Definition: For these nations, which thou shalt possess, hearkened unto observers of times, and unto diviners: but as for thee, the LORD thy God hath not suffered thee so [to do].

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Deuteronomy 18:14. It’s a really important passage about God’s plan for Israel and how to handle a specific situation. Here's a simplified explanation: The Basic Idea: This verse is saying that God wants to protect and guide the people of Israel, but he's not going to let them make choices that would harm them. It’s about setting boundaries and ensuring they stay on the right path. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “For these nations, which thou shalt possess…” – This refers to the Israelites who are newly discovered or established as a nation. They're a new group of people under God’s care. “…and unto observers of times…” – "Observers of times" means people who are wise and skilled at interpreting signs, prophecies, and events. Basically, people with a good understanding of the future. “…and unto diviners:” - “Diviners” are people who use methods like astrology, dreams, or other mystical interpretations to get insights into the future. “but as for thee, the LORD thy God hath not suffered thee so [to do].” – This is the crucial part. God hasn’t allowed these new nations to make choices that would be harmful to them. He’s actively intervening to prevent them from doing things that could negatively impact their well-being or their relationship with Him. What does this mean practically? It’s essentially a warning against seeking out ways to manipulate the future for personal gain, to ignore God's guidance, or to make choices that would lead to conflict or disaster. It emphasizes that God wants us to listen to His wisdom and follow His plan for our lives and for the nations we inherit. In short, it’s a reminder to be mindful of what might happen in the future and to stay true to God's will. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Give you a more detailed explanation of a specific concept within this passage? Discuss the context of this verse in the Old Testament?