In biblical times, charms were objects or incantations believed to possess magical powers, often used to bring good luck, ward off evil, or influence events. The use of charms is consistently condemned in the Bible, as it is associated with pagan practices and a reliance on powers other than God.

Old Testament References

The Old Testament contains several references to charms and related practices, often in the context of idolatry and false worship. In Deuteronomy 18:10-12 , God explicitly forbids the Israelites from engaging in practices such as divination, sorcery, and witchcraft, which would include the use of charms: "Let no one be found among you who sacrifices their son or daughter in the fire, practices divination or sorcery, interprets omens, engages in witchcraft, or casts spells, or who is a medium or spiritist or who consults the dead. Anyone who does these things is detestable to the LORD."

The prophet Isaiah also speaks against the use of charms, highlighting their futility and the judgment that awaits those who rely on them. In Isaiah 3:18-20 , the prophet lists various ornaments and amulets worn by the women of Jerusalem, indicating their misplaced trust in such items: "In that day the Lord will take away the finery of their anklets and headbands and crescents, their pendants, bracelets, and veils, their headdresses, ankle chains, and sashes, their perfume bottles and charms."

New Testament Context

While the New Testament does not specifically mention charms, it continues the Old Testament's condemnation of practices associated with magic and sorcery. In Acts 19:19 , we see a clear example of new believers in Ephesus renouncing their former practices: "A number of those who had practiced magic arts brought their books together and burned them in the sight of all. And they counted the value of them and found it came to fifty thousand pieces of silver."

The New Testament emphasizes the sufficiency of Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit, leaving no room for reliance on charms or other magical practices. In Galatians 5:19-21 , Paul lists sorcery among the works of the flesh, warning that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.

Theological Implications

From a theological perspective, the use of charms is seen as a form of idolatry, as it places trust in objects or rituals rather than in God. The Bible consistently calls believers to rely solely on the Lord for protection, guidance, and provision. In Psalm 91:1-2 , the psalmist declares, "He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the LORD, 'You are my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.'"

The biblical prohibition against charms underscores the importance of faith in God alone. Believers are encouraged to seek God's wisdom and guidance through prayer and the study of Scripture, rather than turning to superstitious practices. The Bible's stance on charms serves as a reminder of the spiritual dangers associated with relying on anything other than God's power and sovereignty.8588. taanug -- daintiness, luxury, exquisite delight
... 8587, 8588. taanug. 8589 . daintiness, luxury, exquisite delight. Transliteration:
taanug Phonetic Spelling: (tah-an-oog') Short Definition: charms. ...
/hebrew/8588.htm - 6k

Charms of Monotony. July 20.
... Charms of Monotony. July 20. I delight in that same monotony. It saves curiosity,
anxiety, excitement, disappointment, and a host of bad passions. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/daily thoughts /charms of monotony july 20.htm

Of the Charms of Perfumes which are More Easily Overcome.
... Book X. Chapter XXXII."Of the Charms of Perfumes Which are More Easily Overcome.
48. With the attractions of odours I am not much troubled. ...
/.../augustine/the confessions and letters of st/chapter xxxii of the charms of.htm

On the Words of the Gospel, John viii. 31, "If Ye Abide in My Word ...
... know the truth." Here one may haply say, "And what doth it profit me to know the
truth?" "And the truth shall free you." If the truth have no charms for you ...
/.../sermons on selected lessons of the new testament/sermon lxxxiv on the words.htm

On the First Commandment
... 319 Q. Do those who make use of spells and charms, or who believe in dreams, in
mediums ... "Charms" are articles worn about the body for the same purpose. ...
/.../kinkead/baltimore catechism no 4/lesson 30 on the first.htm

Introduction.
... feet. The lowly have been lifted up to admire her gracious charms. ... followers.
She has lost none of her virtuous charms. She is true. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/orr/the gospel day /introduction.htm

The Nativity
... Whose silver waters, and whose murmurs, join. Their artless charms, to make the
scene divine; ... All, all have lost the charms they once possessed; ...
/.../translations from the french of madame de la mothe guion/the nativity.htm

The World.
... The world is like some objects which, when seen from afar, deceive the eyes and
allure the imagination; but on approaching or touching them their charms vanish ...
/.../sainte-foi/serious hours of a young lady/chapter vii the world.htm

They who are of the Priesthood, or of the Clergy...
... Whoso will be priest must not be a magician, nor one who uses incantations, or
mathematical or astrological charms, nor a putter on of amulets. ...
/.../schaff/the seven ecumenical councils/canon xxxvi they who are.htm

On Reading.
... God's minister in the pulpit of truth has no weight with those souls fascinated
by the deceitful charms of a bad book, which addresses itself to their ...
/.../sainte-foi/serious hours of a young lady/chapter xxi on reading.htm

Toilet.
... of the soul. One of the sweetest charms that adorns your age is that which
arises from its simplicity and candor. The world itself ...
/.../sainte-foi/serious hours of a young lady/chapter xv toilet.htm

Charms (10 Occurrences)
...Charms (10 Occurrences). Acts 19:19 And many of those that practised curious
arts brought their books of charms and burnt them before all. ...
/c/charms.htm - 9k

Charm (5 Occurrences)
... Bunches of charms are often worn at the watch chain. 6. (n.) To make music upon;
to tune. ... 11. (vi) To use magic arts or occult power; to make use of charms. ...
/c/charm.htm - 14k

Charmer (5 Occurrences)
... It was an early and universal opinion that the most venomous reptiles could
be made harmless by certain charms or by sweet sounds. ...
/c/charmer.htm - 8k

Curious (18 Occurrences)
... Ephesus was noted for its wizard and the "Ephesian spells;" ie, charms or scraps
of parchment written over with certain formula, which were worn as a safeguard ...
/c/curious.htm - 14k

Magician (5 Occurrences)
... MAGIC IN THE BIBLE 1. Hostility to Magic 2. Potency of Magical Words 3. Influence
of Charms V. MAGICAL TERMS USED IN THE BIBLE 1. Divination 2. Sorcery 3 ...
/m/magician.htm - 24k

Magic (12 Occurrences)
... MAGIC IN THE BIBLE 1. Hostility to Magic 2. Potency of Magical Words 3. Influence
of Charms V. MAGICAL TERMS USED IN THE BIBLE 1. Divination 2. Sorcery 3 ...
/m/magic.htm - 29k

Amulet
... the part of the body implied, and the strong words with which their employment is
condemned are only intelligible if their function as counter charms is borne ...
/a/amulet.htm - 17k

Songs (100 Occurrences)
... supposed to be present in the Shulammite's dreams, and in her waking moments she
is ever thinking of him and describing to herself and others his many charms. ...
/s/songs.htm - 62k

Song (207 Occurrences)
... supposed to be present in the Shulammite's dreams, and in her waking moments she
is ever thinking of him and describing to herself and others his many charms. ...
/s/song.htm - 78k

Zoroastrianism
... GJV, edition 4, III, 592-95), in many Talmudic passages (ZDMG, XXI, 552-91), certain
customs of the Essenes, various anti-demoniac charms (see EXORCISM; SORCERY ...
/z/zoroastrianism.htm - 17k

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