his son] See the notes on chap. 16. 3.
observed times] The word properly signifieth to over-cloud, Genesis 9:14. It is frequently applied to such as over-cloud, or overshadow what they do as juglers: or to such as observe the clouds, the planets, the stars, and thereby judge of matters present and future. They are called soothsayers (Isaiah 2:6. Micah 5:12.) enchanters (Jeremiah 27:9.) sorcerers (Isaiah 57:3.) and observers of times, here, and 2 Chronicles 33:6. under which title they are forbidden, Leviticus 19:26. Deuteronomy 18:10; Deuteronomy 18:14. They were counted observers of times, who by the stars pretended to soretell future contingents; or by the flying of birds judged things at such and such times to be sit or unfit to be done; or on other signs or occasions, daies to be lucky, or unlucky.
enchantments] See the note on chap. 17. 17.
dealt] Heb. made.
familiar spirits] The Hebrew word 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉Ob signifieth a bottle, (Job 32:19.) They who use evill spirits oft swell in the belly, as a bottle: and the spirit seemeth to speak out of their belly with a low hollow voice. Such an one is called in Greek 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, one that had a spirit speaking in the belly. See Isaiah 8:19. 29. 4. Such an one by the law was to be stoned (Leviticus 19:27.) the law forbad to deal with such (Leviticus 19:31. Deuteronomy 18:11.) they who dealt with them are threatned to be cut off (Leviticus 19:6.) This was Sauls sin (1 Samuel 28:7.) for which he died, 1 Chronicles 10:13.
wizards] The Hebrew word 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉Ideonim such as are thought to know much, called in Greek 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. Our English word wizards, importeth such as would be thought to be wise, and full of knowledge: they undertake to know all things, even secret and future. We also call them cunning men. They are in all the forenamed places joyned with such as deal with familiar spirits, and so to be judged of.