Topical Bible: Divination: Practised by Enchanters

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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. This practice is often associated with enchanters, who are individuals believed to possess the ability to communicate with spiritual entities or manipulate spiritual forces to gain insight or exert influence.

Biblical References and Prohibitions

The Bible explicitly condemns the practice of divination and enchanters. 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 these practices, associating them with the abominable customs of the nations that Israel was to displace. The prohibition is rooted in the understanding that such practices are attempts to bypass God's sovereign will and seek guidance or power from sources other than Him.

Historical Context and Practices

In the ancient Near East, divination was a common practice among various cultures. Enchanters, often referred to as magicians, sorcerers, or soothsayers, were believed to have special knowledge or abilities to interpret signs, omens, or dreams. They might use various methods, such as casting lots, examining the entrails of animals, or observing celestial phenomena, to predict future events or discern hidden truths.

The account of Balaam in Numbers 22-24 provides an example of a diviner who was sought by Balak, the king of Moab, to curse the Israelites. Although Balaam was known for his divinatory skills, God intervened, demonstrating His ultimate authority over any human or spiritual attempt to manipulate outcomes.

Spiritual Implications

The practice of divination is seen as a direct challenge to the authority and sovereignty of God. 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 futility and danger of seeking guidance from sources other than God.

The New Testament continues this theme, as seen in Acts 16:16-18 , where Paul encounters a slave girl possessed by a spirit of divination. Paul, in the name of Jesus Christ, commands the spirit to leave her, demonstrating the power of God over demonic forces and the invalidity of divination.

Moral and Ethical Considerations

From a biblical perspective, engaging in divination or consulting enchanters is not merely a misguided attempt to gain knowledge but a moral and spiritual transgression. It reflects a lack of trust in God's providence and a willingness to turn to forbidden practices for personal gain or insight. The Bible calls believers to rely on God's wisdom and guidance, as found in His Word and through prayer, rather than seeking forbidden knowledge through enchanters or divination.

In summary, the practice of divination by enchanters is consistently condemned throughout Scripture as an affront to God's authority and a dangerous entanglement with spiritual forces opposed to His will.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Deuteronomy 18:10
There shall not be found among you any one that makes his son or his daughter to pass through the fire, or that uses divination, or an observer of times, or an enchanter, or a witch.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Jeremiah 27:9
Therefore listen not you to your prophets, nor to your diviners, nor to your dreamers, nor to your enchanters, nor to your sorcerers, which speak to you, saying, You shall not serve the king of Babylon:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

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