Topical Encyclopedia The term "magical" in the context of the Bible refers to practices and beliefs associated with the use of supernatural powers or forces, often in opposition to the will and commandments of God. The Bible consistently condemns such practices, associating them with paganism, idolatry, and rebellion against God.Old Testament References In the Old Testament, magical practices are often linked with the nations surrounding Israel, who engaged in various forms of divination, sorcery, and witchcraft. The Israelites were explicitly warned against adopting these practices. In Deuteronomy 18:10-12 , God commands, "Let no one be found among you who sacrifices his son or daughter in the fire, practices divination or conjury, interprets omens, practices sorcery, casts spells, consults a medium or spiritist, or inquires of the dead. For whoever does these things is detestable to the LORD, and because of these detestable things the LORD your God is driving out the nations before you." The narrative of King Saul consulting the witch of Endor in 1 Samuel 28 illustrates the dangers and futility of seeking guidance through forbidden magical means. Saul's actions are portrayed as a desperate and faithless attempt to gain insight, ultimately leading to his downfall. New Testament References In the New Testament, magical practices are similarly condemned. Acts 8:9-24 recounts the account of Simon the Sorcerer, who practiced magic in Samaria and amazed the people. When Simon attempted to buy the power of the Holy Spirit from the apostles, Peter rebuked him, saying, "May your silver perish with you, because you thought you could buy the gift of God with money!" (Acts 8:20). This account underscores the incompatibility of magical practices with the true faith and the gifts of the Holy Spirit. Acts 19:19 describes the conversion of many in Ephesus who practiced magic: "A number of those who had practiced magic arts brought their books together and burned them in the sight of all. And they counted the value of them and found it came to fifty thousand pieces of silver" . This public renunciation of magic signifies a turning away from former ways and a commitment to the teachings of Christ. Theological Implications From a theological perspective, magical practices are seen as attempts to manipulate spiritual forces for personal gain, bypassing the sovereignty and authority of God. Such practices are often rooted in a desire for power, control, or forbidden knowledge, which are contrary to the humility and trust in God that Scripture advocates. The Bible's condemnation of magic is part of a broader rejection of idolatry and false worship. By engaging in magical practices, individuals place their trust in created things rather than the Creator, violating the first commandment to have no other gods before the LORD (Exodus 20:3). Conclusion The biblical stance on magical practices is clear and unequivocal. Throughout Scripture, such practices are associated with rebellion against God and are consistently condemned. Believers are called to trust in God's wisdom and power, rejecting any form of magic or divination that seeks to usurp His rightful place as the sovereign Lord of all creation. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (a.) Pertaining to the hidden wisdom supposed to be possessed by the Magi; relating to the occult powers of nature, and the producing of effects by their agency.2. (a.) Performed by, or proceeding from, occult and superhuman agencies; done by, or seemingly done by, enchantment or sorcery. Hence: Seemingly requiring more than human power; imposing or startling in performance; producing effects which seem supernatural or very extraordinary; having extraordinary properties; as, a magic lantern; a magic square or circle. Greek 5331. pharmakeia -- the use of medicine, drugs or spells ... enchantment. 5331 (from , "administer drugs") -- properly, drug-related sorcery, like the practice of magical-arts, etc. (AT Robertson). ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5331.htm - 7k 4021. periergos -- overly careful, curious, meddling, subst. a ... 5333. pharmakos -- a poisoner, sorcerer, magician Strong's Hebrew 2791. cheresh -- silently, secretly... cunning, secretly From charash; magical craft; also silence -- cunning, secretly. see HEBREW charash. 2790b, 2791. cheresh. 2791a . Strong's Numbers. /hebrew/2791.htm - 5k 7080. qasam -- to practice divination 2748. chartom -- an engraver, writer Library As to Your Other Matter, How this Language of the Magical Working ... In Opposition to those who Foolishly Imagine that Christ Converted ... System of the Magicians; Incantations of Demons; Secret Magical ... The Heresy of Carpocrates; Wicked Doctrines Concerning Jesus ... The Divination by a Cauldron; Illusion of Fiery Demons; Specimen ... Theophilus. ... And Here, My Friend, You have an Easy Entrance into the True ... Menander the Sorcerer. For this Magic Power of Everything, that Works in all Nature and ... And it is not we Alone who Speak of Wicked Demons... Thesaurus Magical (1 Occurrence)...Magical (1 Occurrence). Acts 19:19 Many of those who practiced magical arts brought their books together and burned them in the sight of all. ... /m/magical.htm - 7k Charm (5 Occurrences) Magician (5 Occurrences) Magic (12 Occurrences) Witchcraft (8 Occurrences) Witch (2 Occurrences) Exorcism Exorcist (1 Occurrence) Devils (48 Occurrences) Demons (54 Occurrences) Resources What should be the Christian view of Harry Potter? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the Egyptian Book of the Dead? | GotQuestions.org What are the Christian themes in Prince Caspian? | GotQuestions.org Magical: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Magical (1 Occurrence)Acts 19:19 Subtopics Related Terms |
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