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 who is a medium or spiritist
In ancient Israel, mediums and spiritists were individuals who claimed to communicate with the dead or with spirits. This practice was strictly forbidden as it was seen as an abomination to God (Deuteronomy 18:10-12). The cultural context of the time included widespread pagan practices among neighboring nations, which often involved necromancy and divination. The Israelites were called to be set apart and not to engage in such practices, which were considered to lead people away from reliance on God.

must surely be put to death.
The death penalty for mediums and spiritists underscores the severity with which God viewed these practices. This command reflects the holiness code in Leviticus, which emphasizes purity and the need to remove sin from the community. The death penalty served as a deterrent and a means to maintain the spiritual integrity of the nation. This reflects the broader biblical theme of the wages of sin being death (Romans 6:23).

They shall be stoned;
Stoning was a common method of execution in ancient Israel, symbolizing communal participation in the judgment. It was a public act, serving as a warning to others. The community's involvement in the execution highlighted the collective responsibility to uphold God's laws. This method of execution is also seen in other instances of capital punishment in the Old Testament, such as in the case of blasphemy (Leviticus 24:14).

their blood is upon them.’”
This phrase indicates that the responsibility for the death lies with the offenders themselves. It implies that they have brought the punishment upon themselves through their actions. This concept of personal responsibility is echoed in Ezekiel 18:20, which states that the soul who sins shall die. It also reflects the principle of justice in the Mosaic Law, where individuals are accountable for their own sins.

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.