In the biblical narrative, false prophets are frequently associated with the practices of divination and witchcraft, which are explicitly condemned throughout Scripture. These individuals, who claim to speak on behalf of God, often lead people astray by engaging in practices that are contrary to the teachings and commandments of the Lord.

Divination and Witchcraft in Scripture

Divination and witchcraft are practices that seek to gain insight or manipulate events through supernatural means, often invoking spirits or deities other than the God of Israel. The Bible consistently warns against these practices, as they are seen as a form of rebellion against God’s authority and a reliance on powers outside of His divine will.

In Deuteronomy 18:10-12 , the Lord explicitly forbids such practices: "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."

False Prophets and Their Practices

False prophets in the Bible are often depicted as individuals who engage in these forbidden practices to deceive the people of God. They claim to have received visions or messages from the divine, yet their prophecies do not align with the truth of God’s Word. In Jeremiah 14:14 , the Lord speaks through the prophet Jeremiah, saying, "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."

The prophet Ezekiel also addresses the issue of false prophets, highlighting their use of divination to lead the people astray. In Ezekiel 13:6-7 , it is written, "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?"

Condemnation and Consequences

The Bible not only condemns the practices of divination and witchcraft but also warns of the severe consequences for those who engage in them. In the Old Testament, the penalty for practicing witchcraft or being a false prophet was often death, as seen in Exodus 22:18 : "You must not allow a sorceress to live."

The New Testament continues to warn against false prophets and their deceptive practices. Jesus Himself cautions His followers in Matthew 7:15 , "Beware of false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves." The apostles also echo this warning, urging believers to test the spirits and remain vigilant against those who would lead them away from the truth of the Gospel.

Conclusion

Throughout the biblical text, false prophets are consistently associated with the practices of divination and witchcraft, which are condemned as abominations before the Lord. These practices are seen as a direct challenge to God’s sovereignty and a means by which individuals are led away from the truth. The Bible calls for discernment and adherence to God’s Word, warning of the dangers posed by those who would claim divine authority while engaging in such forbidden acts.Jeremiah 14:14
Then the LORD said to me, The prophets prophesy lies in my name: I sent them not, neither have I commanded them, neither spoke to them: they prophesy to you a false vision and divination, and a thing of nothing, and the deceit of their heart.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Ezekiel 22:28
And her prophets have daubed them with untempered mortar, seeing vanity, and divining lies to them, saying, Thus said the Lord GOD, when the LORD has not spoken.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Acts 13:6
And when they had gone through the isle to Paphos, they found a certain sorcerer, a false prophet, a Jew, whose name was Barjesus:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

The Unclean Spirits.
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