Definition: Regard not them that have familiar spirits, neither seek after wizards, to be defiled by them: I [am] the LORD your God.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Leviticus 19:31. It's a really important rule about how we should treat people and things. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: Basically, this verse is saying: Don't be disrespectful to people who have strange or unusual practices. Think of them as being touched by something that isn’t holy or right. Don't try to trick or deceive people into believing they have special powers or are connected to the divine. This is about recognizing that these people aren’t truly holy and shouldn’t be treated as such. Let’s unpack it a little further: "Regard not them that have familiar spirits..." – This means don't look at or focus on people who are performing rituals, practices, or beliefs that seem to go beyond what is considered normal or holy. They might be using magic or trying to influence people in ways that aren’t right. "...neither seek after wizards..." - This highlights a specific type of behavior – seeking out people who claim to have special powers or connections to the gods. It's about avoiding anything that could be seen as trying to trick someone into believing they have an advantage over God. "...to be defiled by them:" - This is the core message. “Defiled” means corrupted, unclean, or broken. These people are considered to be spiritually tainted and should not be treated with respect. The key takeaway is a strong emphasis on holiness and reverence. The verse reminds us that God’s presence is sacred and requires respectful treatment of those who are truly holy. It's a boundary set to protect the divine nature of God. In short, it’s a call for humility and avoiding anything that could be seen as an attempt to usurp God's authority. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Discuss the historical context of this passage? Connect it to a broader theme in the Bible (like reverence, purity, or obedience)?