interpretation. God prohibited Israel from seeking supernatural guidance through such practices because His covenant people were to trust His Word, recognize His sovereignty over time, and receive revelation through the means He appointed.
INTRODUCTION: WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO OBSERVE TIMES?
Deuteronomy 18:10 (KJV):
"There shall not be found among you any one that maketh his son or his daughter to pass through the fire, or that useth divination, or an observer of times, or an enchanter, or a witch,"
Among the practices condemned by Moses is the activity of the observer of times.
At first glance, the expression may appear to describe someone who watches the calendar, studies the seasons, or pays attention to the movement of the sun, moon, and stars.
However, the biblical prohibition does not condemn ordinary observation of time.
God Himself established the heavenly lights to mark days, years, and seasons.
The issue is the attempt to obtain supernatural knowledge or determine human affairs through forbidden systems of omens and soothsaying.
The expression observer of times is an older English rendering of a Hebrew term whose precise etymology is debated.
It belongs to the wider category of divinatory practices condemned in Deuteronomy 18.
The central question is:
When does the observation of time become a forbidden religious practice?
The answer depends upon the purpose of the observation and the spiritual authority being claimed.
PART ONE: THE HEBREW WORD TRANSLATED “OBSERVER OF TIMES”
I. The Hebrew term meʿōnēn
The Hebrew word translated observer of times is:
מְעוֹנֵן
Meʿōnēn — Strong's Hebrew H6049
A practitioner of soothsaying or omen interpretation
The term is related to the Hebrew verb commonly represented as ʿānan.
Its precise historical derivation is uncertain.
Some older explanations connect the term with clouds.
Others associate it with the interpretation of times or with soothsaying more generally.
The biblical usage establishes that the term refers to a forbidden divinatory practice.
1. Does the word literally mean someone who watches a clock?
No.
The expression predates modern clocks.
The KJV phrase should not be interpreted according to modern timekeeping.
2. Does it mean someone who studies the weather?
Not necessarily.
Although some proposed etymologies connect the word with clouds, the biblical text does not establish that every observer of times practiced cloud divination.
3. What is the safest interpretation?
The term refers to a practitioner of forbidden soothsaying or omen interpretation.
The precise technique is not fully described.
This distinction is essential for accurate biblical exposition.
PART TWO: LEVITICUS 19:26 — THE FIRST DIRECT PROHIBITION
II. The commandment
Leviticus 19:26 (KJV):
"Ye shall not eat any thing with the blood: neither shall ye use enchantment, nor observe times."
This verse contains two related prohibitions.
The first concerns enchantment.
The second concerns observing times.
1. The context is holiness
Leviticus 19 repeatedly emphasizes the holiness of the LORD.
The people were to live according to His commandments.
2. The practices were forbidden
The LORD prohibited Israel from participating in divinatory customs.
3. The commandment did not condemn ordinary timekeeping
The same law contained commands concerning Sabbaths, festivals, and appointed times.
Therefore, the prohibition must concern a different kind of practice.
It addresses forbidden soothsaying rather than the legitimate recognition of days and seasons.
PART THREE: GENESIS 1:14 — GOD CREATED THE HEAVENLY LIGHTS FOR SIGNS AND SEASONS
III. The divine purpose of the sun, moon, and stars
Genesis 1:14 (KJV):
"And God said, Let there be lights in the firmament of the heaven to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs, and for seasons, and for days, and years:"
This verse establishes that the heavenly lights have a legitimate role in marking time.
1. The lights divide day from night
2. The lights mark seasons
3. The lights provide a basis for calendars
4. The lights serve as signs within God's created order
However, Genesis 1:14 does not authorize the use of astrology to determine personal destinies or obtain forbidden spiritual guidance.
The verse concerns the function of the heavenly lights within creation.
PART FOUR: THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ASTRONOMY AND ASTROLOGY
IV. Two different approaches to the heavens
Astronomy is the study of celestial bodies and their physical behavior.
Astrology is a system that attempts to interpret celestial positions or movements as indicators of human personality, destiny, or earthly events.
Ancient astrology sometimes included political predictions, omens, and religious interpretation.
1. Astronomy studies creation
The observation of celestial bodies can provide knowledge about the physical universe.
2. Astrology assigns divinatory significance
Astrological systems may claim that celestial configurations determine or reveal human affairs.
3. Scripture recognizes the heavenly bodies as created things
The sun, moon, and stars are subject to the LORD.
4. Scripture forbids worship of the heavenly host
Deuteronomy 4:19 (KJV):
"And lest thou lift up thine eyes unto heaven, and when thou seest the sun, and the moon, and the stars, even all the host of heaven, shouldest be driven to worship them, and serve them, which the LORD thy God hath divided unto all nations under the whole heaven."
