Topical Bible: Divination: Effected Through: Connected With Idolatry

◄ Divination: Effected Through: Connected With Idolatry ►

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Divination, in the biblical context, refers to the practice of seeking knowledge of the future or the unknown through supernatural means. It is often associated with idolatry, as it involves reliance on powers or entities other than the one true God. The Bible consistently condemns divination, viewing it as a practice that leads people away from God and towards false worship.

Old Testament Context

In the Old Testament, divination is frequently mentioned in connection with idolatrous practices. The Israelites were explicitly warned against engaging in divination, as it was prevalent among the pagan nations surrounding them. In Deuteronomy 18:10-12 , God commands, "Let no one be found among you who sacrifices their son or daughter in the fire, practices divination or sorcery, interprets omens, engages in witchcraft, or casts spells, or who is a medium or spiritist or who consults the dead. Anyone who does these things is detestable to the LORD; because of these same detestable practices the LORD your God will drive out those nations before you."

The connection between divination and idolatry is further illustrated in 2 Kings 17:17 , where the Israelites are condemned for their idolatrous practices: "They sacrificed their sons and daughters in the fire and practiced divination and sought omens. They sold themselves to do evil in the eyes of the LORD, arousing his anger."

Prophets and Divination

The prophets of Israel often spoke against divination, highlighting its association with false gods and idols. In Ezekiel 21:21 , the prophet describes the king of Babylon using divination: "For the king of Babylon will stop at the fork in the road, at the junction of the two roads, to seek an omen. He will cast lots with arrows, he will consult his idols, he will examine the liver." This passage underscores the reliance on idolatrous practices to make decisions, contrasting sharply with the guidance sought from the Lord.

Jeremiah also addresses the issue in Jeremiah 14:14 , where he warns against false prophets who engage in divination: "The prophets are prophesying lies in My name," declares the LORD. "I did not send them or appoint them or speak to them. They are prophesying to you false visions, worthless divinations, and the delusions of their own minds."

New Testament Perspective

In the New Testament, the practice of divination continues to be associated with idolatry and is condemned as contrary to the teachings of Christ. In Acts 16:16-18 , the Apostle Paul encounters a slave girl possessed by a spirit of divination: "One day as we were going to the place of prayer, we were met by a slave girl with a spirit of divination, who earned a large income for her masters by fortune-telling. She followed Paul and the rest of us, shouting, 'These men are servants of the Most High God, who are proclaiming to you the way of salvation.' She continued this for many days. Eventually Paul grew so aggravated that he turned and said to the spirit, 'In the name of Jesus Christ I command you to come out of her!' And it came out at that very moment."

This incident highlights the power of Christ over demonic forces and the rejection of divination as a legitimate source of spiritual insight. The early church fathers and apostles consistently taught that reliance on such practices was incompatible with faith in Christ.

Conclusion

Throughout the Bible, divination is consistently linked with idolatry and condemned as a practice that leads people away from the worship of the true God. It is portrayed as a deceptive and dangerous practice that aligns with false gods and demonic influences, standing in stark contrast to the guidance and revelation provided by the Lord.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Chronicles 33:5,6
And he built altars for all the host of heaven in the two courts of the house of the LORD.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Conversion of the Jailor of Philippi.
... whom Paul expelled a spirit of divination, and like ... their parents, which are often
followed, through the blessing ... course of a single night, was effected in the ...
/.../dick/lectures on the acts of the apostles/lecture xviii the conversion of.htm

The City of God. Index of Subjects.
... deliverance, [289]202, etc.; the knowledge of God, attained only through, [290]205 ...
Divination, [531]142 ... the good and bad in the, [959]447; to be effected in the ...
/.../augustine/on christian doctrine in four books /the city of god index.htm

Summa Theologica
... Whether the essence of God is seen by the created intellect through an image? ... Whether
the Holy Ghost proceeds from the Father through the Son? ...
//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/