and carrying the ark (10:8; 21:5). They were also involved in teaching (33:10) and legal
arbitration (21:5; 17:8-13). What is interesting for this study with its focus on guidance and
power is that they are also responsible to pronounce blessing (10:8; 21:5) and to administer the
Urim and Tummim (33:8; Exod. 28:30), the breastplate of decision (Exod. 28:15), which was a
mantic activity. So even though the priests primary role was not a revelatory one in the same
way as that of the prophets, they did have some mantic functions with the Urim and Tummim,
and exercised spiritual power by pronouncing blessing.
I was sensitized to the issue blessing while living in Muslim societies. Blessing is of critical
importance in Muslim folk religious settings. It is a normal desire for people to seek out Gods
blessing on their home. They realize that the health and well-being of the various family
members are not assured. Therefore they want the power of God to be working on their behalf. I
have been in countless Muslim homes and cannot think of one time that I was refused when I
asked if I could pray a prayer of blessing for them in Jesus name. The issue of priestly blessing
highlights the importance of blessing and correspondingly, the high value placed on the power of
prayer, at least in many Muslim contexts.
In summery the priests are involved to a limited extent in cultic activities dealing with guidance
(Urim and Tummim) and power (blessing). Let us now go to the second section containing the
forbidden divination and magic practices.
B. Forbidden Divination and Magic Practices 18:9-14
The key to understanding the list given in vv. 10-11 is the concern this section has with
communication with Yahweh and the relational faithfulness necessary in order to keep Yahweh
and his people closely and lovingly connected (Deut 6:5).
guidance for decisions, to exercise control over others, to harm others and ward off the harm others
may aim at oneself.
Some of the desires that Wright mentions are clearly diabolical and evidence of the falleness of
humanity. But others are legitimate, such as warding off harm or getting guidance from God
(Prov 3:5-6).
In v. 9 The familiar theme of grace is contained in the formulaic expression the land which
Yahweh is giving to you and as McConville has observed the land concept expressed in vv. 9 and
14 nicely frames this particular section.