Deuteronomy 18:14

Arabic Simplified (الكِتاب المُقَدَّس: التَّرْجَمَةُ العَرَبِيَّةُ المُبَسَّطَةُ)

هَذِهِ الأُمَمُ الَّتِي سَتَطْرُدُونَهَا تَسْتَمِعُ إلَى العَرَّافِينَ وَالمُشَعْوِذِينَ، أمَّا أنْتُمْ، فَلَا يَسْمَحُ لَكُمْ إلَهُكُمْ بِذَلِكَ.

What Does This Mean?

This verse is part of Moses' warning to the Israelites. He tells them that the nations they will conquer relied on fortune-tellers and diviners, but God forbids the Israelites from doing the same. The key message is to trust in God rather than in superstitions.

Explained for Children

Imagine you're moving to a new neighborhood. The old families there use crystal balls to predict the future, but your parents tell you to trust them instead because they know what's best for you. That's like what Moses is saying to the Israelites about trusting God.

Historical Background

Moses spoke this verse to the Israelites during their journey to the Promised Land, around 1250 BCE. He was reminding them of God's laws and how they should differ from the practices of the Canaanites they would soon encounter.

Living It Out Today

Today, people might rely on horoscopes or psychic readings for guidance. This verse challenges us to rely on God’s guidance instead, trusting His wisdom and truth over human superstitions or predictions.

Topics

• superstition
• trust
• divination
• God's guidance
• faith
• worship

Related Verses

• Isaiah 47:13
• Jeremiah 27:9
• 1 Samuel 28:7
• Acts 16:16
• 1 Kings 22:5

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean to 'hearken unto observers of times'?

It means to listen to and follow the advice of people who claim to predict the future based on astrological signs or other means, which is what the Canaanites did.

Why does God forbid divination?

God forbids divination because He wants His people to trust and rely on Him alone for guidance and wisdom, not on human superstitions or false gods.

How can we apply this verse to our daily lives?

We can apply this verse by seeking God's guidance through prayer and His word instead of relying on fortune-tellers or horoscopes for direction in our lives.

Is divination still a problem today?

Yes, while the forms may have changed, many people still consult horoscopes, tarot cards, and psychics, which are modern forms of divination that this verse warns against.