Jennifer 
Read the Daily Bible Verse – Leviticus 19:31 To Strengthen Your Spiritual Journey.
Leviticus 19:31 is a verse from the Holiness Code, which outlines various laws for the Israelites to follow in order to live holy lives, set apart for God. The verse specifically addresses the dangers of seeking guidance from mediums and spiritists, practices that were common among surrounding nations. In this article, we will explore the context of Leviticus 19:31, explain its meaning, discuss how it applies to our lives today, and conclude with insights on how we can live according to God’s commands.
The Context of Leviticus 19:31 (KJV)
To understand Leviticus 19:31, it is crucial to examine its surrounding context within the Holiness Code. Leviticus 19 is a chapter filled with various laws meant to guide the people of Israel toward holiness. These laws cover various aspects of personal behavior, including how to treat others, how to worship God, and how to live in a way that reflects God’s purity and moral character.
Leviticus 19 is part of a broader collection of laws given to the Israelites after they were delivered from slavery in Egypt. These laws were meant to help Israel establish itself as a holy nation, distinct from the nations around them. The Holiness Code (Leviticus 17-26) was given to help guide Israel’s ethical, social, and religious practices.
Leviticus 19 addresses diverse topics like respecting parents, loving neighbors, keeping the Sabbath, and prohibiting various immoral practices. It also emphasizes the importance of treating others with fairness, kindness, and justice. The verse in question, Leviticus 19:31, falls within a section where God warns the Israelites against engaging in practices that would draw them away from Him, such as idolatry, witchcraft, and occult practices.
Leviticus 19:31 (KJV)
Leviticus 19:31 (KJV) states: “Regard not them that have familiar spirits, neither seek after wizards, to be defiled by them: I am the Lord your God.”
This verse is a clear command from God, warning the Israelites not to turn to mediums, spiritists, or wizards for guidance or spiritual insight. It emphasizes that seeking after such practices would defile them, meaning it would make them spiritually unclean and separate them from God’s holiness. This warning serves as a boundary to keep the Israelites from adopting the pagan practices of their neighbors.
Leviticus 19:31 Meaning
Leviticus 19:31 provides a direct command not to engage with mediums or spiritists. Let’s break down the meaning of this verse by exploring its key components:
1. Regard Not Them That Have Familiar Spirits
The term “familiar spirits” refers to individuals who are believed to have the ability to communicate with the dead or summon spirits. In the ancient world, these people were often called mediums or necromancers. They claimed to have access to the supernatural world and could provide guidance or information from spirits.
In the context of the Israelites, seeking out people with familiar spirits was a serious violation of God’s commands. These practices were seen as attempts to control or manipulate the spiritual realm, and they often involved turning away from God’s sovereignty. The Israelites were instructed not to regard or consult such individuals, as doing so would involve seeking answers outside of God’s will and trusting in powers other than the Lord.
2. Neither Seek After Wizards
A “wizard” in biblical times was typically someone who practiced magic or sorcery, often involving spells or rituals meant to summon supernatural forces. Wizards were associated with the occult and were often involved in activities such as casting spells, divination, or communicating with spirits. These practices were prevalent in many surrounding cultures, but God made it clear that His people were not to seek guidance from such sources.
Just as with those who had familiar spirits, seeking after wizards was considered idolatry. It was a rejection of God’s authority and an attempt to find guidance through means that were in opposition to the truth of God’s word.
3. To Be Defiled by Them
To be “defiled” means to be made ceremonially unclean or impure. The Israelites were expected to maintain a state of spiritual purity and cleanliness, which was essential to their relationship with God. Engaging with occult practices, such as consulting mediums, spiritists, or wizards, would defile them by turning their hearts and minds away from God.
The command in Leviticus 19:31 reminds the Israelites that God is holy, and for them to remain in a right relationship with Him, they must avoid anything that would corrupt or defile them. Turning to occult practices was one such action that would defile them, and it was a serious breach of their covenant with God.
4. I Am the Lord Your God
The phrase “I am the Lord your God” is a reminder of God’s authority and covenant relationship with Israel. By calling the Israelites to reject these occult practices, God is asserting that He alone is the source of truth and wisdom. Seeking guidance from mediums, wizards, or other supernatural sources was a rejection of God’s sovereignty and a denial of His ability to provide for and protect His people.
This phrase emphasizes that God is not only the one true God but that His people are to live according to His standards, trusting in Him alone for guidance and direction. God alone holds the power over life and death, and He alone is to be worshiped and revered.
Leviticus 19:31 Application in Life
While Leviticus 19:31 was written specifically for the Israelites, the principles contained in this verse still apply to Christians today. Although the specific practices mentioned in this verse may not be as common in our modern world, the underlying message remains relevant.
1. Avoiding Occult Practices
Leviticus 19:31 warns against seeking guidance from mediums, spiritists, and wizards. In today’s world, this can be applied to a variety of practices, such as astrology, fortune-telling, palm reading, or even using Ouija boards. Christians are called to avoid any form of occultism or the supernatural that seeks to gain power or knowledge apart from God.
While many people today may not consult mediums or engage in witchcraft, there are other forms of spiritual deception that can draw people away from God, such as relying on horoscope readings, participating in New Age practices, or being fascinated by the occult. Christians are called to trust God alone for guidance and wisdom, rejecting anything that seeks to lead them away from Him.
2. Trusting God Alone for Guidance
Leviticus 19:31 calls believers to trust in God alone for guidance and direction. In a world full of competing voices and sources of information, it can be tempting to seek answers from places other than the Bible and prayer. However, God is the ultimate source of truth, and the Bible offers everything we need for life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3).
As believers, we must learn to turn to God in prayer and seek His wisdom through His Word rather than relying on worldly sources of knowledge or guidance that may not be rooted in truth. The Holy Spirit is also given to Christians to lead them into all truth, providing divine counsel for everyday life (John 16:13).
3. Living a Holy Life
Leviticus 19:31 is part of the broader theme of holiness that runs throughout the book of Leviticus. For Christians, this means living a life that is set apart for God, dedicated to His service, and rejecting anything that would defile us. Holiness involves both our actions and our attitudes, and we are called to avoid any form of impurity, whether it be through the occult, immorality, or idolatry.
A holy life is one that reflects God’s character to the world, and it is a life that is fully surrendered to Him. When we live in obedience to God’s Word and avoid practices that would defile us, we honor God and demonstrate our commitment to Him.
Conclusion
Leviticus 19:31 is a clear command from God to His people, warning them not to engage with mediums, spiritists, or wizards. The verse reflects God’s desire for His people to remain pure, trusting in Him alone for guidance and wisdom. Though the specific practices mentioned in the verse may seem distant from our modern world, the principles remain applicable today. Christians are called to avoid occult practices, trust God for direction, and live holy lives that reflect His character.
By following God’s commands in Leviticus 19:31, we can maintain a close relationship with Him, living in obedience to His Word and resisting the temptations of the world. In doing so, we honor God and grow in our walk with Him, reflecting His holiness to those around us.
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