Sorcery (Deuteronomy 18:12; Exodus 22:17) was the use of special words or actions to harness supernatural powers to influence the physical realm (whether for good or evil), to tell the future or to give guidance. This was particularly odious for various reasons. First, God rules as sovereign over all creation, and all power belongs to him, not to impersonal forces. Second, God will not be manipulated. Those who seek God’s involvement in their lives are to pray humbly. Third, God has chosen to reveal himself and his works through the prophets and apostles whom he inspired, who have written God’s revelation in Scripture. It is by studying Scripture that God gives us guidance, and foretells what will take place in the future. God commanded that sorcery be punished with death (Exodus 22:17).
5 “Then I will draw near to you for judgment. I will be a swift witness against the sorcerers, against the adulterers, against those who swear falsely, against those who oppress the hired worker in his wages, the widow and the fatherless, against those who thrust aside the sojourner, and do not fear me, says the LORD of hosts.