In this verse, God is warning the Israelites about the practices of the nations they are about to conquer. These nations often engaged in sorcery and divination, seeking guidance and power from sources other than the one true God. Such practices were not only common but also deeply ingrained in their cultures. However, God makes it clear that His people are to be different. They are not to engage in these practices because they lead away from reliance on God and His guidance.
The emphasis here is on the importance of trusting in God alone. By avoiding these practices, the Israelites would demonstrate their faithfulness and commitment to God’s commandments. This instruction serves as a reminder that true wisdom and guidance come from God, not from human attempts to control or predict the future through forbidden means. It underscores a broader biblical theme of trusting in God’s providence and rejecting false sources of power and knowledge.
