Enchantments

Share

Easton's Bible Dictionary - Enchantments

Enchantments [S]

  • The rendering of Hebrew latim_ or _lehatim , which means "something covered," "muffled up;" secret arts, tricks ( Exodus 7:11 Exodus 7:22 ; Exodus 8:7 Exodus 8:18 ), by which the Egyptian magicians imposed on the credulity of Pharaoh.

  • The rendering of the Hebrew keshaphim , "muttered spells" or "incantations," rendered "sorceries" in Isaiah 47:9 Isaiah 47:12 , i.e., the using of certain formulae under the belief that men could thus be bound.

  • Hebrew lehashim , "charming," as of serpents ( Jeremiah 8:17 ; Compare Psalms 58:5 ).

  • Hebrew nehashim , the enchantments or omens used by Balaam ( Numbers 24:1 ); his endeavouring to gain omens favourable to his design.

  • Hebrew heber ( Isaiah 47:9 Isaiah 47:12 ), "magical spells." All kinds of enchantments were condemned by the Mosaic law ( Leviticus 19:26 ; Deuteronomy 18:10-12 ). (See DIVINATION .)

    These dictionary topics are from
    M.G. Easton M.A., D.D., Illustrated Bible Dictionary, Third Edition,
    published by Thomas Nelson, 1897. Public Domain, copy freely.
    [S] indicates this entry was also found in Smith's Bible Dictionary
    Bibliography Information

    Easton, Matthew George. "Entry for Enchantments". "Easton's Bible Dictionary". .

    • Smith's Bible Dictionary - Enchantments

    Enchantments. [E]

    The words so translated have several signification: the practice of secret arts, ( Exodus 7:11 Exodus 7:22 ; 8:7 ); "muttered spells," ( 2 Kings 9:22 ; Micah 5:12 ) the charming of serpents, ( Ecclesiastes 10:11 ) the enchantments sought by Balaam, ( Numbers 24:1 ) the use of magic, ( Isaiah 47:9 Isaiah 47:12 ) Any resort to these methods of imposture was strictly forbidden in Scripture, ( Leviticus 19:26 ; Isaiah 47:9 ) etc.; but to eradicate the tendency is almost impossible, ( 2 Kings 17:17 ) and we find it still flourishing at the Christian era. ( Acts 13:6 Acts 13:8 ) [E] indicates this entry was also found in Easton's Bible Dictionary

    Bibliography Information

    Smith, William, Dr. "Entry for 'Enchantments'". "Smith's Bible Dictionary". . 1901.