Topical Bible: Idolatry: Wicked Practices of Practices of, Relating to the Dead

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Idolatry, in the biblical context, is the worship of idols or false gods, and it is consistently condemned throughout Scripture. One particular aspect of idolatry involves practices relating to the dead, which are seen as abominations in the eyes of the Lord. These practices often intersect with necromancy, divination, and other forms of occultism, which are strictly forbidden in the Bible.

Biblical Prohibitions and Condemnations

The Old Testament provides clear prohibitions against engaging in practices that involve communication with the dead or the use of mediums and spiritists. In Deuteronomy 18:10-12 , the Lord commands the Israelites: "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."

These practices are associated with the pagan nations surrounding Israel, and God’s people are called to be set apart, avoiding such abominations. The Israelites are warned that engaging in these practices would lead them away from the true worship of Yahweh and result in severe consequences.

Historical Instances and Warnings

Throughout Israel's history, there are instances where the people fell into idolatrous practices involving the dead. One notable example is King Saul, who, in desperation, sought the counsel of a medium at Endor to summon the spirit of the prophet Samuel (1 Samuel 28:7-20). This act of disobedience further alienated Saul from God and led to his downfall.

The prophets frequently warned against such practices. Isaiah 8:19 admonishes, "When they say to you, '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 underscores the futility and danger of seeking guidance from the dead rather than from God.

Theological Implications

From a theological perspective, practices relating to the dead are seen as a direct affront to the sovereignty and holiness of God. They represent a rejection of God’s authority and a turning towards the powers of darkness. Such practices are rooted in a misunderstanding of life, death, and the afterlife, as revealed in Scripture.

The Bible teaches that God is the God of the living, not the dead (Mark 12:27). Engaging in idolatrous practices related to the dead is a denial of this truth and an embrace of deception. It reflects a lack of faith in God's provision and guidance, leading individuals away from the path of righteousness.

Moral and Spiritual Consequences

The moral and spiritual consequences of engaging in idolatry, particularly practices related to the dead, are severe. These actions not only lead individuals away from God but also invite spiritual darkness and bondage. The Bible warns that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God (Galatians 5:19-21).

In summary, idolatry involving practices related to the dead is a grave sin that the Bible unequivocally condemns. It is a manifestation of rebellion against God and a departure from His truth, leading to spiritual peril and separation from His presence.

Nave's Topical Index

Deuteronomy 14:1
You are the children of the LORD your God: you shall not cut yourselves, nor make any baldness between your eyes for the dead.
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Library

Concerning Salutations and Recreations, &C.
... though thus by their envy they strive to read all relating to us ... cap.1. of Idolatry,
cap.11 ... these laws of our Lord Jesus Christ with the wicked practices of war.
/.../proposition xv concerning salutations and.htm

The Twelve Minor Prophets.
... of all the patrons of idolatry and the ... already grown and addicted to idolatrous
practices; consequently that ... Zerubbabel from all the assaults of the wicked. ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xxiii the twelve minor.htm

Appendix. The Apocryphal Books of the Old Testament.
... fortunes of the righteous and the wicked of past ages ... to these captives against the
idolatrous practices which they ... Its design is to show the folly of idolatry. ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/appendix the apocryphal books of.htm

Introduction.
... there were many good institutions, and practices, and feelings ... should borrow from
the broken cisterns of idolatry? ... have been neither foolish nor wicked; and I ...
//christianbookshelf.org/arnold/the christian life/introduction.htm

Period iv. The Age of the Consolidation of the Church: 200 to 324 ...
... extent of the persecution and relating instances of ... with the consciousness of wicked
crimes, ought ... been contaminated by the abominable certificate of idolatry. ...
/.../ayer/a source book for ancient church history/period iv the age of.htm

Extracts No. vii.
... the various superstitious notions and practices among the ... distinction between them
and a wicked world, particularly ... and to destroy the monuments of idolatry. ...
/.../ballou/a series of letters in defence of divine revelation/extracts no vii.htm

Concerning Worship.
... it is, that there is not any thing relating to man's ... to be exercised in that
superstition and idolatry hath no ... if one come in that is rude and wicked, and in ...
/.../proposition xi concerning worship.htm

Memoir of John Bunyan
... rent, the graves opened, and the dead that were ... as others did, yet retaining my wicked
life; but ... grievous punishment for these and other my ungodly practices. ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/memoir of john bunyan.htm

John Bunyan on the Terms of Communion and Fellowship of Christians ...
... my reader, with other doctrines or practices, than what I ... their deeds they shew
themselves openly wicked: for names ... It is possible to commit idolatry even with ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/john bunyan on the terms.htm

Twenty-Seven Articles Respecting the Reformation of the Christian ...
... of faith, soon began to set up idolatry and their ... more importance than their tyrannous,
arbitrary, wicked laws, which ... trust God by which such practices are set ...
/.../iii twenty-seven articles respecting the.htm