Definition and Context
Talking to the dead, often referred to as necromancy or spiritism, is the practice of attempting to communicate with the spirits of deceased individuals. This practice is addressed in various passages throughout the Bible, where it is consistently condemned as contrary to the will of God.

Biblical References
The Bible provides several references that explicitly prohibit the practice of communicating with the dead. In the Old Testament, the Israelites are warned against engaging in such practices. Deuteronomy 18:10-12 states: "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."

Leviticus 19:31 further instructs: "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 belief that seeking communication with the dead defiles the individual and is an affront to God's holiness.

Historical Example
A notable biblical account involving an attempt to communicate with the dead is found in 1 Samuel 28. King Saul, facing a dire situation with the Philistines, seeks out the Witch of Endor to summon the spirit of the prophet Samuel. Despite having previously expelled mediums and spiritists from the land, Saul's desperation leads him to violate God's commands. When the spirit of Samuel appears, he rebukes Saul, and the encounter foretells Saul's impending doom. This narrative illustrates the futility and danger of seeking guidance from the dead, as well as the spiritual consequences of disobedience to God's laws.

Theological Implications
From a theological perspective, the prohibition against talking to the dead is rooted in the understanding of God's sovereignty and the finality of death. Hebrews 9:27 states, "Just as man is appointed to die once, and after that to face judgment," emphasizing that the dead are beyond human reach and subject to God's judgment alone. The practice of necromancy is seen as an attempt to usurp God's authority and seek knowledge or power outside of His ordained means.

Furthermore, the Bible teaches that believers are to seek guidance and wisdom from God alone. James 1:5 encourages, "If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him." This reliance on God for wisdom and direction is contrasted with the forbidden practice of consulting the dead.

Moral and Ethical Considerations
Engaging in practices that attempt to communicate with the dead is viewed as a violation of the first commandment, which calls for exclusive devotion to God. Exodus 20:3 commands, "You shall have no other gods before Me." By seeking out the dead, individuals are seen as placing their trust in sources other than God, which is considered idolatrous.

The Bible's consistent message is that life and death are under God's control, and humans are not to meddle in matters that belong to Him alone. The practice of talking to the dead is thus rejected as incompatible with a life of faith and obedience to God.Leviticus 19:31
Regard not them that have familiar spirits, neither seek after wizards, to be defiled by them: I am the LORD your God.
Topicalbible.org

1 Chronicles 10:13-14
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;
Topicalbible.org

The Eyes of the Heart.
... That lonely-lifed, sore-hearted woman on the Nain road looked with startled wonder
out of those wet eyes of hers as Jesus begins talking to her dead son. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/gordon/quiet talks on service/the eyes of the heart.htm

'Me a Christian!'
... To Festus, Paul's talking about a dead man's having risen, and a risen Jew becoming
a light to all nations, was such utter nonsense that, with characteristic ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture the acts/me a christian.htm

The Talking Book
... and the dead child, the word has stretched itself upon them, and their dead souls
have ... I am not exactly talking with any one of you this morning; there are too ...
//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/sermons on proverbs/the talking book.htm

The Talking Book
... and the dead child, the word has stretched itself upon them, and their dead souls
have ... I am not exactly talking with any one of you this morning; there are too ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/the talking book.htm

Like Dreams, Moreover, are Also Some visions of Persons Awake...
... friend of mine and his at my own table, while we were talking about some ... the same,
both concerning his marvellous illness, how he lay all but dead for many days ...
/.../augustine/on care to be had for the dead /14 like dreams moreover are.htm

A Preacher from the Dead
... upon his brow; the light of heaven gilds his face, he is talking about the ... preacher
could not be a powerful preacher, even though he came again from the dead. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 3 1857/a preacher from the dead.htm

Though He were Dead
... and the life: he that believeth in Me, though he were dead, yet shall ... When He is
talking of bright and sparkling gems of benediction, we are thinking of common ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 30 1884/though he were dead.htm

The Resurrection of the Dead
... "For if the dead rise not, then your faith is vain, and ye are yet in your sins."
The dead in Christ shall ... And now I am talking to you of things that are real. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 2 1856/the resurrection of the dead.htm

And Why do I Say "To All?" for Even with his Own Apostles and ...
... which appeared in His garments, and the glory of Moses and Elias talking with Him ...
Christ died, and rose again, that He might be Lord both of the dead and living ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/origen/origen against celsus/chapter lxv and why do.htm

Science and the Savages
... To any one acquainted with humanity this way of talking is topsy-turvy. It is like
saying, "The English in the twentieth century believed that a dead man could ...
//christianbookshelf.org/chesterton/heretics/xi science and the savages.htm

What does the Bible say about talking too much / being talkative? | GotQuestions.org

Why didn't Adam and Eve find it strange that a serpent was talking to them? | GotQuestions.org

What does the Bible say about praying to / speaking to / talking to the dead? | GotQuestions.org

Talking: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus