In the biblical context, charmers and the act of charming are often associated with practices that are contrary to the worship and obedience of the one true God. The Bible frequently warns against engaging in or consulting with those who practice such arts, as they are linked to idolatry and pagan rituals.

Old Testament References

The Old Testament provides several warnings against charmers and those who practice divination or sorcery. In Deuteronomy 18:10-12 , the Israelites are explicitly instructed: "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 as detestable and a reason for divine judgment upon the nations that engage in them.

In Isaiah 19:3 , the prophet speaks of the futility of relying on charmers: "Then the spirit of the Egyptians will be emptied out from among them, and I will confound their plans. They will resort to idols and spirits of the dead, to mediums and spiritists." Here, the reliance on charmers and similar practices is portrayed as a sign of desperation and spiritual emptiness.

New Testament Context

While the New Testament does not specifically mention charmers, it continues the theme of warning against practices that lead believers away from God. In Acts 8:9-11 , we encounter Simon the Sorcerer, who amazed the people of Samaria with his magic. However, upon hearing the gospel, he believed and was baptized, illustrating the transformative power of the gospel over such practices.

Additionally, in Galatians 5:19-21 , Paul lists sorcery among the "acts of the flesh," warning that "those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God." This reinforces the idea that engaging in practices like charming is incompatible with a life led by the Spirit.

Cultural and Historical Context

In ancient Near Eastern cultures, charmers were often seen as individuals with special knowledge or power to influence events or people through incantations or spells. These practices were typically intertwined with the worship of false gods and were a means of seeking control over the spiritual realm.

The biblical injunctions against charmers and charming reflect a broader theological principle: the sovereignty of God and the call for His people to trust in Him alone. By prohibiting these practices, Scripture underscores the importance of relying on God's power and wisdom rather than seeking guidance or power through forbidden means.

Conclusion

The biblical stance on charmers and charming is clear: such practices are forbidden and are seen as a departure from faithfulness to God. The Scriptures consistently call believers to reject these practices and to place their trust solely in the Lord, who is the source of all true wisdom and power.Isaiah 19:3
And the spirit of Egypt shall fail in the middle thereof; and I will destroy the counsel thereof: and they shall seek to the idols, and to the charmers, and to them that have familiar spirits, and to the wizards.
Nave's Topical Index

Jeremiah 8:17
For, behold, I will send serpents, cockatrices, among you, which will not be charmed, and they shall bite you, said the LORD.
Nave's Topical Index

The Holy War,
... hearken to the voice of charmers, charming never so ... Being worsted in a general
engagement, the doubters ... all his spiritual supplies from the sacred Scriptures. ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the holy war.htm

How were Pharaoh's magicians able to perform miracles? | GotQuestions.org

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