Leviticus 20:6-8

CONSORTING WITH WIZARDS AND NECROMANCERS 20:6-8
TEXT 20:6-8

6

And the soul that turneth unto them that have familiar spirits, and unto the wizards, to play the harlot after them, I will even set my face against that soul, and will cut him off from among his people.

7

Sanctify yourselves therefore, and be ye holy; for I am Jehovah your God.

8

And ye shall keep my statutes, and do them: I am Jehovah who sanctifieth you.

THOUGHT QUESTIONS 20:6-8

455.

What is it in man that turns him to familiar spirits and wizards?

456.

Are we to understand sex or immoral conduct was a part of the practice of these persons?

457.

Just what is involved in the act of sanctifying ourselves?

458.

We should be holy for God is holy. What is the motivation?

459.

God has a part in sanctifying us. What is it?

PARAPHRASE 20:6-8

I will set my face against anyone who consults mediums and wizards instead of Me and I will cut that person off from his people. So sanctify yourselves and be holy, for I am the Lord your God. You must obey all of My commandments, for I am the Lord who sanctifies you.

COMMENT 20:6-8

Leviticus 20:6-8 Man is an incurably curious creature and will inquire concerning the future or the unknown in one way or another. Those with supposed contact with the spirit world offer one avenue of inquiry. When a son of Israel sought out a soothsayer he was in effect denying his confidence in God's ability and interest in him. Such action was a direct reflection on the character of God and therefore became a most serious sin. Ventriloquism and sleight of hand, coupled with singing and incantations all served to impress the devotee with the thought he was talking with the spirits of the dead. Necromancy was the act of speaking to the dead. The actual practice was aligned with Satan and demons all liberally supported by the tricks of the trade of magic. Sexual immorality was a large part of the attraction of such worship. I will set my face against anyone who consults mediums and wizards instead of Me and I will cut that person off from his peoplethus says God.

The injunction of Leviticus 20:7-8 can be understood only in light of the fact that men are sanctified or set apart when they heed and obey the commandments of God. Obedience to God's law is the sanctifying act.

FACT QUESTIONS 20:6-8

468.

What is it in man that leads him to a wizard? What is wrong with it?

469.

Besides talking with spirits there were other attractions. What were they?

470.

How are we sanctified?