Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical context, the practice of invoking and consulting the dead is consistently condemned as idolatrous and contrary to the will of God. This practice, often associated with necromancy and divination, is seen as a direct violation of the commandments given to the Israelites and is addressed in several passages throughout Scripture.Old Testament Prohibitions The Old Testament explicitly forbids the consultation of the dead. 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 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 these practices, categorizing them alongside other abominations that led to the judgment of the Canaanite nations. The Israelites are called to be distinct from the surrounding cultures, adhering to the worship of Yahweh alone. The Case of Saul and the Medium of Endor A notable biblical account involving the consultation of the dead is found in 1 Samuel 28. King Saul, facing the Philistine army and desperate for guidance, seeks out a medium at Endor to summon the spirit of the prophet Samuel. Despite having previously expelled mediums and spiritists from the land, Saul's fear and desperation lead him to violate God's commands. 1 Samuel 28:11-14 describes the encounter: "Then the woman asked, 'Whom shall I bring up for you?' 'Bring up Samuel,' he replied. But when the woman saw Samuel, she cried out in a loud voice and said to Saul, 'Why have you deceived me? You are Saul!' The king said to her, 'Do not be afraid. What do you see?' 'I see a god coming up out of the earth,' the woman answered. 'What does he look like?' asked Saul. 'An old man is coming up,' she replied, 'and he is wearing a robe.' So Saul knew that it was Samuel, and he bowed facedown in reverence." This incident underscores the futility and danger of seeking guidance from the dead. Samuel's spirit, permitted by God to appear, rebukes Saul and foretells his impending doom, emphasizing that Saul's disobedience and rejection of God's word have led to his downfall. New Testament Perspective The New Testament continues to affirm the prohibition against consulting the dead. In Galatians 5:19-21 , Paul lists "idolatry and sorcery" among the works of the flesh, warning that "those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God." The early church is urged to reject all forms of idolatry and to rely solely on the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Theological Implications From a theological standpoint, the invocation and consultation of the dead are seen as attempts to usurp God's authority and seek knowledge or power apart from Him. Such practices are rooted in a lack of faith and trust in God's sovereignty and provision. The Bible consistently calls believers to seek wisdom and guidance through prayer, Scripture, and the counsel of the Holy Spirit, rather than through forbidden and idolatrous means. In summary, the biblical narrative presents the invocation and consultation of the dead as a serious transgression against God's commandments, equating it with idolatry and rebellion. The faithful are called to reject these practices and to place their trust in the living God, who alone holds the keys to life and death. Torrey's Topical Textbook 1 Samuel 28:7,8Then said Saul to his servants, Seek me a woman that has a familiar spirit, that I may go to her, and inquire of her. And his servants said to him, Behold, there is a woman that has a familiar spirit at Endor. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library The Ordination of Paul and Barnabas; their Missionary Tour in Asia ... Doctrinal and Moral Treatises. Index of Subjects. Of Prayer --A Perpetual Exercise of Faith. The Daily Benefits ... Book ii. Jerome Answers the Second, Third, and Fourth Propositions ... Resources What is the Egyptian Book of the Dead? | GotQuestions.orgIs raising the dead still possible today? | GotQuestions.org Is God dead? | GotQuestions.org Dead: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Dead (People): Burnings of Incense Made For Dead (People): Jairus' Daughter Dead (People): Prepared for Burial by Washing Dead (People): Raised to Life, (See Dead (People): The Shunammite Woman's Son Dead (People): The Son of the Widow of Zarephath Dead (People): The Widow's Son Dead (People): The Young Man Laid in Elisha's Grave Dead (People): Unclassified Scriptures Relating To Dead (People): Wrapping in Linen The Dead in a House Rendered It Unclean The Dead were Washed and Laid Out The Dead were Wrapped in Lined With Spices The Dead: A Priest not to Mourn For, Except when Near of Kin The Dead: A State of Deep Affliction The Dead: All offerings To, Forbidden The Dead: Characterised by Absence of all Human Passions The Dead: Characterised by Being Incapable of Motion The Dead: Characterised by Being Without the Spirit The Dead: Characterised by Ignorance of all Human Affairs The Dead: Characterised by Inability to Glorify God The Dead: Even Bones of, Caused Uncleanness The Dead: Eyes of, Closed by Nearest of Kin The Dead: Freedom from the Law The Dead: Freedom from the Power of Sin The Dead: Heathenish Expressions of Grief For, Forbidden The Dead: High Priest in No Case to Mourn For The Dead: Idolaters: Consecrated Part of Their Crops To The Dead: Idolaters: Invoked and Consulted The Dead: Idolaters: Offered Sacrifices For The Dead: Idolaters: Tore Themselves For The Dead: Instances of, Restored by Christ The Dead: Instances of, Restored to Life Before Christ The Dead: Man's State by Nature The Dead: Mourning For, often by Hired Mourners The Dead: Mourning For, often with Plaintive Music The Dead: Mourning For, often: Lasted Many Days The Dead: Mourning For, often: Loud and Clamorous The Dead: Mourning For, often: Testified by Change of Apparel The Dead: Mourning For, often: Testified by Covering the Head The Dead: Mourning For, often: Testified by Taring the Hair The Dead: Mourning For, often: Testified by Tearing the Garments The Dead: Mourning For, often: Very Great The Dead: Nazarites not to Touch or Mourn For The Dead: Regard often Shown to the Memory of The Dead: Return not to This Life The Dead: Terms Used to Express: Carcases The Dead: Terms Used to Express: Corpses The Dead: Terms Used to Express: Deceased The Dead: Terms Used to Express: Those Who are Not The Dead: The Jews Looked for a Resurrection From The Dead: They Who Have Departed This Life The Dead: Those Defiled By, Removed from the Camp The Dead: Touching of, Caused Uncleanness The Dead: Uncleanness Contracted From, Removed by the Water Separation Related Terms The-not-beloved (1 Occurrence) Kir'iath-je'arim (18 Occurrences) Kirjathjearim (17 Occurrences) Vine-dressers (18 Occurrences) Kirjath-jearim (17 Occurrences) Kibroth-hattaavah (5 Occurrences) |
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