Leviticus 20:27

A man or a woman who is a medium or spiritist must surely be put to death. They shall be stoned; their blood is upon them.'"

Study Bible

A man or a woman
This phrase emphasizes the inclusivity of the law, applying equally to both genders. In the Hebrew context, the word for "man" is "ish" and for "woman" is "ishah," highlighting the universality of God's commandments. This reflects the biblical principle that all are accountable to God's laws, regardless of gender, and underscores the equality of responsibility before God.

who is a medium or spiritist
The Hebrew words used here are "ov" for medium and "yiddeoni" for spiritist. These terms refer to individuals who claim to communicate with the dead or with spirits, practices that were common in ancient Near Eastern cultures. The Bible consistently condemns such practices as they divert trust and reliance away from God and towards occult powers. This prohibition is rooted in the belief that God alone is the source of truth and guidance.

must surely be put to death
The phrase "must surely be put to death" is a translation of the Hebrew "mot yumat," which is an emphatic form indicating the seriousness of the offense. This reflects the gravity with which God views the sin of engaging in occult practices, as they represent a direct rebellion against His authority and a violation of the covenant relationship between God and His people.

They must be stoned
Stoning was a common form of capital punishment in ancient Israel, symbolizing communal participation in upholding God's law. The act of stoning served as a public deterrent and a means of purging evil from the community. It underscores the collective responsibility of the community to maintain holiness and obedience to God's commandments.

their blood is upon them
This phrase indicates that the responsibility for the punishment lies with the offenders themselves. The Hebrew idiom "damam bam" suggests that the guilt and consequences of their actions are their own doing. It emphasizes the principle of personal accountability before God, reinforcing the idea that individuals bear the consequences of their choices, especially when they defy divine commandments.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Mediums and Spiritists
Individuals who claim to communicate with the dead or spirits. In ancient Israel, these practices were strictly forbidden as they were seen as attempts to bypass God's authority and guidance.

2. Ancient Israel
The context of this command is within the covenant community of Israel, where God established laws to maintain holiness and purity among His people.

3. Stoning
A form of capital punishment used in ancient Israel, symbolizing the community's role in upholding God's laws and purging evil from among them.

Teaching Points

Holiness and Separation
God calls His people to be holy and separate from practices that are contrary to His will. Engaging in or tolerating occult practices undermines our relationship with God.

Authority of God
Seeking guidance from mediums or spiritists is a rejection of God's authority and provision. Believers are encouraged to seek wisdom and direction from God alone.

Community Responsibility
The command to stone those who practice divination highlights the community's role in maintaining purity and obedience to God's laws. Today, this translates to holding one another accountable in love and truth.

Spiritual Discernment
Christians are called to discern the spirits and teachings they encounter, ensuring they align with biblical truth and the Holy Spirit's guidance.

Repentance and Restoration
While the Old Testament law prescribed death, the New Testament offers hope through repentance and restoration in Christ. Believers should seek forgiveness and turn away from sinful practices.

Bible Study Questions

1. What does the prohibition against mediums and spiritists reveal about God's character and His expectations for His people?

2. How can we apply the principle of community responsibility in maintaining spiritual purity within the church today?

3. In what ways might modern culture tempt believers to seek guidance outside of God's provision, and how can we resist these temptations?

4. How does the New Testament's approach to sin and repentance differ from the Old Testament's, and what does this mean for believers today?

5. Reflect on a time when you had to make a difficult decision. How did you seek God's guidance, and what role did Scripture and prayer play in that process?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Deuteronomy 18:10-12
This passage also condemns practices like divination and sorcery, emphasizing that such actions are detestable to the Lord.

1 Samuel 28
The account of Saul consulting the medium at Endor illustrates the consequences of seeking guidance outside of God's will.

Acts 16:16-18
In the New Testament, Paul encounters a slave girl with a spirit of divination, showing that such practices continued to be opposed by the early church.