Topical Bible: Divination: Practised by Sorcerers

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Topical Encyclopedia

Divination, as practiced by sorcerers, is a recurring theme in the Bible, often depicted as an abomination and a practice contrary to the will of God. The term "divination" refers to the attempt to gain insight into the future or the unknown through supernatural means, often involving rituals, omens, or the consultation of spirits. In the biblical context, divination is frequently associated with sorcery, witchcraft, and other forms of occult practices.

Old Testament References

The Old Testament contains numerous references to divination and sorcery, consistently condemning these practices. In Deuteronomy 18:10-12 , the Israelites are explicitly warned against engaging in such practices: "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 narrative of Balaam in the Book of Numbers provides a notable example of divination. Balaam, a non-Israelite prophet, is sought by Balak, the king of Moab, to curse the Israelites. Although Balaam initially seeks to use divination to fulfill Balak's request, God intervenes, demonstrating His sovereignty over such practices (Numbers 22-24).

In 1 Samuel 28, King Saul, in desperation, seeks the counsel of a medium at Endor to summon the spirit of the prophet Samuel. This act of divination is portrayed as a grave sin, leading to Saul's downfall. The text underscores the prohibition against seeking guidance through necromancy and divination.

New Testament References

The New Testament continues the denunciation of sorcery and divination. In Acts 8:9-24, Simon the Sorcerer attempts to buy the power of the Holy Spirit from the apostles, revealing his reliance on sorcery. Peter rebukes him, emphasizing that the gifts of God cannot be obtained through such means.

Acts 16:16-18 recounts the account of a slave girl in Philippi who possessed a spirit of divination, enabling her to predict the future. The Apostle Paul, recognizing the spirit as demonic, commands it to leave her in the name of Jesus Christ, thus liberating her from its influence.

In Galatians 5:19-21, sorcery is listed among the "acts of the flesh," which are contrary to the life led by the Spirit. The text warns that those who practice such acts will not inherit the kingdom of God.

Theological Implications

From a theological perspective, divination as practiced by sorcerers is seen as a direct challenge to the authority and sovereignty of God. It represents a reliance on powers other than God for guidance and insight, which is consistently condemned throughout Scripture. The biblical narrative emphasizes that true wisdom and revelation come from God alone, and any attempt to circumvent His will through divination is considered idolatrous and sinful.

The practice of divination is often linked with the worship of false gods and the rejection of God's commandments. It is portrayed as a means by which individuals seek to control or manipulate the future, rather than trusting in God's providence and timing. The biblical injunctions against divination serve as a call to faithfulness and reliance on God, who alone holds the future in His hands.

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

Acts 13:6,8
And when they had gone through the isle to Paphos, they found a certain sorcerer, a false prophet, a Jew, whose name was Barjesus:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

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

The Fraud of the Foregoing Practices; their Connection with Heresy ...
... of the secret (mysteries) of the sorcerers, which are ... It was persons who practised
wicked arts, and assumed ... the art of medicine, (2) religion, (3) divination. ...
/.../hippolytus/the refutation of all heresies/chapter xlii the fraud of the.htm

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

the Legendary History of Egypt
... be extracted thence by means of a surgical operation similar to that practised upon
a ... form and the peculiar kind of life ascribed to it by western sorcerers. ...
/.../chapter iii -the legendary history of.htm