Topical Encyclopedia Sorcery, often associated with the use of magic, divination, and the invocation of spirits, is consistently condemned in the Bible as an abomination to the Lord. The city of Nineveh, the capital of the Assyrian Empire, is notably mentioned in the Scriptures as a place where such practices were prevalent.The prophet Nahum, in his oracle against Nineveh, highlights the city's engagement in sorcery. Nahum 3:4 states, "because of the countless whorings of the prostitute, the charming mistress of sorceries, who sells nations by her whorings and clans by her witchcraft." This verse underscores the extent to which sorcery was intertwined with the city's identity and its influence over other nations. The imagery of a "charming mistress of sorceries" suggests that Nineveh's practices were not only widespread but also seductive, drawing others into its web of spiritual corruption. The practice of sorcery in Nineveh can be understood within the broader context of Assyrian religion and culture, which was characterized by polytheism and the worship of various deities. The Assyrians often sought guidance and power through divination and magical rites, believing that such practices could manipulate the spiritual realm to their advantage. This reliance on sorcery and divination was in direct opposition to the worship of Yahweh, who commanded His people to reject such practices. Deuteronomy 18:10-12 warns, "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." The Ninevites' engagement in sorcery is also significant in light of the account of Jonah. When Jonah was sent to Nineveh to proclaim God's impending judgment, the city's repentance was remarkable. Jonah 3:5 records, "And the people of Nineveh believed God. They proclaimed a fast and dressed in sackcloth, from the greatest of them to the least." This repentance suggests that despite their previous practices, the Ninevites were capable of turning away from their sorceries and seeking the mercy of the one true God. However, the repentance of Nineveh was short-lived, as evidenced by Nahum's later prophecy. The city's return to its former ways, including sorcery, ultimately led to its downfall. Nahum 3:19 concludes with a grim picture of Nineveh's fate: "There is no healing for your injury; your wound is grievous. All who hear the news about you clap their hands over you. For who has not felt your endless cruelty?" In summary, the practice of sorcery by the Ninevites is a testament to the spiritual darkness that pervaded the city. It serves as a cautionary tale of the consequences of turning away from God and embracing practices that are detestable in His sight. The account of Nineveh, with its brief moment of repentance, also highlights the possibility of redemption, even for those deeply entrenched in sin. Nave's Topical Index Nahum 3:4,5Because of the multitude of the prostitutions of the well favored harlot, the mistress of witchcrafts, that sells nations through her prostitutions, and families through her witchcrafts. Nave's Topical Index Resources What does the Bible say about sorcery? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about black magic? | GotQuestions.org What is the difference between miracles and magic? | GotQuestions.org Sorcery: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Sorcery: Belongs to the Works of the Flesh Sorcery: Diviners Will be Confounded Sorcery: Divining by Familiar Spirits (Mediums or Spiritists) Sorcery: Practiced by Astrologers Sorcery: Practiced by Belshazzar Sorcery: Practiced by Charlatan Jews Sorcery: Practiced by Elymas (Bar-Jesus) Sorcery: Practiced by False Prophets Sorcery: Practiced by Simon the Sorcerer (Magus) Sorcery: Practiced by Sons of Sceva Sorcery: Practiced by the Babylonians Sorcery: Practiced by the Egyptians Sorcery: Practiced by the Girl at Philippi Sorcery: Practiced by the Magicians Sorcery: Practiced by the Ninevites Sorcery: Saul Consulted the Witch of Endor Related Terms |