Topical Bible: Divination: The Law: Forbade Seeking To

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Topical Encyclopedia

Divination, in the biblical context, refers to the practice of seeking knowledge of the future or the unknown through supernatural means. The practice is consistently condemned throughout the Scriptures, as it is seen as an attempt to gain insight or power apart from God. The Law given to the Israelites explicitly forbade the practice of divination, emphasizing the importance of relying solely on God for guidance and wisdom.

Old Testament Prohibitions

The Mosaic Law contains clear prohibitions against divination and related practices. In Deuteronomy 18:10-12 , the Israelites are instructed: "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."

This passage highlights the seriousness with which God views divination and similar practices, categorizing them as "detestable." The Israelites were to be distinct from the surrounding nations, many of whom engaged in such practices as part of their religious rituals.

Purpose of the Prohibition

The prohibition against divination served several purposes. Primarily, it was to ensure that the Israelites remained faithful to God, relying on Him alone for guidance. In Leviticus 19:31 , the command is reiterated: "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."

By forbidding divination, God was protecting His people from spiritual defilement and the influence of pagan practices. The Israelites were to be a holy people, set apart for God's purposes, and engaging in divination would compromise their spiritual integrity and relationship with Him.

Consequences of Disobedience

The consequences of seeking divination were severe. In 1 Samuel 15:23 , the prophet Samuel equates rebellion and stubbornness with divination and idolatry: "For rebellion is like the sin of divination, and arrogance is like the wickedness of idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the LORD, He has rejected you as king." This comparison underscores the gravity of turning away from God's commands and seeking guidance through forbidden means.

New Testament Context

While the New Testament does not explicitly reiterate the Mosaic Law's prohibitions against divination, it continues to affirm the importance of seeking God alone for wisdom and guidance. Acts 16:16-18 recounts the account of a slave girl possessed by a spirit of divination, whom Paul exorcises in the name of Jesus Christ. This act demonstrates the power of God over such spirits and the rejection of divination as a legitimate source of knowledge.

Conclusion

Throughout the Bible, divination is consistently portrayed as contrary to the will of God. The Law's prohibition against seeking divination underscores the importance of faithfulness to God and reliance on His guidance. By forbidding such practices, God called His people to a higher standard of holiness and trust in His sovereign will.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

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.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Deuteronomy 18:14
For these nations, which you shall possess, listened to observers of times, and to diviners: but as for you, the LORD your God has not suffered you so to do.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Snares of Satan.
... His people, the Spirit of God forbade the evil ... against Jacob, neither is there any
divination against Israel ... as they continued in obedience to His law, no power ...
/.../white/the great controversy between christ and satan /32 snares of satan.htm

Snares of Satan
... His people, the Spirit of God forbade the evil ... against Jacob, neither is there any
divination against Israel ... as they continued in obedience to His law, no power ...
/.../white/the great controversy/chapter 32 snares of satan.htm

The Confessions of St. Augustin Index of Subjects
... Divination, the soothsayers used sacrifices in their, [363]68. ... Julian, the Emperor,.
forbade the Christians to teach grammar and oratory, [688]120. ... Law of God,. ...
/.../augustine/the confessions and letters of st/the confessions of st augustin.htm

Appeal to the Christian Women of the South
... all involuntary servitude, the last absolutely forbade even voluntary ... was written
in the book of the Law," sent to ... to rewards?" Have I been seeking to magnify ...
/.../an appeal to the christian women of the south/appeal to the christian women.htm

Homilies on Philippians, Colossians, and Thessalonians.
... to be waited for, [1015]393; forbade idleness, [1016 ... thousand slain for it,
[1451]358; law against, then ... little, great covetousness shown in seeking, [1477]370. ...
/.../homilies on philippians colossians and.htm

The Last Days of the Old Eastern World
... long after his day the force of law among the ... glory and impatient of servitude, was
ever seeking to rid ... On the seas, he forbade his squadrons to enter Hellenic ...
/.../chapter iithe last days of 2.htm

The Medes and the Second Chaldaean Empire
... One body of the survivors re-entered Europe through the Caspian Gates, another wandered
for some time between the Araxes and the Halys, seeking a country ...
/.../chapter iiithe medes and the.htm