The issue in this passage is the worship and service of created heavenly bodies.
The text does not condemn their scientific observation.
PART FIVE: THE OBSERVER OF TIMES AND THE INTERPRETATION OF OMENS
V. What is an omen?
An omen is an occurrence interpreted as indicating something about the future or an unseen reality.
Ancient divinatory systems sometimes treated unusual events as supernatural messages.
Examples from ancient Near Eastern literature include celestial phenomena, unusual births, animal behavior, and other occurrences.
However, not every observation of an unusual event is divination.
The issue is the attempt to obtain supernatural guidance through an unauthorized interpretive system.
1. The practitioner observes an event
2. The practitioner assigns supernatural significance
3. The practitioner claims to interpret its meaning
4. The practitioner offers guidance based upon the interpretation
This general pattern helps explain the broader category of omen-based divination.
But Deuteronomy 18 does not provide a detailed description of the specific methods used by every meʿōnēn.
PART SIX: ISAIAH 2:6 — SOOTHSAYERS AMONG GOD'S PEOPLE
VI. The prophetic accusation
Isaiah 2:6 (KJV):
"Therefore thou hast forsaken thy people the house of Jacob, because they be replenished from the east, and are soothsayers like the Philistines, and they please themselves in the children of strangers."
The word translated soothsayers is associated with the same Hebrew root as the term translated observer of times.
1. Judah adopted foreign practices
The prophet describes the people as influenced by religious customs from surrounding nations.
2. Soothsaying was part of the corruption
The people had embraced practices contrary to covenant faithfulness.
3. The LORD condemned the conduct
The prophetic message identifies the practices as evidence of spiritual unfaithfulness.
PART SEVEN: 2 KINGS 17:17 — THE NORTHERN KINGDOM AND DIVINATION
VII. Israel's covenant rebellion
2 Kings 17:17 (KJV):
"And they caused their sons and their daughters to pass through the fire, and used divination and enchantments, and sold themselves to do evil in the sight of the LORD, to provoke him to anger."
The passage describes the religious corruption of the northern kingdom.
1. The people practiced forbidden divination
2. They participated in enchantments
3. They violated God's commandments
4. Their actions contributed to national judgment
The broader chapter explains the fall of the northern kingdom.
PART EIGHT: MANASSEH AND THE OBSERVATION OF TIMES
VIII. 2 Kings 21:6
"And he made his son pass through the fire, and observed times, and used enchantments, and dealt with familiar spirits and wizards: he wrought much wickedness in the sight of the LORD, to provoke him to anger."
Manasseh practiced several forms of forbidden religious activity.
1. He observed times
The passage uses terminology associated with forbidden soothsaying.
2. He practiced enchantments
He also participated in other forms of divination.
3. He dealt with mediums and wizards
The king engaged with forbidden spiritual practitioners.
4. His conduct provoked the LORD
The biblical writer explicitly condemns his actions.
PART NINE: 2 CHRONICLES 33:6 — MANASSEH'S WITCHCRAFT
IX. The parallel account
2 Chronicles 33:6 (KJV):
"And he caused his children to pass through the fire in the valley of the son of Hinnom: also he observed times, and used enchantments, and used witchcraft, and dealt with a familiar spirit, and with wizards: he wrought much evil in the sight of the LORD, to provoke him to anger."
The Chronicler provides additional details concerning Manasseh's practices.
The king participated in a broad range of forbidden religious activities.
These included observing times, enchantments, witchcraft, and spirit consultation.
The passage demonstrates that the practices condemned in Deuteronomy 18 continued to appear within Judah.
PART TEN: ISAIAH 47 — BABYLON'S ASTROLOGERS AND STARGAZERS
X. The judgment of Babylon
Isaiah 47:13 (KJV):
"Thou art wearied in the multitude of thy counsels. Let now the astrologers, the stargazers, the monthly prognosticators, stand up, and save thee from these things that shall come upon thee."
This passage provides a particularly relevant example of celestial divination.
1. Babylon relied upon astrologers
The nation possessed religious specialists who interpreted celestial phenomena.
2. The stargazers claimed knowledge
They attempted to provide information concerning future events.
3. Monthly prognosticators offered predictions
The passage refers to specialists associated with predictions based upon celestial observation.
4. The LORD challenged their ability to deliver Babylon
The prophet's language is ironic.
The diviners could not prevent the judgment God had announced.
Important distinction
Isaiah 47 clearly addresses celestial divination.
However, it does not prove that the Hebrew term meʿōnēn in Deuteronomy 18:10 refers exclusively to astrologers.
The two belong to the broader category of forbidden divinatory practices.
PART ELEVEN: JEREMIAH 10:2 — BE NOT DISMAYED AT THE SIGNS OF HEAVEN
XI. The commandment
Jeremiah 10:2 (KJV):
"Thus saith the LORD, Learn not the way of the heathen, and be not dismayed at the signs of heaven; for the heathen are dismayed at them."
