Leviticus 20:6 – “I will set my face against anyone who turns to mediums and spiritists to prostitute themselves by following them, and I will cut them off from their people.”
Extended Explanation of the Verse
Leviticus 20:6 addresses God’s direct response to those who turn away from Him and seek guidance from mediums and spiritists. The verse warns that God will “set His face against” those who engage in these practices, meaning He will actively oppose them. God views this behavior as a form of spiritual unfaithfulness, comparing it to “prostituting themselves.” This language emphasizes how serious God considers the act of seeking spiritual insight or guidance outside of Him. In God’s eyes, turning to these forbidden practices is not just a mistake; it’s a deliberate betrayal of the relationship He desires with His people. Those who engage in these practices would be “cut off” from their community, indicating both physical and spiritual separation.
Historical Context
In the ancient world, consulting mediums and spiritists—individuals who claimed to communicate with the dead or provide supernatural insight—was a common practice among pagan nations. These practices were closely tied to idolatry and the worship of false gods. For Israel, God’s chosen people, these practices were strictly forbidden because they undermined the truth that God alone is the source of wisdom, guidance, and power. During the time of Leviticus, God was establishing clear boundaries to keep His people distinct from the surrounding nations. By prohibiting engagement with spiritists and mediums, God was protecting Israel from spiritual deception and maintaining the purity of their worship.
Theological Implications
Theologically, this verse underscores God’s exclusive claim over His people’s spiritual lives. He alone is to be their source of guidance, comfort, and truth. By turning to mediums and spiritists, people were essentially rejecting God’s authority and provision. This verse teaches that seeking supernatural insight apart from God is not just unwise—it’s a serious spiritual offense that cuts people off from the life and blessings God desires to give. The severity of the warning reflects God’s holy nature and His demand for total loyalty from His people. It also emphasizes the dangers of false spirituality, which leads people away from the truth and into spiritual bondage.
Literary Analysis
Leviticus 20:6 employs strong language to convey the seriousness of the sin. The phrase “set my face against” shows God’s personal involvement and active judgment against those who engage in these practices. The comparison to prostitution vividly illustrates the betrayal involved when people seek spiritual guidance outside of God. This metaphor serves to highlight the intimate and covenantal nature of the relationship between God and His people, portraying spiritual unfaithfulness as deeply offensive to God. The literary structure of this verse links personal sin with communal consequences, reinforcing that individual actions impact the broader community.
Relevant Biblical Cross-References
- Deuteronomy 18:10-12: “Let no one be found among you who… 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.”
- Isaiah 8:19: “When someone tells you to consult mediums and spiritists, who whisper and mutter, should not a people inquire of their God? Why consult the dead on behalf of the living?”
- 1 Chronicles 10:13-14: This passage recounts King Saul’s downfall, which was partly due to his decision to consult a medium, showing the serious consequences of disobeying God’s commands in this area.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, Leviticus 20:6 serves as a reminder to seek God alone for wisdom, guidance, and spiritual insight. Although modern culture may not openly promote mediums and spiritists in the same way, there are still many avenues through which people seek spiritual guidance apart from God—horoscopes, psychics, and other forms of occult practices. This verse warns believers to avoid these deceptions and remain steadfast in their trust in God’s Word and the guidance of the Holy Spirit. It also challenges Christians to reject any form of spirituality that does not align with God’s truth, emphasizing the need for discernment in a world full of false teachings.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
Although God’s response in this verse seems harsh, it is rooted in His deep love for His people. God knows that turning to mediums and spiritists leads to spiritual harm, deception, and ultimately separation from Him. His warning is an act of love designed to protect His people from the destructive effects of false spirituality. God’s desire is for His people to rely fully on Him, knowing that He alone is the source of all truth and wisdom. By setting these boundaries, God is safeguarding His people’s relationship with Him and keeping them from the spiritual dangers that lie outside of His will.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Jesus Christ fulfills God’s desire for His people to have direct access to Him. Where the Old Testament warns against seeking guidance from false sources, Jesus provides the way to the Father and the truth we need. John 14:6 says, “Jesus answered, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.’” Through His life, death, and resurrection, Jesus offers the ultimate connection to God, making it unnecessary and harmful to seek spiritual truth outside of Him. The Holy Spirit, given to believers through Jesus, is our guide, comforter, and source of all spiritual wisdom.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How does Leviticus 20:6 challenge you to evaluate where you seek guidance and wisdom in your life?
- What are some modern practices that might draw people away from relying solely on God for spiritual insight?
- Why is it important to trust in God alone and avoid seeking guidance from sources that do not align with His Word?
- How can you encourage others to seek God first in all areas of their lives, especially in matters of spiritual guidance?
- In what ways does Jesus provide the wisdom and guidance that we need, fulfilling God’s promise to be our source of truth?
Reflecting on these questions can help deepen your understanding of how to remain faithful to God, seeking Him alone for the guidance and wisdom needed in every aspect of life.