Topical Encyclopedia Belomancy, derived from the Greek words "belos" (meaning "arrow") and "manteia" (meaning "divination"), refers to an ancient form of divination that involved the use of arrows. This practice was employed to seek guidance or predict future events by interpreting the flight or landing of arrows. Although not extensively detailed in the Bible, belomancy is alluded to in the context of pagan practices, which were often condemned by the biblical authors.Biblical References The most direct biblical reference to a practice resembling belomancy is found in the book of Ezekiel. In Ezekiel 21:21 , it is written: "For the king of Babylon will stop at the fork in the road, at the junction of the two roads, to seek an omen. He will cast lots with arrows; he will consult his idols and examine the liver." Here, the king of Babylon is depicted as using arrows to divine the best course of action, a practice that aligns with the concept of belomancy. This passage highlights the use of divination by a foreign king, contrasting it with the guidance sought from the God of Israel. Cultural and Historical Context Belomancy was a common practice among various ancient cultures, including the Babylonians, Greeks, and Arabs. The method typically involved inscribing arrows with specific messages or symbols, then drawing or shooting them to determine the will of the gods or the outcome of a situation. The direction in which the arrows fell or the manner in which they landed would be interpreted by a diviner to provide answers or guidance. Biblical Perspective From a biblical standpoint, practices such as belomancy were generally viewed as contrary to the will of God. The Israelites were repeatedly warned against engaging in divination and other forms of sorcery. In Deuteronomy 18:10-12 , the Lord commands: "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 biblical narrative consistently emphasizes reliance on God for guidance and wisdom, rather than on human or demonic practices. The prophets and leaders of Israel were often depicted as seeking God's direction through prayer, the casting of lots under divine guidance, or through the words of the prophets themselves. Theological Implications The use of belomancy and similar practices underscores a broader theological theme within the Bible: the distinction between the worship of the one true God and the idolatrous practices of surrounding nations. The reliance on divination is portrayed as a lack of faith in God's sovereignty and provision. The biblical authors encourage believers to trust in God's revealed word and His prophets, rather than seeking knowledge through forbidden means. In summary, while belomancy is not a central theme in the Bible, its mention serves as a reminder of the biblical call to trust in God alone for guidance and to avoid the practices of divination that were prevalent among Israel's neighbors. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (n.) A kind of divination anciently practiced by means of marked arrows drawn at random from a bag or quiver, the marks on the arrows drawn being supposed to foreshow the future.International Standard Bible Encyclopedia BELOMANCYbel'-o-man-si. Thesaurus Belomancy... arrows drawn being supposed to foreshow the future. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. BELOMANCY. bel'-o-man-si. See AUGURY, IV, 2. ... /b/belomancy.htm - 6k Augury (5 Occurrences) Belmon Belong (127 Occurrences) Resources Belomancy: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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