Topical Bible: Divination: The Law: Forbade to the Israelites the Practice of

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Divination, the practice of seeking knowledge of the future or the unknown by supernatural means, is explicitly forbidden to the Israelites in the Hebrew Scriptures. The prohibition against divination is rooted in the covenant relationship between God and His chosen people, emphasizing reliance on divine revelation rather than pagan practices.

The Mosaic Law, given to the Israelites through Moses, contains clear instructions against engaging in divination. In Deuteronomy 18:10-12 , the Israelites are commanded: "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 underscores the seriousness with which God views the practice of divination, categorizing it alongside other abominable practices such as child sacrifice and sorcery. The Israelites are called to be distinct from the surrounding nations, who often engaged in these practices as part of their religious rituals.

Leviticus 19:26 further reinforces this prohibition: "You must not eat anything with blood still in it. You must not practice divination or sorcery." Here, the command is part of a broader set of holiness laws, indicating that divination is incompatible with the holy life God requires of His people.

The narrative of King Saul consulting the medium at Endor (1 Samuel 28) serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of seeking guidance through forbidden means. Despite knowing the law, Saul's desperation leads him to seek out a medium, resulting in his downfall. This account illustrates the dangers of turning away from God's guidance and the futility of seeking knowledge through divination.

The prophets also speak against divination, often associating it with false prophets who lead the people astray. In Jeremiah 14:14 , the LORD declares, "The prophets are prophesying lies in My name. I did not send them or appoint them or speak to them. They are prophesying to you a false vision, worthless divination, the deceit of their own minds." This highlights the deceptive nature of divination and its potential to lead people away from the truth of God's word.

In summary, the practice of divination is strictly forbidden to the Israelites as part of their covenantal obligations. The law emphasizes reliance on God's revelation and guidance, rejecting the practices of the surrounding nations. Through the law and the prophets, the Israelites are continually reminded of the importance of faithfulness to God and the dangers of seeking knowledge through forbidden means.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Leviticus 19:26
You shall not eat any thing with the blood: neither shall you use enchantment, nor observe times.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Deuteronomy 18:10,11
There shall not be found among you any one that makes his son or his daughter to pass through the fire, or that uses divination, or an observer of times, or an enchanter, or a witch.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Homilies on Philippians, Colossians, and Thessalonians.
... sin equaled, [891]ib.; had no written law, [892]ib. ... found in heathens, [914]347;
first practice of, keeping ... to be waited for, [1015]393; forbade idleness, [1016 ...
/.../homilies on philippians colossians and.htm

Appeal to the Christian Women of the South
... all involuntary servitude, the last absolutely forbade even voluntary ... which is not
according to law, and if I ... for deliverance, just as the Israelites did when ...
/.../an appeal to the christian women of the south/appeal to the christian women.htm

The Last Days of the Old Eastern World
... On the seas, he forbade his squadrons to enter Hellenic waters from the Chelidonian ...
to attack the king: Artaxerxes called to mind an ancient law which punished ...
/.../chapter iithe last days of 2.htm