Deuteronomy 18:10 in the King James Version of the Bible states, "There shall not be found among you any one that maketh his son or his daughter to pass through the fire, or that useth divination, or an observer of times, or an enchanter, or a witch." This verse is a part of the laws given to the Israelites by Moses, and it serves as a prohibition against various forms of divination and occult practices.

This verse is part of a larger passage in Deuteronomy 18 that outlines the role of the prophet in Israelite society, as well as the warning against following the practices of the nations that they will displace when they enter the Promised Land. The verse specifically addresses the practices of passing children through the fire, divination, observing times, enchantment, and witchcraft. These were common practices among the pagan nations that the Israelites were to replace, and the prohibition against them is intended to set the Israelites apart as a holy people.

The first prohibition in the verse, "maketh his son or his daughter to pass through the fire," likely refers to a pagan ritual in which children were sacrificed by passing them through or into a fire as an offering to a deity. This practice is seen throughout the Old Testament as being associated with the worship of foreign gods, particularly the god Moloch. The Israelites are explicitly forbidden from participating in such practices, as they are an abomination to the Lord.

The next prohibition, "divination," refers to the practice of seeking to know the future or obtain hidden knowledge through supernatural means. This could include practices such as reading omens, interpreting signs, or using objects to predict the future. The Israelites are warned against seeking knowledge from sources outside of God, as it goes against their covenant relationship with Him.

The third prohibition, "an observer of times," likely refers to astrology or other forms of divination based on the observation of celestial bodies. Like other forms of divination, this practice is seen as a way of seeking knowledge outside of God's will and is therefore forbidden.

The fourth prohibition, "an enchanter," refers to someone who uses magical words or spells to bring about a desired effect. This practice is again associated with pagan rituals and beliefs and is forbidden to the Israelites.

The final prohibition, "a witch," refers to someone who practices witchcraft or sorcery, using supernatural powers to manipulate reality or influence events. This practice is also seen as a violation of God's will and is therefore forbidden.

These prohibitions against divination and occult practices serve to emphasize the importance of trusting in God alone for guidance and protection. By prohibiting these practices, the Israelites are called to rely solely on the Lord and to reject the false promises of power or knowledge offered by pagan religions.

In a broader context, these prohibitions serve as a reminder to the Israelites of their unique relationship with God. They are called to be a holy and set-apart people, distinct from the surrounding nations. By rejecting the practices of divination and occultism, the Israelites are called to live in obedience to God's commands and to trust in His providence.

The symbolism in this verse lies in the contrast between the practices of the pagan nations and the holiness of the Israelites. By rejecting these forbidden practices, the Israelites are called to embrace their identity as a chosen people, called to worship and serve the one true God. This serves as a reminder to Christians today to remain faithful to God and to reject the false promises of power or knowledge offered by the world.

In conclusion, Deuteronomy 18:10 serves as a powerful reminder of the Israelites' call to holiness and their unique relationship with God. The prohibitions against divination and occult practices emphasize the importance of trusting in God alone for guidance and protection. This verse continues to be relevant for Christians today, calling us to reject the false promises of power or knowledge offered by the world and to remain faithful to God.