Divination and sorcery are practices that are consistently condemned throughout the Bible. These practices involve seeking knowledge or power through supernatural means other than God, often invoking spirits or using rituals and objects believed to have magical properties. The Bible presents these practices as contrary to the will and nature of God, emphasizing the importance of relying solely on Him for guidance and wisdom.

Old Testament References

In the Old Testament, divination and sorcery are explicitly prohibited. The Law of Moses contains clear instructions against these practices. In Deuteronomy 18:10-12 , it is written: "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 narrative of King Saul consulting the medium at Endor (1 Samuel 28) serves as a cautionary tale. Despite knowing the prohibition against mediums, Saul seeks one out in desperation, leading to his downfall. This account illustrates the futility and danger of turning to forbidden practices instead of trusting in God.

Prophetic Condemnation

The prophets also spoke against divination and sorcery. Isaiah 8:19 warns, "When they say to you, '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 underscores the absurdity of seeking guidance from the dead rather than from the living God.

Jeremiah 27:9 further cautions, "So do not listen to your prophets, your diviners, your dreamers, your fortune-tellers, or your sorcerers who say to you, 'You will not serve the king of Babylon.'" Here, the false prophets and diviners are shown to lead people astray, offering false hope and contradicting God's true message.

New Testament Perspective

The New Testament continues the condemnation of these practices. In Acts 8:9-24, Simon the Sorcerer attempts to buy the power of the Holy Spirit, revealing his misunderstanding of God's gifts and the seriousness of his sin. Peter rebukes him, saying, "May your silver perish with you, because you thought you could buy the gift of God with money!" (Acts 8:20).

In Galatians 5:19-21 , sorcery is listed among the "acts of the flesh," which are contrary to the Spirit. The passage warns that "those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God."

Revelation and Final Judgment

The Book of Revelation also addresses the fate of those who engage in sorcery. Revelation 21:8 states, "But to the cowardly and unbelieving and abominable and murderers and sexually immoral and sorcerers and idolaters and all liars, their place will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur. This is the second death." This verse underscores the ultimate judgment awaiting those who persist in these practices.

Conclusion

Throughout Scripture, divination and sorcery are consistently portrayed as acts of rebellion against God. They represent a reliance on powers other than God and are associated with deception and spiritual danger. The Bible calls believers to seek wisdom and guidance from God alone, rejecting all forms of occult practices.