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Made his son pass through the fire - Consecrated him to Moloch.

Observed times - ועונן veonen ; he practiced divination by the clouds; by observing their course at particular times, their different kinds, contrary directions, etc., etc.

Used enchantments - ונחש venichesh ; he used incantations, spells, and charms.

Dealt with familiar spirits - אוב ועשה veasah ob ; he was a necromancer; was a raiser of spirits, whom he endeavored to press into his service; he had a Python.

And wizards - וידענים veyiddeonim ; the knowing ones, the white witches, and such like; see on Leviticus 19:26-31; (note), where most of these terms are particularly explained and illustrated.

On the meaning of the phrase “passing through the fire,” see 2 Kings 16:3, and Leviticus 20:2-5.

To “observe times” was forbidden in the Law (marginal references), and was no doubt among the modes of divination practiced by the Canaanite nations. It has been explained as,

(1) Predicting from the state of the clouds and atmosphere;

(2) Fascination with the eye;

(3) Watching and catching at chance words as ominous.

Dealt with familiar spirits - This practice was forbidden by Moses Leviticus 19:31 under the penalty of death Leviticus 20:27. Its nature is best learned from Saul‘s visit to the witch of Endor (1 Samuel 28:7, etc.).

Wizards - “Wizards” - literally, “wise men” - are always joined with those who have familiar spirits. Probably they were a sort of necromancers.

Because the people of God had confused ideas of the ceremonial sacrificial offerings, and had heathen traditions confounded with their ceremonial worship, God condescended to give them definite directions, that they might understand the true import of those sacrifices which were to last only till the Lamb of God should be slain, who was the great antitype of all their sacrificial offerings. 3SG 304.1