This verse directly addresses fear associated with celestial signs.
1. The nations feared heavenly signs
Some ancient societies interpreted unusual celestial events as omens of disaster.
2. Israel was commanded not to imitate them
The LORD prohibited His people from adopting their religious interpretations.
3. The believer must not be governed by superstition
The created heavens belong to God.
Their movements are not independent spiritual authorities over human destiny.
PART TWELVE: DANIEL AND THE WISE MEN OF BABYLON
XII. Daniel 2:1–30
Daniel served in Babylon during the reign of Nebuchadnezzar.
The king demanded that his wise men reveal and interpret his dream.
Daniel 2:2 (KJV):
"Then the king commanded to call the magicians, and the astrologers, and the sorcerers, and the Chaldeans, for to shew the king his dreams. So they came and stood before the king."
1. Babylon possessed religious specialists
The court included magicians, astrologers, sorcerers, and Chaldean wise men.
2. Their knowledge was limited
They could not reveal the king's dream.
3. Daniel sought the LORD
Daniel and his companions prayed for mercy concerning the mystery.
4. God revealed the matter
Daniel 2:28 (KJV):
"But there is a God in heaven that revealeth secrets, and maketh known to the king Nebuchadnezzar what shall be in the latter days. Thy dream, and the visions of thy head upon thy bed, are these;"
Daniel attributed the revelation to God.
He did not claim that his knowledge originated from an occult technique.
PART THIRTEEN: THE OBSERVER OF TIMES AND THE APPOINTED FEASTS OF THE LORD
XIII. Does God forbid observing holy days?
No.
The LORD commanded Israel to observe appointed times.
Leviticus 23:2 (KJV):
"Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, Concerning the feasts of the LORD, which ye shall proclaim to be holy convocations, even these are my feasts."
The Hebrew word for appointed times or seasons is môʿēd, Strong's H4150.
It refers to an appointed time, meeting, or festival.
This is different from the Hebrew term meʿōnēn.
1. God's appointed times were commanded
Israel observed Sabbaths and festivals according to divine instruction.
2. The observer of times practiced forbidden soothsaying
The practitioner sought supernatural knowledge through unauthorized methods.
3. The distinction is one of divine authorization and purpose
Observing a commanded festival is not the same as practicing divination.
4. The believer must distinguish biblical worship from superstition
The existence of sacred times in Scripture does not authorize omen interpretation.
PART FOURTEEN: GALATIANS 4:8–11 — OBSERVING DAYS, MONTHS, TIMES, AND YEARS
XIV. Paul's warning
Galatians 4:10 (KJV):
"Ye observe days, and months, and times, and years."
This verse is sometimes connected with Deuteronomy 18:10.
However, the contexts are different.
1. Paul addresses religious bondage
The Galatians were in danger of returning to forms of religious slavery.
2. The passage concerns religious observance
It does not use the Hebrew terminology of Deuteronomy 18.
3. The issue is not ordinary calendar use
Paul is not condemning the recognition of days or seasons.
4. The context must govern interpretation
Galatians 4 concerns the relationship between believers, the law, and the freedom found in Christ.
It should not automatically be equated with the occult practice of observing times in Deuteronomy 18.
PART FIFTEEN: THE OBSERVER OF TIMES AND THE PROPHET OF GOD
XV. Deuteronomy 18:15
"The LORD thy God will raise up unto thee a Prophet from the midst of thee, of thy brethren, like unto me; unto him ye shall hearken;"
Immediately after the prohibition against forbidden divination, Moses speaks of the prophet whom God would raise up.
This is significant.
1. The nations sought supernatural knowledge through divination
2. Israel was commanded to hear God's appointed prophet
3. The prophet's authority came from the LORD
4. Jesus Christ fulfills the promise
Acts 3:22–23 applies this prophecy to Jesus Christ.
The New Testament directs believers toward Christ as the authoritative revelation of God.
PART SIXTEEN: THE OBSERVER OF TIMES AND THE GIFTS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
XVI. Divine revelation is not divination
The New Testament teaches that the Holy Spirit distributes spiritual gifts.
1 Corinthians 12:8–10 identifies gifts including wisdom, knowledge, prophecy, and discerning of spirits.
These gifts are not equivalent to forbidden soothsaying.
1. The source is different
The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of God.
Forbidden divination seeks supernatural information through unauthorized methods.
2. The authority is different
The Holy Spirit acts according to divine will.
Divination attempts to obtain information through techniques or interpretive systems.
3. The purpose is different
Spiritual gifts are given for the edification of the church.
4. The standard is Scripture
1 John 4:1 commands believers to test the spirits.
PART SEVENTEEN: CAN THE STARS DETERMINE HUMAN DESTINY?
