Divination, in the context of necromancy, refers to the practice of seeking knowledge of the future or the unknown through communication with the dead. This practice is explicitly condemned in the Bible, as it is seen as an attempt to gain insight or power apart from God. Necromancers, those who engage in this form of divination, are often associated with other forbidden practices such as witchcraft and sorcery.

The Old Testament provides clear prohibitions against necromancy. In Deuteronomy 18:10-12 , the Israelites are warned: "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." This passage underscores the severity with which God views these practices, categorizing them as detestable and associating them with pagan nations.

The narrative of King Saul consulting the medium at Endor is a notable biblical account of necromancy. In 1 Samuel 28:7-20 , Saul, desperate for guidance before a battle with the Philistines, seeks out a woman with a familiar spirit to summon the prophet Samuel from the dead. Despite having previously expelled mediums and spiritists from the land, Saul's actions demonstrate his departure from reliance on God. The appearance of Samuel, whether real or a demonic impersonation, results in a message of doom for Saul, highlighting the futility and danger of seeking counsel through necromancy.

The New Testament continues to affirm the rejection of necromancy and similar practices. In Galatians 5:19-21 , Paul lists "sorcery" among the works of the flesh, warning that those who practice such things "will not inherit the kingdom of God." This reinforces the understanding that divination, including necromancy, is incompatible with a life led by the Spirit.

Throughout Scripture, the practice of necromancy is consistently linked with rebellion against God. It represents a reliance on powers and entities outside of God's ordained means of revelation and guidance. The biblical narrative emphasizes that true wisdom and knowledge come from God alone, and any attempt to circumvent His authority through necromancy is met with divine disapproval.Deuteronomy 18:11
Or a charmer, or a consulter with familiar spirits, or a wizard, or a necromancer.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

The Unclean Spirits.
... What more was claimed by the necromancers of old ... but in four hundred years they had
practised all the ... to pass through the fire, or that useth divination, or an ...
/.../bliss/a brief commentary on the apocalypse/the unclean spirits.htm

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