Topical Bible: Sorcery: Divining by Familiar Spirits (Mediums or Spiritists)

◄ Sorcery: Divining by Familiar Spirits (Mediums or Spiritists) ►

Topical Encyclopedia

Sorcery, particularly the practice of divining by familiar spirits, is a topic addressed with clear disapproval in the Bible. This practice involves seeking knowledge or guidance from spirits or the dead, often through mediums or spiritists. The Bible consistently warns against such practices, emphasizing their incompatibility with the worship of the one true God.

Biblical Condemnation

The Old Testament explicitly condemns the practice of consulting mediums and spiritists. In Leviticus 19:31, the Israelites are instructed: "You must not turn to mediums or spiritists; do not seek them out or you will be defiled by them. I am the LORD your God" . This command underscores the defiling nature of such practices, which are seen as a direct affront to God's holiness and authority.

Deuteronomy 18:10-12 further elaborates on this prohibition: "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" . Here, the practice of sorcery and consulting the dead is listed among other abominations that are grounds for divine judgment.

Historical Examples

The Bible provides historical examples of individuals who engaged in or sought out sorcery and the consultation of familiar spirits. One notable account is that of 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, illustrating the severe consequences of turning to forbidden spiritual practices.

New Testament Perspective

The New Testament continues to affirm the rejection of sorcery and similar practices. In Galatians 5:19-21, sorcery is listed among the "acts of the flesh," which are contrary to the life led by the Spirit: "The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and sorcery; hatred, discord, jealousy, rage, rivalries, divisions, factions, and envy; drunkenness, carousing, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God" .

The book of Acts also recounts the story of Simon the Sorcerer, who attempted to buy the power of the Holy Spirit (Acts 8:9-24). His actions were rebuked by the Apostle Peter, who called him to repentance, highlighting the incompatibility of sorcery with the Christian faith.

Theological Implications

From a theological standpoint, the practice of sorcery and consulting familiar spirits is seen as a violation of the first commandment, which calls for exclusive devotion to God. It represents a reliance on powers other than God and a rejection of His sovereignty and provision. The Bible's consistent message is that true wisdom and guidance come from God alone, and believers are encouraged to seek Him through prayer, Scripture, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

In conclusion, the Bible's stance on sorcery and the consultation of familiar spirits is unequivocal. Such practices are condemned as detestable and contrary to the life of faith. Believers are called to trust in God alone for guidance and to reject any form of spiritual deception that seeks to undermine His authority.

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Leviticus 20:27
A man also or woman that has a familiar spirit, or that is a wizard, shall surely be put to death: they shall stone them with stones: their blood shall be on them.
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1 Chronicles 10:13
So Saul died for his transgression which he committed against the LORD, even against the word of the LORD, which he kept not, and also for asking counsel of one that had a familiar spirit, to inquire of it;
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2 Chronicles 33:6
And he caused his children to pass through the fire in the valley of the son of Hinnom: also he observed times, and used enchantments, and used witchcraft, and dealt with a familiar spirit, and with wizards: he worked much evil in the sight of the LORD, to provoke him to anger.
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Isaiah 8:19
And 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?
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Isaiah 19:3
And the spirit of Egypt shall fail in the middle thereof; and I will destroy the counsel thereof: and they shall seek to the idols, and to the charmers, and to them that have familiar spirits, and to the wizards.
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Isaiah 29:4
And you shall be brought down, and shall speak out of the ground, and your speech shall be low out of the dust, and your voice shall be, as of one that has a familiar spirit, out of the ground, and your speech shall whisper out of the dust.
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