XVII. The sovereignty of God over creation
The Bible teaches that the LORD created the heavens.
Psalm 147:4 (KJV):
"He telleth the number of the stars; he calleth them all by their names."
The stars are part of God's creation.
They do not possess independent divine authority.
1. God created the heavenly bodies
2. God governs the universe
3. The heavenly bodies do not replace divine revelation
4. The believer must not place ultimate confidence in astrological predictions
The Christian life is grounded in trust in the LORD.
PART EIGHTEEN: THE SPIRITUAL LESSON — TRUSTING GOD WITH THE FUTURE
XVIII. Why do people seek omens?
People often desire certainty about the future.
They want to know what will happen.
They fear uncertainty.
They may seek signs that appear to promise guidance.
But Scripture directs God's people toward faithful dependence upon Him.
Proverbs 3:5–6 (KJV):
"Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths."
The believer is not promised complete knowledge of future events.
The believer is called to trust the God who governs the future.
PART NINETEEN: TWELVE PRINCIPLES ABOUT THE OBSERVER OF TIMES
1. The Hebrew word translated “observer of times” is meʿōnēn.
2. The term refers to forbidden soothsaying or omen interpretation.
3. Its precise etymology is debated.
4. The prohibition does not condemn ordinary timekeeping.
5. Genesis 1:14 establishes the legitimate function of heavenly lights in marking time.
6. Astrology and astronomy are not the same practice.
7. God prohibited Israel from adopting forbidden divinatory customs.
8. Isaiah condemned soothsaying among God's people.
9. Manasseh practiced observing times and other forbidden religious activities.
10. Babylon's astrologers could not prevent divine judgment.
11. God's appointed feasts are distinct from forbidden omen interpretation.
12. The believer's confidence must rest in the LORD and His revealed Word.
PART TWENTY: QUESTIONS FOR INTENSIVE BIBLE STUDY
What does the Hebrew word meʿōnēn mean?
Why is its precise etymology uncertain?
What is the difference between ordinary timekeeping and forbidden soothsaying?
How does Leviticus 19:26 relate to Deuteronomy 18:10?
What does Genesis 1:14 teach about the purpose of the heavenly lights?
Why is astronomy different from astrology?
How did ancient societies interpret omens?
What does Isaiah 2:6 reveal about Judah's religious practices?
Why did Manasseh's observing of times violate God's commandments?
What does Isaiah 47 teach about Babylon's astrologers?
How does Jeremiah 10:2 warn against fear of celestial signs?
What is the difference between God's appointed feasts and forbidden divination?
Why should Galatians 4:10 not automatically be equated with Deuteronomy 18:10?
How did Daniel obtain revelation concerning Nebuchadnezzar's dream?
Why must believers trust the LORD rather than seek certainty through omens?
CONCLUSION: THE LORD IS SOVEREIGN OVER TIMES AND SEASONS
The observer of times in Deuteronomy 18:10 was associated with forbidden soothsaying and omen interpretation.
The Hebrew word meʿōnēn identifies a practitioner of divinatory methods, although its precise historical derivation remains uncertain.
God prohibited Israel from adopting these practices because His covenant people were to seek Him rather than unauthorized spiritual sources.
The Bible distinguishes legitimate observation of the heavens from the use of celestial signs as a means of forbidden divination.
The LORD created the sun, moon, and stars.
He established the seasons.
He governs history.
He reveals His purposes according to His will.
The believer is therefore called to trust the God who controls time rather than seek hidden knowledge through omens.
Daniel 2:21 (KJV):
"And he changeth the times and the seasons: he removeth kings, and setteth up kings: he giveth wisdom unto the wise, and knowledge to them that know understanding:"
The LORD does not merely know the times and seasons. He governs them.
Closing Prayer
Heavenly Father, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, we acknowledge that You alone are sovereign over time, history, and creation.
You established the heavens and appointed the seasons.
You know the end from the beginning.
Father, deliver us from fear, superstition, deception, and every practice that would lead us away from Your revealed truth.
Teach us to trust You with our future.
Grant us wisdom and understanding through Your Holy Spirit.
Strengthen our faith and establish us in sound doctrine.
May we never seek guidance through forbidden omens or divination.
We thank You for Jesus Christ, our Lord and Saviour, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.
May our hearts remain wholly devoted to You.
In Jesus' mighty name, Amen.
Primary Scriptures: Deuteronomy 18:9–14; Leviticus 19:26; Genesis 1:14; Deuteronomy 4:19; 2 Kings 17:17; 2 Kings 21:6; 2 Chronicles 33:6; Isaiah 2:6; Isaiah 47:12–15; Jeremiah 10:2; Daniel 2:1–30; Galatians 4:8–11.
