In Leviticus 20:27, how does the death sentence for mediums and spiritists reconcile with the Bible’s own instances of sanctioned supernatural encounters (e.g., 1 Samuel 28)?

1. Definition and Context of Leviticus 20:27

Leviticus 20:27 states, “A man or a woman who is a medium or a spiritist must surely be put to death. They shall be stoned; their blood is upon them.” This decree appears severe, yet it comes within a broader context of the holiness laws for Israel. These laws were meant to set God’s people apart from surrounding nations, who commonly practiced sorcery, necromancy, and idolatry (cf. Deuteronomy 18:9–12). The directive to impose the death penalty underscores the gravity of these forbidden practices, which are consistently associated with turning away from God’s authority.

In the Ancient Near East, archaeological discoveries—including texts from Ugarit and Babylon—show that necromancy and divination were widespread. Such practices entailed seeking hidden knowledge or power by interacting with spirits and “gods” other than the true Creator. By contrast, Israel’s covenant law insisted that genuine guidance, truth, and protection come exclusively from God.

2. Purpose of the Prohibition

The prohibition against mediums and spiritists is rooted in more than just avoiding pagan customs; it lies in God’s desire for His people to trust Him alone. Deuteronomy 18:10–12 warns, “Let no one be found among you who ... practices divination or conjury, interprets omens, or practices sorcery ... for everyone who does these things is detestable to the LORD.”

These activities involve seeking supernatural contact apart from God’s revelation. In effect, mediums and spiritists act as conduits for deceptive spiritual entities. From a biblical perspective, consulting them demonstrates a rejection of God’s sovereignty and a willingness to place one’s faith in “other powers,” thus usurping the channel of legitimate revelation: God’s prophets and the Scriptures themselves.

When God provided sanctioned supernatural guidance—through angels (Judges 6:11–23), prophets (2 Kings 3:11–19), visions (Genesis 28:10–15), or direct communication—this guidance came at His initiative. Never was Israel instructed to seek out another spiritual power. The penalty of death expressed the seriousness of that sin, emphatically warning Israel not to imitate pagan religions.

3. Sanctioned Supernatural Encounters in the Bible

Throughout Scripture, there are notable instances where God allows or initiates supernatural encounters:

• Divine Appearances and Angelic Visitations: Angels appear at God’s command, often delivering messages or offering protection (Genesis 19:1–17; Luke 1:26–38).

• Prophetic Revelations: God empowers chosen men and women to receive His words for others (Jeremiah 1:4–10; 2 Peter 1:20–21).

• Miracles: Events like the parting of the Red Sea (Exodus 14:21–22) or healings in the ministry of Jesus and the apostles (Luke 7:22; Acts 3:6–10) demonstrate God’s sovereign intervention.

These sanctioned encounters differ from the practices condemned in Leviticus 20:27 because they are initiated by God. At no point are humans told to summon the dead, conjure spirits, or employ occultic techniques. Genuine interactions with the supernatural in Scripture revolve around God’s revelation and His redemptive purposes.

4. The Case of 1 Samuel 28

One of the most frequently cited passages related to this topic is 1 Samuel 28, where King Saul consults a medium at Endor:

- The Background: Saul had previously expelled mediums and spiritists from the land in obedience to the law (1 Samuel 28:3).

- Saul’s Desperation: Facing the Philistine threat and feeling abandoned by God—who no longer answered him by dreams, Urim, or prophets—Saul disobeyed his own earlier edict and sought out a medium for guidance (1 Samuel 28:6–7).

- The Encounter: The medium claims she sees an old man, and Saul perceives him as Samuel (1 Samuel 28:13–14). The text does not glamorize this encounter; rather, it highlights Saul’s disobedience.

- The Aftermath: Saul is told by the apparent Samuel that he will lose in battle and face death (1 Samuel 28:16–19). Indeed, 1 Chronicles 10:13 later notes, “Saul died for his breach of faith against the LORD—because he did not keep the word of the LORD and even consulted a medium for guidance.”

Scripture never endorses Saul’s action. Instead, it shows this as a final act of rebellion, confirming that Saul had veered entirely away from trusting God. Whether or not the medium truly saw Samuel, the point remains that Saul’s sin was seeking a forbidden practice, contrary to God’s command.

5. Reconciling Prohibition and Apparent Sanctioned Contact

At first glance, 1 Samuel 28 might appear to contradict Leviticus 20:27, as though God momentarily allowed a medium to function. However, several factors clarify that this remains consistent with the broader biblical message:

1. Saul’s Action Was Illicit: The narrative underscores Saul’s wrongdoing. It does not portray this event as exemplary or acceptable.

2. God’s Sovereignty Over Every Encounter: If Samuel truly appeared, it was by God’s permissive will, not by the medium’s power. Scripture indicates that when supernatural messages come legitimately, God retains full control—a stark contrast to occultic practices.

3. God Uses the Event to Pronounce Judgment: The “appearance” of Samuel (if indeed it was Samuel) served to pronounce judgment upon Saul. This scenario underscores the seriousness of disobedience rather than endorsing the medium’s craft.

4. Distinct Purpose: Sanctioned supernatural encounters in Scripture—prophetic messages, angelic visitations, God’s audible voice—all serve His redemptive plan. Saul’s consultation through the medium, by contrast, was a desperate attempt to circumvent God’s silence.

Thus, there is no conflict with Leviticus 20:27. Saul’s condemned action aligns with God’s consistent stance that mediums and spiritists stand outside legitimate spiritual authority.

6. Theological and Practical Implications

From this account, several key lessons emerge for understanding the biblical stance:

1. Exclusive Trust in God: Throughout Scripture, believers are exhorted to seek wisdom and revelation from God alone. Any diversion—whether personal crisis or perceived “need” for hidden knowledge—must be brought to the Creator, not to forbidden sources.

2. Holiness and Distinction: The prohibition in Leviticus 20:27 was aimed at preserving Israel’s holiness. Modern application likewise alerts believers to avoid any spiritual channel that competes with God’s Word and the Holy Spirit’s leading.

3. Divine Mercy and Judgment: God’s silence toward Saul was a consequence of persistent rebellion, illustrating that ignoring God’s commands leads to judgment. Still, throughout Scripture, God repeatedly offers mercy when individuals repent and return to Him.

7. Conclusion

Leviticus 20:27’s death penalty for mediums and spiritists arises from God’s concern for His people’s spiritual purity and dependence on Him. Rather than contradicting the biblical record of sanctioned supernatural encounters, this command clarifies that true supernatural guidance originates exclusively from God.

First Samuel 28 does not present a divine endorsement of occult practices; rather, it demonstrates Saul’s violation of the very law he once enforced, culminating in tragic consequences. On the one hand, God regularly communicates with humanity—through angels, prophets, and miraculous works—but always on His own terms. On the other hand, any attempt to seek knowledge or power by bypassing God is uniformly condemned.

In every age, Scripture testifies that only encounters initiated by God and grounded in His truth are valid. This consistent teaching reaffirms that believers must rely on God alone for wisdom, guidance, and life, trusting in the One who is the true source of all legitimate supernatural revelation.