Topical Bible: Divination: Practised by Soothsayers

◄ Divination: Practised by Soothsayers ►

Jump to: Torrey's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

Divination, as practiced by soothsayers, is a method of seeking knowledge of the future or the unknown through supernatural means. In the biblical context, divination is consistently portrayed as contrary to the will of God and is often associated with pagan practices and idolatry. The Bible provides numerous references to divination, warning the Israelites against engaging in such practices and highlighting the spiritual dangers associated with them.

Old Testament References

The Old Testament contains several prohibitions against divination. In Deuteronomy 18:10-12 , the Israelites are explicitly commanded: "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."

The practice of divination is often linked with false prophets and idolatry. In Ezekiel 13:6-7 , God condemns the false prophets of Israel: "They see false visions and speak lying divinations. They claim, ‘Thus declares the LORD,’ when the LORD did not send them; yet they wait for the fulfillment of their message. Have you not seen a false vision and spoken a lying divination when you proclaim, ‘Thus declares the LORD,’ even though I have not spoken?"

New Testament References

In the New Testament, divination is also addressed, particularly in the context of the early church's encounters with pagan practices. 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. This girl 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."

Theological Implications

From a theological perspective, divination is seen as an attempt to gain knowledge or power apart from God, often leading individuals away from reliance on Him. The practice is considered a form of spiritual rebellion, as it seeks to bypass God's sovereignty and His revealed will. The Bible emphasizes that true wisdom and knowledge come from God alone, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6 : "Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight."

Cultural and Historical Context

In the ancient Near East, divination was a common practice among various cultures, including the Egyptians, Babylonians, and Canaanites. Methods of divination included interpreting omens, consulting the dead, and using objects such as arrows, entrails, or casting lots. These practices were often linked to the worship of false gods and were seen as attempts to manipulate or predict the future through supernatural means.

Biblical Response to Divination

The biblical response to divination is one of clear rejection and condemnation. Believers are called to seek guidance and wisdom from God through prayer, Scripture, and the leading of the Holy Spirit. The Bible encourages a life of faith and trust in God's providence, rather than reliance on forbidden practices that lead away from His truth.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Isaiah 2:6
Therefore you have forsaken your people the house of Jacob, because they be replenished from the east, and are soothsayers like the Philistines, and they please themselves in the children of strangers.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Daniel 2:27
Daniel answered in the presence of the king, and said, The secret which the king has demanded cannot the wise men, the astrologers, the magicians, the soothsayers, show to the king;
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Against Jovinianus.
... like. He circumcised Timothy, and shaved his own head, practised going
barefoot, let his hair grow long, and cut it at Cenchrea. ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/against jovinianus.htm