Topical Bible: Idolatry: Divination Connected With

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Topical Encyclopedia

Idolatry, in the biblical context, refers to the worship of idols or the elevation of created things above the Creator. It is a recurring theme throughout the Scriptures, often linked with various forms of divination and occult practices. The Bible consistently condemns these practices as they lead people away from the worship of the one true God.

Old Testament Context

In the Old Testament, idolatry and divination are frequently mentioned together, highlighting their interconnectedness. The Israelites were repeatedly warned against adopting the idolatrous practices of the surrounding nations, which often included divination. In Deuteronomy 18:10-12 , God explicitly forbids His people from engaging in 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."

The connection between idolatry and divination is further illustrated in the account of King Saul. In 1 Samuel 28, Saul, having turned away from God, seeks guidance from a medium at Endor, an act that ultimately leads to his downfall. This narrative underscores the dangers of turning to divination as a substitute for divine guidance.

Prophetic Warnings

The prophets of Israel frequently denounced idolatry and its associated practices. Isaiah, for instance, speaks against the futility of idol worship and the falsehood of diviners. In Isaiah 44:25 , God declares His power over false prophets and diviners: "who foils the signs of false prophets and makes fools of diviners, who confounds the wise and turns their knowledge into nonsense."

Jeremiah also warns against the deceptive nature of idolatry and divination. In Jeremiah 14:14 , the prophet conveys God's message: "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 futility and delusion of their own minds."

New Testament Perspective

In the New Testament, the connection between idolatry and divination continues to be addressed. The Apostle Paul, in his letters, warns the early Christian communities against returning to their former pagan practices. In Galatians 5:19-21 , Paul lists idolatry and sorcery among the "acts of the flesh," warning that those who practice such things "will not inherit the kingdom of God."

The account of Simon the Sorcerer in Acts 8:9-24 illustrates the early church's stance against combining faith in Christ with occult practices. Simon, who had practiced sorcery, sought to buy the power of the Holy Spirit, revealing a misunderstanding of the nature of God's gifts and the incompatibility of idolatry and divination with true faith.

Theological Implications

The biblical condemnation of idolatry and divination is rooted in the understanding of God's sovereignty and the call to exclusive worship of Him. These practices are seen as attempts to gain control over the future or manipulate spiritual forces, which stands in direct opposition to trusting in God's providence and guidance. The Bible's consistent message is that reliance on anything other than God for guidance and security is both futile and spiritually dangerous.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Chronicles 33:6
And he caused his children to pass through the fire in the valley of the son of Hinnom: also he observed times, and used enchantments, and used witchcraft, and dealt with a familiar spirit, and with wizards: he worked much evil in the sight of the LORD, to provoke him to anger.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Of the Universal Way of the Soul's Deliverance, which Porphyry did ...
... they justly despise ordinary soothsaying and the divination that is connected with
magical arts. ... in the true divinity; the overthrow of idolatry and demon ...
/.../augustine/city of god/chapter 32 of the universal way.htm

The Uproar in Ephesus.
... among the Gentiles the arts of divination, pretenders to ... While the votaries of idolatry
and superstition have ... to be closely and inseparably connected with the ...
/.../dick/lectures on the acts of the apostles/lecture xxiii the uproar in.htm

The Conversion of the Jailor of Philippi.
... whom Paul expelled a spirit of divination, and like ... for religion is as little connected
with the ... of profaneness, and the invocations of idolatry, were heard ...
/.../dick/lectures on the acts of the apostles/lecture xviii the conversion of.htm

Five Catechetical Lectures the Same Author,
... The watching of birds, divination, omens, or amulets, or ... Circus, and of the theatre,
were connected with the ... diviner, for that leads to idolatry....Thou shalt ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/five catechetical lectures the same.htm

The Second vision "On Earth"
... Seeing that Satan's earlier activities were connected with that region, there must
be some ... know not that these may be; nor the awful form of idolatry hinted at ...
/.../bullinger/commentary on revelation/the second vision on earth.htm

The Book of Jubilees
... [260] The difficulties connected with the ... 15 (in order to eliminate the idea of
divination): "Know ye ... among the sons of Noah; the introduction of idolatry by Ur ...
//christianbookshelf.org/deane/pseudepigrapha/the book of jubilees.htm

Homilies on the Gospel of John.
... in Judas and others, [672]243; the worst idolatry, [673]ib ... Cross, the, a Baptism,
[693]89; how connected with Baptism ... Divination, forbidden to the Jews, [809]48. ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homilies on the gospel of.htm

Summa Theologica
Summa Theologica. <. Summa Theologica Saint Thomas Aquinas. Table
of Contents. Title Page. Whether, besides philosophy, any ...
//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/

The City of God. Index of Subjects.
... Divination, [531]142 ... Friendship, the, of good men, anxieties connected with,
[661]405; of good ... Hermes Trismegistus, respecting idolatry and the abolition of the ...
/.../augustine/on christian doctrine in four books /the city of god index.htm

The Sibylline Oracles.
... and a volume of excursus, which treat copiously of all matters connected with the ...
must have had before his eyes the abominations of Egyptian idolatry, and was ...
//christianbookshelf.org/deane/pseudepigrapha/the sibylline oracles.htm