or spiritists (Hebrew "yiddě’ōnî") was strictly forbidden because it placed God’s people under a false illusion of power and knowledge. The nations around Israel often tried to discern future events or gain advantages through pagan rituals, but God forbade His people from imitating these acts. Instead, they were to look solely to Him for guidance, trusting His wisdom and sovereignty. Such a prohibition emphasized reliance on the one true God, rather than on dark or deceptive spiritual forces.By stating that He would “cut him off from among his people,” the LORD underlines the severe consequences of following these forbidden practices. Throughout Scripture, God consistently strives to protect His people from the corruption and exploitation that can arise from occult involvement. The New Testament likewise affirms that believers are to be filled with God’s Holy Spirit and to stand firm against spiritual deception (Ephesians 6:11). Turning to mediums or spiritists undermines the believer’s pure devotion to the LORD and, in turn, leads to spiritual harm.
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Leviticus 20:6 meaning
“As for the person who turns to mediums and to spiritists, to play the harlot after them, I will also set My face against that person and will cut him off from among his people.” (v.6) In this verse, Moses (who led Israel roughly between 1526 BC and 1406 BC) warns the Israelites in the wilderness near Mount Sinai against seeking supernatural guidance through illicit means. God’s people were to remain faithful to Him rather than consort with those who claimed power through conjuring, divination, or necromancy. By describing this pursuit of “mediums and spiritists” as spiritual infidelity, the text makes clear that God views such practices as a rejection of His authority, an act that severs the covenant relationship He established with Israel.In the broader context of the Mosaic Law, turning to mediums (Hebrew "owb") or spiritists (Hebrew "yiddě’ōnî") was strictly forbidden because it placed God’s people under a false illusion of power and knowledge. The nations around Israel often tried to discern future events or gain advantages through pagan rituals, but God forbade His people from imitating these acts. Instead, they were to look solely to Him for guidance, trusting His wisdom and sovereignty. Such a prohibition emphasized reliance on the one true God, rather than on dark or deceptive spiritual forces.By stating that He would “cut him off from among his people,” the LORD underlines the severe consequences of following these forbidden practices. Throughout Scripture, God consistently strives to protect His people from the corruption and exploitation that can arise from occult involvement. The New Testament likewise affirms that believers are to be filled with God’s Holy Spirit and to stand firm against spiritual deception (Ephesians 6:11). Turning to mediums or spiritists undermines the believer’s pure devotion to the LORD and, in turn, leads to spiritual harm.