For these nations, which thou shalt possess, hearkened unto observers of times, and unto diviners: but as for thee, the LORD thy God hath not suffered thee so to do.

DEUTERONOMY 18:14KJV
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Deuteronomy 18:14 (KJV)

What does Deuteronomy 18:14 mean?

Deuteronomy 18:14 warns the Israelites not to follow the practices of the nations they are about to conquer, specifically the use of fortune-telling and divination. Instead, the LORD their God has not permitted them to act in these ways, setting them apart from other peoples.

In this verse, Moses is speaking to the Israelites as they prepare to enter the land of Canaan. He points out that the nations currently living there rely on occult practices to guide them, but Israel is to be different because God Himself will guide them. This instruction is part of a larger section where Moses explains how Israel should relate to God and avoid the spiritual practices of surrounding peoples.

The Hebrew behind Deuteronomy 18:14

  • nations (גּוֹיִם, goyim): This word refers to the peoples or groups living in Canaan. The focus is on the distinct practices of these non-Israelite groups.
  • hearkened (שָׁמַע, shama‘): Often means "to listen" or "to obey." Here, it emphasizes that these nations actively followed or paid attention to occult advisors.
  • observers of times (עָנַן, ‘anan): This word is linked to those who try to predict the future or interpret omens, often through forbidden means.
  • diviners (קָסַם, qasam): Refers to people who claim to reveal hidden knowledge or the future, usually through rituals or supernatural means.
  • suffered (נָתַן, natan): Means "to allow" or "to permit." The verse stresses that God has not allowed Israel to engage in these practices, highlighting a deliberate boundary set by God.

Why Deuteronomy 18:14 matters

  • Deuteronomy 18:14 clarifies that Israel’s distinctiveness comes from their direct relationship with God, not from using the same spiritual practices as other nations.
  • This verse helps explain why later biblical laws are so strict about avoiding fortune-telling and divination—the issue is not just the act itself, but the source of guidance and authority.
  • The verse sets up the following passages, where God promises to provide prophets for Israel, showing that God Himself will communicate with His people rather than leaving them to seek out forbidden sources.

Where else these words appear

“times” Hebrew H6049 · used in 11 verses

  • Genesis 9:14 And it shall come to pass, when I bring a cloud over the earth, that the bow shall be seen in the cloud:
  • Judges 9:37 And Gaal spake again and said, See there come people down by the middle of the land, and another company come along by the plain of Meonenim.
  • Isaiah 2:6 Therefore thou hast forsaken thy people the house of Jacob, because they be replenished from the east, and are soothsayers like the Philistines, and they please themselves in the children of strangers.

“diviners” Hebrew H7080 · used in 20 verses

  • Deuteronomy 18:10 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,
  • Isaiah 44:25 That frustrateth the tokens of the liars, and maketh diviners mad; that turneth wise men backward, and maketh their knowledge foolish;
  • Ezekiel 21:23 And it shall be unto them as a false divination in their sight, to them that have sworn oaths: but he will call to remembrance the iniquity, that they may be taken.