For these nations, which thou shalt possess, hearkened unto observers of times, and unto diviners: but as for thee, the LORD thy God hath not suffered thee so to do.
The nations you're going to take over have listened to fortune-tellers and those who try to predict the future through magic. But the LORD your God has not allowed you to do these things.
God is telling His people that unlike the pagan nations around them, they shouldn't turn to fortune-tellers or magical practices to know the future.
📚 Historical Context
In the historical context of Deuteronomy, Moses is addressing the Israelites as they prepare to enter the Promised Land after their exodus from Egypt. The nations they were about to displace, such as the Canaanites, commonly practiced divination and consulted observers of times, which included methods like astrology and sorcery to seek guidance from supernatural sources. God is warning the Israelites not to adopt these pagan customs, emphasizing their special covenant relationship with Him that sets them apart.
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