Topical Bible: Divination: Practised by Astrologers

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Divination, in the context of biblical literature, refers to the practice of seeking knowledge of the future or the unknown through supernatural means. Among the various forms of divination, astrology—interpreting celestial bodies to predict earthly events—was a prevalent practice in ancient cultures surrounding Israel. The Bible addresses this practice, often in a cautionary or condemnatory manner, reflecting its incompatibility with the worship of Yahweh.

Biblical References and Context

Astrology, as a form of divination, is implicitly referenced in several biblical passages. The ancient Near Eastern cultures, such as the Babylonians, were renowned for their astrological practices. The Bible acknowledges the existence of such practices but consistently warns the Israelites against adopting them. In Deuteronomy 18:10-12 , the Israelites are explicitly instructed: "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."

The prophet Isaiah also speaks against the reliance on astrologers. In Isaiah 47:13-14 , the prophet mocks the Babylonian astrologers, saying, "You are wearied by your many counselors; let them come forward now and save you—your astrologers who observe the stars, who monthly predict your fate. Surely they are like stubble; the fire will burn them up. They cannot even save themselves from the power of the flame."

Theological Implications

From a theological perspective, the practice of astrology and other forms of divination is seen as a direct challenge to the sovereignty and omniscience of God. The Bible emphasizes that God alone knows the future and holds the destiny of nations and individuals in His hands. In Isaiah 44:24-25 , God declares, "I am the LORD, who has made all things, who alone stretched out the heavens, who spread out the earth by myself, who foils the signs of false prophets and makes fools of diviners, who confounds the wise and turns their knowledge into nonsense."

The reliance on astrology is viewed as a form of idolatry, as it places trust in creation rather than the Creator. This is further underscored in Jeremiah 10:2 , where the Lord instructs, "Do not learn the ways of the nations or be terrified by signs in the heavens, though the nations are terrified by them."

Historical and Cultural Context

Astrology was deeply embedded in the cultural and religious practices of many ancient civilizations. The Babylonians, in particular, developed a sophisticated system of astrology that influenced other cultures, including the Greeks and Romans. The Israelites, living amidst these cultures, were repeatedly warned by the prophets to remain distinct and not to adopt these practices.

The biblical narrative often contrasts the futility of astrology with the power and wisdom of God. The account of Daniel in Babylon serves as a poignant example. In Daniel 2, King Nebuchadnezzar's astrologers and wise men are unable to interpret his dream, but Daniel, through divine revelation, provides the interpretation, demonstrating the superiority of God's wisdom over human divination.

Moral and Ethical Considerations

The biblical prohibition against astrology and divination is rooted in the call to exclusive worship and reliance on God. The practice is seen as a form of spiritual adultery, diverting trust and reverence from God to created things. This is consistent with the first commandment, "You shall have no other gods before Me" (Exodus 20:3).

In summary, the practice of astrology as a form of divination is consistently portrayed in the Bible as contrary to the faith and trust that should be placed in God alone. The biblical texts urge believers to seek wisdom and guidance from God, who alone holds the future and reveals His will to His people.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Isaiah 47:13
You are wearied in the multitude of your counsels. Let now the astrologers, the stargazers, the monthly prognosticators, stand up, and save you from these things that shall come on you.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Daniel 4:7
Then came in the magicians, the astrologers, the Chaldeans, and the soothsayers: and I told the dream before them; but they did not make known to me the interpretation thereof.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Unclean Spirits.
... damsel possessed with a spirit of divination, met us ... to call the magicians, and the
astrologers, and the ... These things were practised to some extent in Judah ...
/.../bliss/a brief commentary on the apocalypse/the unclean spirits.htm

The Refutation of All Heresies
... Chapter XXXV.--The Divination by a Cauldron; Illusion of ... the Real Import of the
Doctrines of the Astrologers. ... His System from Pythagoras; Practised Incantations ...
//christianbookshelf.org/hippolytus/the refutation of all heresies/

The Sibylline Oracles.
... fond deceits; they study not the predictions of Chald??an astrologers; they observe ...
We find also a seeming reference to the total immersion practised by the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/deane/pseudepigrapha/the sibylline oracles.htm