Topical Bible: Sorcery: Diviners Will be Confounded

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Sorcery, often associated with the practice of magic and the invocation of supernatural powers, is consistently condemned in the Bible. The term encompasses a range of activities, including divination, witchcraft, and the use of spells or charms. In the biblical context, sorcery is seen as an attempt to gain knowledge or power apart from God, often through the influence of demonic forces.

The Bible explicitly warns against the practice of sorcery and divination, emphasizing that such practices are detestable to the Lord. 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 abominations the LORD your God is driving out the nations before you."

The prophets of the Old Testament frequently spoke against sorcery and divination, highlighting the futility and deception inherent in these practices. Isaiah 44:25 declares God's power over false prophets and diviners: "who foils the signs of false prophets and makes fools of diviners, who confounds the wise and turns their knowledge into nonsense." This passage underscores the belief that God alone possesses true wisdom and knowledge, rendering the efforts of sorcerers and diviners ultimately futile.

In the New Testament, sorcery is similarly condemned. Acts 8:9-24 recounts the account of Simon the Sorcerer, who practiced magic in Samaria and amazed the people. However, upon hearing the gospel, Simon believed and was baptized, though he later attempted to buy the power of the Holy Spirit, revealing his misunderstanding of God's gifts. Peter rebuked him, saying in Acts 8:20 , "May your silver perish with you, because you thought you could buy the gift of God with money!"

The book of Revelation also addresses the fate of sorcerers, placing them among those who will face judgment. 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."

Throughout Scripture, the practice of sorcery is portrayed as a rebellion against God, an attempt to usurp divine authority and seek power through illegitimate means. The Bible consistently affirms that such practices will ultimately be confounded and judged by God, who alone is the source of true wisdom and power.

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Micah 3:7
Then shall the seers be ashamed, and the diviners confounded: yes, they shall all cover their lips; for there is no answer of God.
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