Topical Bible: Contacting the Dead

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◄ Contacting the Dead ►

Topical Encyclopedia

Contacting the dead, often referred to as necromancy or spiritism, is the practice of attempting to communicate with the spirits of deceased individuals. This practice is explicitly addressed in the Bible, where it is consistently condemned and prohibited as an abomination to God.

Biblical Prohibitions

The Old Testament provides clear instructions regarding the practice of contacting 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."

Leviticus 19:31 further instructs, "You must not turn to mediums or spiritists; do not seek them out, or you will be defiled by them. I am the LORD your God." This command underscores the seriousness with which God views the practice, associating it with spiritual defilement.

Historical Context

In the ancient Near Eastern context, necromancy was a common practice among pagan cultures. It was believed that the spirits of the dead could provide guidance, knowledge, or insight into the future. However, the Israelites were called to be distinct from surrounding nations, relying solely on God for guidance and revelation.

The Case of Saul and the Medium of Endor

One of the most notable biblical accounts involving an attempt to contact the dead is found in 1 Samuel 28. King Saul, facing a dire situation with the Philistines and having lost favor with God, 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 desperation leads him to violate God's commands.

The medium successfully conjures a spirit that appears to be Samuel, who delivers a message of doom to Saul. This account illustrates the futility and danger of seeking guidance from the dead, as Saul's actions ultimately lead to his downfall. The narrative serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of disobedience to God's laws.

New Testament Perspective

The New Testament continues to affirm the prohibition against contacting the dead. In Galatians 5:19-21 , Paul lists "sorcery" among the works of the flesh, warning that those who practice such things "will not inherit the kingdom of God." This reinforces the understanding that engaging in occult practices, including necromancy, is incompatible with a life devoted to God.

Spiritual Implications

From a biblical perspective, attempting to contact the dead is seen as a form of idolatry and rebellion against God. It reflects a lack of trust in God's sovereignty and provision. The Bible teaches that God alone is the source of wisdom and guidance, and believers are encouraged to seek Him through prayer, Scripture, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

Conclusion

While the Bible acknowledges the existence of spiritual realms, it consistently warns against attempting to interact with them outside of God's ordained means. Contacting the dead is portrayed as a dangerous and forbidden practice that leads individuals away from the truth and into spiritual deception.

Topical Bible Verses

Isaiah 8:19
And when they shall say to you, Seek to them that have familiar spirits, and to wizards that peep, and that mutter: should not a people seek to their God? for the living to the dead?
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Leviticus 19:31
Regard not them that have familiar spirits, neither seek after wizards, to be defiled by them: I am the LORD your God.
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1 John 4:1
Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.
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1 Timothy 4:1
Now the Spirit speaks expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;
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Revelation 21:8
But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and fornicators, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.
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