Topical Encyclopedia In the context of biblical literature, "familiar spirits" refers to entities or spirits that are believed to assist or communicate with individuals, often through mediums or necromancers. The term is frequently associated with practices that are expressly forbidden in the Scriptures, as they are considered to be in opposition to the worship and reliance on the one true God.The Bible explicitly warns against engaging with familiar spirits, as these practices are seen as vain and deceptive. In Leviticus 19:31 , the Israelites are commanded, "Do not turn to mediums or consult spiritists, or you will be defiled by them. I am the LORD your God." This verse underscores the belief that seeking guidance or knowledge from familiar spirits is not only futile but also spiritually contaminating. The term "vain" in this context can be understood as empty, worthless, or lacking in true substance. Engaging with familiar spirits is considered vain because it leads individuals away from the truth and reliance on God. In Isaiah 8:19 , the prophet questions, "When men tell you to consult the spirits of the dead and the spiritists who whisper and mutter, should not a people consult their God? Why consult the dead on behalf of the living?" This rhetorical question highlights the futility and vanity of seeking wisdom from sources other than God. The narrative of King Saul consulting the medium at Endor in 1 Samuel 28 provides a poignant example of the vanity and peril associated with familiar spirits. Despite having previously expelled mediums and spiritists from the land, Saul, in desperation, seeks out a medium to summon the spirit of the prophet Samuel. The encounter results in a message of doom for Saul, illustrating the dangers and ultimate futility of turning to such practices. The New Testament continues to affirm the Old Testament's stance on familiar spirits. In Acts 16:16-18 , the Apostle Paul encounters a slave girl possessed by a spirit of divination. Although she speaks truths about Paul and his companions, Paul recognizes the spirit's source and commands it to leave her in the name of Jesus Christ. This act demonstrates the authority of Christ over such spirits and the emptiness of their power when confronted with the truth of the Gospel. Throughout Scripture, the engagement with familiar spirits is consistently portrayed as vain, leading individuals away from the truth and into spiritual darkness. The Bible calls believers to seek wisdom and guidance from God alone, as He is the source of all truth and life. Nave's Topical Index Isaiah 8:19And when they shall say to you, Seek to them that have familiar spirits, and to wizards that peep, and that mutter: should not a people seek to their God? for the living to the dead? Nave's Topical Index Isaiah 19:3 Library And be not Deceived or Deluded with Vain Hopes by that which is ... Reformation Lessons The Foreign Missions and their Influence. Excellency of the Christian Institution. The Fourth vision "On Earth" On Assembling in the Church. Commandment Eleventh. The Spirit and Prophets to be Tried by their ... Shepherds and Angels Appendix xii. The Baptism of Proselytes Of the True Church. Duty of Cultivating Unity with Her, as 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 |