Topical Encyclopedia In the ancient Near Eastern context, divination was a common practice used to discern the will of the gods or to predict future events. One specific form of divination mentioned in the Bible is the use of arrows, a practice that is highlighted in the book of Ezekiel.Biblical Reference: The primary biblical reference to divination by arrows is found in Ezekiel 21:21 : "For the king of Babylon will stop at the fork in the road, at the junction of the two roads, to seek an omen. He will cast lots with arrows; he will consult his idols and examine the liver." In this passage, the king of Babylon is depicted as using multiple forms of divination to make a strategic military decision. The casting of lots with arrows is one of the methods employed. This practice, known as belomancy, involved the use of arrows to determine a course of action. The arrows might have been inscribed with different options or outcomes, and the direction in which they fell or the manner in which they were drawn would indicate the decision to be made. Cultural and Historical Context: Divination by arrows was not unique to the Babylonians; it was a widespread practice in various ancient cultures. The use of arrows for divination purposes is attested in several ancient Near Eastern texts and archaeological findings. This method was part of a broader system of divination that included other practices such as hepatoscopy (examining the liver of sacrificed animals) and consulting idols or household gods. Theological Implications: From a biblical perspective, divination is consistently portrayed as contrary to the will of God. The practice of seeking omens through divination, including the use of arrows, is condemned in the Scriptures. In Deuteronomy 18:10-12 , the Israelites are explicitly warned against engaging in divination: "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 use of divination, including belomancy, is seen as an attempt to gain knowledge or control over the future apart from God’s revelation and guidance. It reflects a reliance on human or demonic sources of power rather than trusting in the sovereignty and wisdom of God. Moral and Ethical Considerations: The biblical narrative consistently emphasizes the importance of seeking guidance from God rather than through divination or other occult practices. The reliance on divination by arrows, as practiced by the king of Babylon, serves as a cautionary example of turning away from divine guidance. The Scriptures encourage believers to seek wisdom and direction through prayer, the study of God’s Word, and the counsel of the Holy Spirit. In summary, while divination by arrows was a recognized practice in the ancient world, the Bible presents it as incompatible with faith in the one true God. The practice is depicted as part of a broader pagan system that stands in opposition to the teachings and commandments of Scripture. Nave's Topical Index Ezekiel 21:21For the king of Babylon stood at the parting of the way, at the head of the two ways, to use divination: he made his arrows bright, he consulted with images, he looked in the liver. Nave's Topical Index Library The Infallibility of God's Purpose The Absurdity and Impiety of the Heathen Mysteries and Fables ... On the Ten Points of Doctrine. The Last Days of the Old Eastern World Resources What does the Bible say about luck? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is emblematic parallelism in Hebrew poetry? | GotQuestions.org What are the cosmological arguments for the existence of God? | GotQuestions.org Arrow: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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