Enchantments

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.)