Deuteronomy 18:14For these nations, that you shall dispossess, listen to those who practice sorcery, and to diviners; but as for you, Yahweh your God has not allowed you so to do.
The setting
Plains of Moab, Jordan Valley, ~1406 BC. Moses warns Israel about Canaanite spiritual practices they'll encounter. Modern-day Jordan, overlooking the Promised Land.
The emotion here: protective father warning children about dangerous strangers
The original word
qasam (קָסַם) — divination, seeking supernatural knowledge apart from God
Why it matters
Archaeological evidence shows Canaanites practiced liver divination, reading sheep entrails to predict the future
Read with care
What most readers miss in Deuteronomy 18:14
The contrast: 'these nations do this, BUT YOU have something better — God himself speaks'
Common misconceptionPeople think this is just about crystal balls and séances, but includes any attempt to gain supernatural insight apart from God — horoscopes, tarot, psychic hotlines.
The thread continues
Verses that echo Deuteronomy 18:14
Bible Genome reading
Deuteronomy 18:14 — Bible Genome reading
Emotional genome
Deuteronomy 18:14 comes from the book of Deuteronomy, written during the exodus period. These words are attributed to Moses. The dominant emotion in this verse is deciding, with a comfort power of 40% and a tone that is commanding. It belongs to the law genre of biblical literature. Key themes include contrast, chosen status. Notable phrases: these nations listen to sorcery.
Emotionally similar
Verses that meet the same deciding
“"You shall have no other gods before me.”
— Deuteronomy 5:7
“"You shall not murder.”
— Exodus 20:13
“Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.”
— Matthew 23:12
“For God didn't give us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control.”
— 2 Timothy 1:7
“But Peter said, "Silver and gold have I none, but what I have, that I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, get up and walk!"”
— Acts 3:6
Your reflection
What does Deuteronomy 18:14 mean to you, today?
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