Deuteronomy 18:12
for whoever does these things is an abomination to the LORD. And because of these abominations the LORD your God is driving them out before you.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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What's easy to miss is that God isn't just expelling the Canaanites for their evil deeds, but specifically because these detestable practices have corrupted the land itself. Their "abominations" are so deeply ingrained they're seen as a defilement that God is cleansing out to make way for His people.
God is instructing the Israelites about the religious practices of the Canaanite nations they are about to encounter, warning them not to adopt any of their detestable customs like divination, sorcery, or child sacrifice. This verse serves as the consequence: these practices are so offensive to God that they are the very reason He is dispossessing these nations to give the land to Israel.
Why does God use such a strong word as 'abomination' for consulting mediums or practicing divination? It's more than just a 'no.'
The Hebrew word translated 'abomination' here points to something that is not just disliked, but deeply offensive and detestable to God. It represents a complete rejection of His ways and His provision.
God establishes Himself as the ultimate source of knowledge. So, why does He forbid consulting other sources, even if they seem to 'work'?
The core issue with divination and spiritualism is that they usurp God's unique role as the revealer of truth and the controller of future events.
Understand the original words
to'ebah · Hebrew Noun
That which is morally detestable, repugnant, or offensive in the sight of God, especially pertaining to practices that violate His holiness and exclusive claim on His people.
YHWH · Hebrew Proper Noun
The covenant name of the Creator and Redeemer God, revealed to Israel; it signifies His eternal existence, faithfulness to His promises, and absolute sovereignty.
This passage describes how the land itself is 'defiled' by the abominations of the nations, mirroring Deuteronomy's assertion that these practices are the reason God is driving them out.
1 Samuel 15:23This verse equates stubbornness and rebellion with the sin of witchcraft, highlighting that rejecting God's authority, like consulting forbidden sources, is deeply offensive to Him.
Isaiah 8:19This passage directly addresses the temptation to consult mediums and spiritists, echoing Deuteronomy's warning and calling such practices 'ignoble and degrading'.
2 Corinthians 11:14Paul warns that Satan himself disguises himself as an angel of light, showing how deceptive practices, like those condemned in Deuteronomy, can masquerade as something beneficial or divine.
Romans 1:28-32This passage lists various sins that result from a refusal to acknowledge God, including practicing deceit and evil, which aligns with the 'abominations' driving out the nations in Deuteronomy.
gillDeuteronomy 18:12: "For all that do these things are an abomination unto the LORD: and because of these abominations the LORD thy God doth drive them out from before thee."
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 abomi…
calvinDeuteronomy 18:9-14: "When thou art come into the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee, thou shalt not learn to do after the abominations of those nations."
- When thou art come. It is too well known from experience how eagerly the human race lays hold of bad examples, and how prone it is to imitate them. Especially those who come into a foreign land, accustom themselves readily to its manners and customs. This is the reason why God expressly commands the Israelites to beware, lest, when th…
What's easy to miss is that God isn't just expelling the Canaanites for their evil deeds, but specifically because these detestable practices have corrupted the land itself. Their "abominations" are so deeply ingrained they're seen as a defilement that God is cleansing out to make way for His people.
God is instructing the Israelites about the religious practices of the Canaanite nations they are about to encounter, warning them not to adopt any of their detestable customs like divination, sorcery, or child sacrifice. This verse serves as the consequence: these practices are so offensive to God that they are the very reason He is dispossessing these nations to give the land to Israel.
God is instructing the Israelites about the religious practices of the Canaanite nations they are about to encounter, warning them not to adopt any of their detestable customs like divination, sorcery, or child sacrifice. This verse serves as the consequence: these practices are so offensive to God that they are the very reason He is dispossessing these nations to give the land to Israel.
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"for whoever does these things is an abomination to the LORD. And because of these abominations the LORD your God is driving them out before you." — What's easy to miss is that God isn't just expelling the Canaanites for their evil deeds, but specifically because these detestable practices have corrupted the land itself. Their "abominations" are…
