Topical Bible: Divination: Practised by Witches

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Divination, as understood within 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 witchcraft and is explicitly condemned in the Scriptures. The Bible presents divination as an abomination to the Lord, aligning it with practices that are contrary to the worship and reverence due to God alone.

Old Testament References

The Old Testament contains numerous references to divination and its association with witchcraft. 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 clearly categorizes divination alongside other forbidden practices, emphasizing its detestable nature in the eyes of God. The Israelites were to remain distinct from the surrounding nations, who engaged in such practices, as these were seen as direct violations of God's commandments.

The Case of Saul and the Witch of Endor

A notable biblical account involving divination is found in 1 Samuel 28, where King Saul seeks the counsel of a medium at Endor. Despite having previously expelled mediums and spiritists from the land, Saul, in desperation, seeks to communicate with the deceased prophet Samuel. 1 Samuel 28:7 states, "Then Saul said to his servants, 'Find me a woman who is a medium, so I may go and inquire of her.'"

This incident highlights the dangers and spiritual consequences of engaging in divination. Saul's actions lead to his downfall, as he disobeys God's commands and seeks guidance outside of God's provision. The narrative serves as a cautionary tale about the perils of turning to forbidden practices in times of distress.

New Testament Perspective

The New Testament continues to affirm the prohibition against divination. 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."

Paul's response to the spirit of divination underscores the authority of Christ over such practices and the importance of rejecting any form of occultism. The early church recognized the spiritual dangers associated with divination and took a firm stance against it.

Theological Implications

From a theological standpoint, divination is seen as an attempt to usurp God's sovereignty and seek knowledge or power apart from Him. It reflects a lack of trust in God's providence and a desire to control or predict the future through illicit means. The Bible consistently calls believers to rely on God's wisdom and guidance, as found in His Word and through prayer, rather than turning to practices that are rooted in rebellion against His authority.

In summary, the practice of divination, particularly as associated with witchcraft, is unequivocally condemned in the Bible. It is portrayed as a serious offense that leads individuals away from the truth and into spiritual darkness. The Scriptures call for a complete rejection of such practices, urging believers to seek their guidance and wisdom from God alone.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Exodus 22:18
You shall not suffer a witch to live.
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

Library

The Unclean Spirits.
... familiar spirits were termed wizards and witches,"the practice ... but in four hundred
years they had practised all the ... the fire, or that useth divination, or an ...
/.../bliss/a brief commentary on the apocalypse/the unclean spirits.htm

A Holy Life the Beauty of Christianity: Or, an Exhortation to ...
... grieved in his spirit, when the wench that had a spirit of divination did acknowledge ...
For when witches and devils come once to commend, or make use of the name ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a holy life the beauty.htm