Topical Bible: Divination: Practised by Charmers

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Divination, in the context of the Bible, refers to the practice of seeking knowledge of the future or the unknown through supernatural means. This practice is often associated with charmers, individuals who claim to possess the ability to influence or predict events through magical or mystical methods. The Bible consistently condemns such practices, viewing them as contrary to the will and guidance of God.

Biblical Condemnation of Divination

The practice of divination is explicitly prohibited in the Scriptures. In Deuteronomy 18:10-12 , the Israelites are warned: "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 severity with which God views divination and related practices. The Israelites are instructed to avoid these practices as they are considered abominations, leading to the corruption and downfall of nations.

Charmers in the Biblical Context

Charmers, as mentioned in the Bible, are those who use spells or incantations to exert influence or control. In Psalm 58:5 , the psalmist refers to the charmers: "They are like a serpent that shuts its ears, like a cobra that stops its ears, which does not heed the tune of the charmer who skillfully weaves his spell."

This imagery suggests that charmers, despite their skills, are ultimately powerless against those who refuse to listen or be influenced by their enchantments. The Bible portrays charmers as deceitful and their practices as futile.

Historical Instances of Divination

Throughout the Old Testament, there are several instances where divination is practiced by various individuals and groups, often leading to negative consequences. In 1 Samuel 28, King Saul seeks the counsel of a medium at Endor, hoping to communicate with the deceased prophet Samuel. This act of desperation is met with rebuke and serves as a turning point in Saul's downfall.

Similarly, 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 the spirit left her at that very moment."

This account demonstrates the power of God over demonic forces and the ultimate futility of divination when confronted with the truth of the Gospel.

Divination and the People of God

The Bible calls the people of God to rely solely on Him for guidance and wisdom. In Isaiah 8:19 , the prophet warns: "When men tell you to consult the spirits of the dead and the spiritists who whisper and mutter, should not a people consult their God? Why consult the dead on behalf of the living?"

This rhetorical question underscores the importance of seeking God's counsel rather than turning to forbidden practices. The people of God are encouraged to trust in the Lord, who provides wisdom and direction through His Word and Spirit.

In summary, the practice of divination, particularly as carried out by charmers, is consistently condemned in the Bible. It is seen as an affront to God's sovereignty and a dangerous deviation from the truth. The Scriptures call believers to reject such practices and to place their trust in the Lord alone.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Deuteronomy 18:11
Or a charmer, or a consulter with familiar spirits, or a wizard, or a necromancer.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Unclean Spirits.
... left to "seek to the idols, and to charmers, and to ... but in four hundred years they
had practised all the ... pass through the fire, or that useth divination, or an ...
/.../bliss/a brief commentary on the apocalypse/the unclean spirits.htm

The Sibylline Oracles.
... and the birds of the augur, nor seers, nor sorcerers, nor charmers, nor ventriloquists ...
We find also a seeming reference to the total immersion practised by the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/deane/pseudepigrapha/the sibylline oracles.htm