Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical context, "familiar spirits" refer to entities or spirits that are believed to assist or communicate with individuals, often through mediums or necromancers. The practice of consulting familiar spirits is explicitly forbidden in the Scriptures, as it is considered an abomination to the Lord and a deviation from reliance on Him.Old Testament Prohibitions The Old Testament contains several explicit prohibitions against consulting familiar spirits. In Leviticus 19:31, the Israelites are commanded: "Do not turn to mediums or spiritists; do not seek them out to be defiled by them. I am the LORD your God" . This directive underscores the defiling nature of such practices and emphasizes the need for the Israelites to remain pure and devoted to God. Further, Leviticus 20:6 warns, "Whoever turns to mediums or spiritists and prostitutes himself with them, I will set My face against that person and cut him off from his people" . This severe consequence highlights the seriousness with which God views the act of consulting familiar spirits, equating it with spiritual unfaithfulness. Deuteronomy 18:10-12 provides a comprehensive list of forbidden practices, including divination, sorcery, and consulting the dead: "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" . This passage categorically denounces any form of communication with the spiritual realm outside of God's ordained means. Historical Instances The narrative of King Saul consulting the medium at Endor is a notable biblical account illustrating the prohibition against familiar spirits. In 1 Samuel 28, Saul, desperate for guidance, seeks out a medium to summon the spirit of the prophet Samuel. Despite having previously expelled mediums and spiritists from the land, Saul's actions demonstrate a direct violation of God's commands. The encounter results in a foreboding message for Saul, ultimately leading to his downfall. New Testament Context While the New Testament does not explicitly mention "familiar spirits," it continues to affirm the prohibition against engaging with the occult and spiritualism. Acts 16:16-18 recounts the Apostle Paul's encounter with a slave girl possessed by a spirit of divination. Paul commands the spirit to leave her in the name of Jesus Christ, demonstrating the authority of Christ over such spirits and the rejection of their influence. Theological Implications The prohibition against consulting familiar spirits is rooted in the theological understanding of God's sovereignty and the call for His people to trust solely in Him. Engaging with familiar spirits is seen as a form of idolatry, as it places reliance on spiritual entities rather than on God. The Scriptures consistently call believers to seek wisdom and guidance from God alone, as emphasized in James 1:5: "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him" . In summary, the biblical injunction against consulting familiar spirits is clear and unequivocal. It serves as a reminder of the importance of faithfulness to God and the dangers of seeking spiritual insight outside of His revealed Word and will. Nave's Topical Index Leviticus 19:31Regard not them that have familiar spirits, neither seek after wizards, to be defiled by them: I am the LORD your God. Nave's Topical Index Leviticus 20:6,27 Deuteronomy 18:10,11 Library The Unity of God The First Commandment The Foreign Missions and their Influence. From the Close of the General Conference of 1832 to the Beginning ... The Medes and the Second Chaldaean Empire Period iii. The Dissolution of the Imperial State Church and the ... Resources Regulative vs. normative principle of worship'which viewpoint is correct? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is The Voice translation of the Bible? | GotQuestions.org What are some good ways to memorize Bible verses? | GotQuestions.org Familiar: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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