Topical Encyclopedia Divination, in the context of the Bible, refers to the practice of seeking knowledge of the future or the unknown through supernatural means. This practice is consistently condemned throughout Scripture as an abomination to the Lord. The Bible provides numerous references that highlight the severity of this prohibition and the spiritual dangers associated with engaging in divination.Old Testament Prohibitions The Old Testament explicitly forbids the practice of divination. In Deuteronomy 18:10-12 , the Israelites are warned: "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 an abomination to the LORD, and because of these abominations the LORD your God is driving out the nations before you." This passage clearly categorizes divination alongside other detestable practices, emphasizing its incompatibility with the worship of Yahweh. The prophet Isaiah also speaks against divination, associating it with rebellion against God. Isaiah 8:19 states, "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 underscores the futility and spiritual peril of seeking guidance from sources other than God. Historical Instances and Consequences Throughout the history of Israel, instances of divination are recorded, often leading to dire consequences. One notable example is King Saul, who, in desperation, sought the counsel of a medium at Endor. 1 Samuel 28:7-8 recounts, "Then Saul said to his servants, 'Find me a woman who is a medium, so I may go and inquire of her.' 'There is a medium at Endor,' his servants replied. So Saul disguised himself, put on other clothes, and set out with two of his men." This act of disobedience ultimately contributed to Saul's downfall, as he turned away from seeking the Lord's guidance. The prophet Ezekiel also condemns the use of divination among the leaders of Israel, highlighting its role in leading the people astray. Ezekiel 13:6-7 declares, "They see false visions and speak lying divinations. They claim, ‘Thus declares the LORD,’ when the LORD did not send them; yet they wait for the fulfillment of their message. Have you not seen a false vision and spoken a lying divination when you proclaim, ‘Thus declares the LORD,’ even though I have not spoken?" New Testament Perspective The New Testament continues to affirm the rejection of divination. In Acts 16:16-18 , the Apostle Paul encounters a slave girl possessed by a spirit of divination: "One day as we were going to the place of prayer, we were met by a slave girl with a spirit of divination, who earned a large income for her masters by fortune-telling. This girl followed Paul and the rest of us, shouting, 'These men are servants of the Most High God, who are proclaiming to you the way of salvation.' She continued this for many days. Eventually Paul grew so aggravated that he turned and said to the spirit, 'In the name of Jesus Christ I command you to come out of her!' And the spirit left her at that very moment." This account demonstrates the power of Christ over demonic forces and the rejection of divination as a legitimate source of truth. Spiritual Implications The practice of divination is fundamentally at odds with the biblical call to trust in God alone for guidance and wisdom. Proverbs 3:5-6 exhorts believers, "Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight." Engaging in divination reflects a lack of faith in God's sovereignty and provision, leading individuals away from the truth and into spiritual deception. In summary, divination is consistently portrayed in the Bible as an abominable practice that leads individuals away from God. It is associated with falsehood, rebellion, and spiritual danger, and is unequivocally condemned in both the Old and New Testaments. Torrey's Topical Textbook 1 Samuel 15:23For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the LORD, he has also rejected you from being king. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Pagans. Titus ii. 14-Nov The Teaching of Add??us the Apostle. On the Ten Points of Doctrine. 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Resources What kind of divination did Joseph do in Genesis 44:5, 15? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about divination? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible say about palm reading? | GotQuestions.org Divination: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Divination: All Who Practised It, Abominable Divination: An Abominable Practice Divination: Could not Injure the Lord's People Divination: Effected Through: A Lucrative Employment Divination: Effected Through: Books of, Numerous and Expensive Divination: Effected Through: Connected With Idolatry Divination: Effected Through: Cups Divination: Effected Through: Dreams Divination: Effected Through: Enchantments Divination: Effected Through: Inspecting the Inside of Beasts Divination: Effected Through: Observing Heavenly Bodies Divination: Effected Through: Observing Times Divination: Effected Through: Raising the Dead Divination: Effected Through: Rods Divination: Effected Through: Sorcery Divination: Effected Through: The Flight of Arrows Divination: Practised by Astrologers Divination: Practised by Charmers Divination: Practised by Consulters of Familiar Spirits Divination: Practised by Diviners Divination: Practised by Enchanters Divination: Practised by False Prophets Divination: Practised by Magicians Divination: Practised by Necromancers Divination: Practised by Soothsayers Divination: Practised by Sorcerers Divination: Practised by Witches Divination: Practised by Wizards Divination: The Law: Forbade Seeking To Divination: The Law: Forbade to the Israelites the Practice of Divination: The Law: Punished Those Who Sought To Divination: The Law: Punished With Death Those Who Used Divination: Those Who Practised used Mysterious Words and Gestures Divination: Those Who Practised: Consulted in Difficulties Divination: Those Who Practised: Regarded As Wise Men Divination: Those Who Practised: Regarded With Awe Related Terms |