For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as idolatry and teraphim. Because you have rejected the LORD’s word, he has also rejected you from being king.”
ExplanationCommentary
Verse 23. Obey. Hebrew “Rebellion is the sin of divination or witchcraft, and resistance is iniquity, and the Theraphim.” Sym. “the injustice of idols.” Theraphim here designate idolatrous representations. Genesis 31:19. They were probably of Chaldee origin, in honour of the sun and fire, ( Calmet.) and were venerated like the Penates, and supposed to be the sources of prosperity, from the Arab. Taraph, “to give abundance.” Hence Laban was so solicitous to recover what Rachel had taken away. Louis de Dieu—By sacrifices we give our goods, or another’s flesh is immolated; (Mor. xxxiii. 10. D.) by obedience, we give ourselves to God. Saint Gregory Worthington.
teraphim were household idols that may have been associated with inheritance rights to the household property.