Auguries, in the context of the Bible, refer to the practice of interpreting omens or signs to predict future events. This practice is often associated with divination, which is explicitly condemned in the Scriptures. The term "augury" itself is not directly used in most English translations of the Bible, but the concept is addressed through various terms and practices that are related to divination and seeking knowledge of the future through supernatural means.

Biblical Condemnation of Auguries

The Bible consistently warns against the use of auguries and similar practices. In Deuteronomy 18:10-12 , God commands the Israelites: "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 clearly categorizes the interpretation of omens as an abomination, placing it alongside other forbidden practices.

Historical Context

In the ancient Near East, augury was a common practice among pagan nations. It often involved observing the behavior of birds, examining the entrails of sacrificed animals, or interpreting natural phenomena as signs from the gods. These practices were part of the broader category of divination, which sought to gain insight into the will of the gods or predict future events.

Biblical Examples

While the Bible condemns auguries, it also records instances where individuals or nations engaged in such practices. For example, in 2 Kings 21:6 , it is noted that King Manasseh of Judah "sacrificed his own son in the fire, practiced sorcery and divination, and consulted mediums and spiritists. He did much evil in the sight of the LORD, provoking Him to anger." Manasseh's actions, including the use of divination, are presented as part of his rebellion against God.

In contrast, the prophet Daniel is depicted as a faithful servant of God who refuses to engage in Babylonian practices of divination. In Daniel 2, when King Nebuchadnezzar demands that his wise men interpret his dream, Daniel seeks wisdom from God rather than relying on the pagan methods of interpretation. This highlights the biblical theme that true wisdom and knowledge of the future come from God alone.

Theological Implications

The prohibition against auguries underscores the biblical teaching that God is sovereign over the future and that His people are to trust in Him rather than seek forbidden knowledge. Isaiah 8:19 warns, "When men tell you to consult the spirits of the dead and the spiritists who whisper and mutter, should not a people consult their God? Why consult the dead on behalf of the living?" This rhetorical question emphasizes the futility and danger of seeking guidance apart from God.

New Testament Perspective

In the New Testament, the practice of divination is also condemned. Acts 16:16-18 recounts the account of a slave girl in Philippi who had a spirit of divination. The Apostle Paul, recognizing the spirit as demonic, commands it to leave her in the name of Jesus Christ. This act demonstrates the authority of Christ over all spiritual powers and the rejection of divination as contrary to the Christian faith.

Conclusion

The biblical stance on auguries is clear: they are forbidden as they represent a reliance on sources other than God for guidance and knowledge. Throughout Scripture, the people of God are called to trust in His providence and seek His will through prayer and obedience to His Word.(n.) Plural of Augury.

Whether Divination by Auguries, Omens, and by Like Observations of ...
... OF SUPERSTITION IN DIVINATIONS (EIGHT ARTICLES) Whether divination by auguries,
omens, and by like observations of external things is unlawful? ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether divination by auguries omens.htm

Argument: that the Roman Auspices and Auguries have Been Neglected ...
... Chapter VII."Argument: That the Roman Auspices and Auguries Have Been Neglected
with Ill Consequences, But Have Been Observed with Good Fortune. ...
/.../felix/the octavius of minucius felix/chapter vii argument that the roman.htm

Argument: the Weapon that C??cilius had Slightly Brandished ...
... Chapter XXVI."Argument: The Weapon that C??cilius Had Slightly Brandished Against
Him, Taken from the Auspices and Auguries of Birds, Octavius Retorts by ...
/.../felix/the octavius of minucius felix/chapter xxvi argument the weapon that.htm

Of the Use of Reason in Religion; and of Dreams, Auguries, Oracles ...
... Chap. viii."of the use of reason in religion; and of dreams, auguries, oracles,
and similar portents. ... [189] Until he had consulted auguries. ...
/.../lactantius/the divine institutes/chap viii of the use of.htm

Of the Edict of Mithridates, Commanding that all Roman Citizens ...
... pierced in body, the slayer in spirit! Had all these murdered persons, then,
despised auguries? Had they neither public nor household ...
//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/city of god/chapter 22 of the edict of.htm

The Octavius of Minucius Felix
... Chapter VII.--Argument: That the Roman Auspices and Auguries Have Been Neglected
with Ill Consequences, But Have Been Observed with Good Fortune. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/felix/the octavius of minucius felix/

Treatise vi. On the Vanity of Idols: Showing that the Idols are ...
... The Roman kingdom, therefore, did not grow from the sanctities of religion, nor
from auspices and auguries, but it keeps its appointed time within a definite ...
/.../cyprian/the treatises of cyprian/treatise vi on the vanity.htm

The divine institutes
... of ancestors. Chap. viii.--of the use of reason in religion; and of dreams,
auguries, oracles, and similar portents. Chap. ix.--of ...
//christianbookshelf.org/lactantius/the divine institutes/

Five Books in Reply to Marcion.
... Follow, and shape themselves a crowd of gods,. Lots, auguries, false names
of stars, the show. 15 Of being able to o'errule the births. ...
/.../fathers of the third century tertullian appendix/5 five books in reply.htm

A Memorial Sketch by W. Robertson Nicoll
... I do not gather, however, that there were many auguries of his future distinction.
He was thought to be somewhat desultory and independent in his work. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/drummond/the ideal life/a memorial sketch by w.htm

Auguries (4 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Auguries (4 Occurrences). Leviticus 19:26 Ye shall eat
nothing with the blood. Ye shall not practise enchantment, nor use auguries. ...
/a/auguries.htm - 7k

Augur's

/a/augur's.htm - 8k

Ally (5 Occurrences)
... Isaiah 2:6 For thou hast cast off thy people, the house of Jacob, because they are
filled with what comes from the east, and use auguries like the Philistines ...
/a/ally.htm - 8k

Augur (1 Occurrence)

/a/augur.htm - 7k

Enchantment (4 Occurrences)
... Delitzsch, however, in a note on this word (Isaiah 2:6), doubts the meaning "conceal"
and thinks that it signifies rather "to gather auguries from the clouds ...
/e/enchantment.htm - 16k

Divination (25 Occurrences)
... Deuteronomy 18:14 For these nations, which thou shalt dispossess, hearkened unto
those that use auguries, and that use divination; but as for thee, Jehovah thy ...
/d/divination.htm - 45k

Auguries: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus