Definition: And when they shall say unto you, Seek unto them that have familiar spirits, and unto wizards that peep, and that mutter: should not a people seek unto their God? for the living to the dead?

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Isaiah 8:19. It’s a really important message about seeking God and avoiding things that try to distract us from Him. Here's a simplified explanation: The Basic Idea: This verse is warning against people being selfish – focusing on things other than God, even if it seems like a good idea at the time. It’s saying that if people start looking for answers in things that aren't truly God-centered, they'll be lost and ultimately hurt. Let's unpack it word by word: “And when they shall say unto you, Seek unto them that have familiar spirits, and unto wizards that peep, and that mutter:” This part is about people trying to find answers outside of God. "Familiar spirits" means those who are close to us, perhaps even our own thoughts or desires. “Wizards” refers to those who try to trick or mislead us with false promises or explanations. “Mutter” suggests secretive or confusing practices. Basically, it’s talking about people looking for solutions through anything other than God. “should not a people seek unto their God?” This is the core of the warning. It's asking: "Should we really focus on things that aren't God?" “for the living to the dead?” This is the crucial part. “Dead” here means lost or forgotten – not alive in a spiritual way, but disconnected from God and their true purpose. The verse suggests that if people are consumed with these distractions, they’ll end up more lost than before. In simpler terms: This verse is saying that we should always turn to God first. When we become too focused on things outside of Him – whether it's seeking answers in the wrong places or focusing on false promises – we risk losing our way and ending up in a place where we don’t truly belong or have purpose. It's a reminder to stay grounded in faith and trust in God's plan for us. Why is this important? Isaiah 8:19 speaks to the dangers of idolatry (worshiping anything other than God) and seeking false comfort or explanations. It’s a call to prioritize God above all else, as He is the ultimate source of truth and guidance. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Discuss its connection to other biblical stories? Give some examples of things that might tempt people to focus on distractions instead of God?