How does this verse connect to Deuteronomy 18:10-12 about consulting mediums? The Verse in Focus “So Saul died for his unfaithfulness to the LORD; he did not keep the word of the LORD, and he even consulted a medium for guidance.” Reading Deuteronomy 18:10-12 “Let no one be found among you who sacrifices his son or daughter in the fire, practices divination or conjures spells, interprets omens, practices sorcery, 11 casts spells, consults a medium or spiritist, or inquires of the dead. 12 For whoever does these things is detestable to the LORD, and because of these detestable practices the LORD your God is driving out the nations before you.” Key Connections • Direct Violation: – Deuteronomy lists “consults a medium” among practices God calls “detestable.” – Saul’s final recorded act before his death was the very offense Moses condemned. • Authority of God’s Word: – Deuteronomy issues an explicit command; 1 Chronicles shows the historical consequence of breaking it. – Saul “did not keep the word of the LORD,” underscoring that Scripture’s authority is binding across generations. • Spiritual Consequences: – Deuteronomy warns of judgment; 1 Chronicles records judgment realized—Saul’s kingdom ended, and his life was cut short. – The narrative illustrates that dabbling in forbidden spiritual practices is not a harmless curiosity but a covenant-breaking act. The Larger Biblical Pattern • Leviticus 19:31; 20:6—God warns that He will “set His face against” anyone who turns to mediums. • Isaiah 8:19—“Should not a people consult their God? Why consult the dead on behalf of the living?” • 2 Kings 1:2-3—King Ahaziah seeks Baal-zebub’s counsel; Elijah rebukes him for not inquiring of the LORD. • Acts 16:16-18—Paul casts out a “spirit of divination,” demonstrating that the gospel liberates from occult bondage. • Galatians 5:20—“Sorcery” listed among “works of the flesh” that keep people from inheriting God’s kingdom. Timeless Takeaways • God Alone Guides: Seeking supernatural knowledge or power outside of Him is spiritual adultery. • Scripture Sets Boundaries: What Deuteronomy forbids remains off-limits; historical narratives reinforce that the prohibition is still in force. • Disobedience Has Real-World Fallout: Saul’s tragic end shows that flirting with forbidden practices opens the door to judgment and loss. • Christ Is Sufficient: Through the risen Lord we have direct access to the Father (Hebrews 4:16); no mediator or medium is needed. |
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