Deuteronomy 18:9-14 – Living blamelessly for God

Knowing that evil influence would be lurking in Canaan,  God set out to alert His people about it in Deuteronomy 18:9-14. The lurking danger came in the form of detestable practices such as making their sons or daughters pass through the fire, divination, witchcraft, fortune-telling, sorcery, casting charms, mediums, wizardry, and necromancy. These were common practices of the pagans living in Canaan. But the children of Israel as God’s covenant people must avoid those detestable things.

The primary reason why the pagan indulged in these detestable practices was that they needed guidance and direction for their lives. They did not know any better but to consult from the dead, evil spirits and magic hailed from the pitch of darkness. What about putting one’s son or daughter through the fire? It was an offering of one’s child to be burnt on the pagans’ alter. This act was to appease the gods and to gain their favor so that guidance would be given.   

God refused to let them prostitute their faith in Him by indulging in the evil and superstitious practices of the pagans. His purpose of having the native of the land driven out was to prevent His people from being influenced by them. He was their covenant God and He would not allow them to give the impression that He was unable to provide the guidance and direction that His people needed. The appointment of the priests, the Levitical ministry, and the giving of the Law by Moses were all given with the intent to provide the instruction and direction on righteous living. In the days to come, God would even provide prophets to point the way. Hence, as His people there was no necessity to seek other sources of guidance. By turning to those detestable practices for direction constituted a breach of trust in the faithful God. He would not allow Himself to be misrepresented. Furthermore to turn to those evil sources was as good as scorning Him and snubbing the instruction that He had adequately provided for godly living.  

What God expected of His people, He now expects of us too. For now, in Christ, we are His blameless people. He wants us to trust and rely on Him alone and be guided by His Word. Besides He has also sent His Holy Spirit to guide and direct us in our journey. He loves us and will also not allow us to turn to occult practices to seek direction for righteous living that He alone can provide. We must live blamelessly for the glory of God!