enchantments Summary and Overview

(1.) The rendering of Hebrew "latim" or "lehatim", which means "something covered," "muffled up;" secret arts, tricks (Ex. 7:11, 22; 8:7, 18), by which the Egyptian magicians imposed on the credulity of Pharaoh. (2.) The rendering of the Hebrew "keshaphim", "muttered spells" or "incantations," rendered "sorceries" in Isa. 47:9, 12, i.e., the using of certain formulae under the belief that men could thus be bound. (3.) Hebrew "lehashim", "charming," as of serpents (Jer. 8:17; compare Ps. 58:5). (4.) Hebrew "nehashim", the enchantments or omens used by Balaam (Num. 24:1); his endeavouring to gain omens favourable to his design. (5.) Hebrew "heber" (Isa. 47:9, 12), "magical spells." All kinds of enchantments were condemned by the Mosaic law (Lev. 19:26; Deut. 18:10-12). (See DIVINATION T0001047.)

The words so translated have several signification: the practice of secret arts, #Ex 7:11,22; 8:7|; "muttered spells," #2Ki 9:22; Mic 5:12| the charming of serpents, #Ec 10:11| the enchantments sought by Balaam, #Nu 24:1| the use of magic, #Isa 47:9,12| Any resort to these methods of imposture was strictly forbidden in Scripture, #Le 19:26; Isa 47:9| etc.; but to eradicate the tendency is almost impossible, #2Ki 17:17| and we find it still flourishing at the Christian era. #Ac 13:6,8|

ENCHANT'MENTS . This word is the translation of several Hebrew terms. It comprehends the tricks of the Egyptian magicians, Ex 7:11, Josh 11:22; Neh 8:7; the omens Balaam used. Num 24:1; the charming of serpents, Eccl 10:11; and also magical spells, Isa 47:9, Jud 4:12. In Jer 27:9 the "enchanters" were rather seers or augurs. Every species of enchantment fell under the ban of the Mosaic Law. Lev 19:26; Deut 18:10-12. See Divination.