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31 [1] THE GHOSTS. *Ovot* (ghosts) is related to the word *ovot* (wineskins) in *Like new wine-skins* (Job 32:19), for wineskins are the main instruments in this “art.”
[2] NOR UNTO FAMILIAR SPIRITS. *Yidonim* (familiar spirits) is related to the word *da’at* (knowledge). Those who turn to *yidonim* seek to know the future. The empty heads say if there were no truth in the *ovot* (ghosts) and in various magical practices, then Scripture would not have prohibited them. However, I say the reverse. Scripture would not have permitted that which was true. It only prohibited that which is false. *The idols* (elilim) and *the images* (v. 4) are proof of this. Were it not that I do not want to go on at length, I would have explained the incident of the woman who was an expert in divining by ghosts. I would have brought unquestionable proof to my explanation.
[3] The meaning of *Turn ye not* is, do not turn to the one who knows the art.
[4] The meaning of *seek them not out* is, do not inquire of them as king Saul did.
[5] The meaning of *I am the Lord your God* is, you shall not seek except for the Lord alone. Note, Scripture reads, *to be defiled by them*, because the soul of the one who inquires of a ghost or a familiar spirit is defiled, for it does not cleave to the Lord.
Version: Ibn Ezra's commentary on the Pentateuch, tran. and annot. by H. Norman Strickman and Arthur M. Silver. Menorah Pub., 1988-2004
Source: https://www.nli.org.il/he/books/NNL_ALEPH001102376/NLI
License: CC-BY-NC