Enchantments

(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; comp. 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.)

The words so translated have several signification: the practice of secret arts, (Exodus 7:11,22; 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 47:9,12) 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 13:6,8)

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.

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.