Topical Encyclopedia Divination, in the biblical context, refers to the practice of seeking knowledge of the future or the unknown through supernatural means. The Bible consistently condemns such practices, associating them with pagan rituals and idolatry. The Mosaic Law explicitly prohibited divination and prescribed severe penalties for those who engaged in or sought out such practices.Biblical Prohibition and Punishment The Law given to the Israelites through Moses contains clear prohibitions against divination. In Deuteronomy 18:10-12 , the Lord commands: "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, and because of these detestable practices the LORD your God will drive out those nations before you." The severity of the prohibition is underscored by the prescribed punishment for engaging in such practices. Leviticus 20:6 states, "As for the person who turns to mediums and spiritists to prostitute himself with them, I will set My face against that person and cut him off from his people." This indicates that those who sought out divination were to be ostracized from the community of Israel, effectively severing their covenant relationship with God and His people. Historical Context and Enforcement The historical context of these laws reveals the seriousness with which God viewed the practice of divination. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, divination was a common practice, often associated with the worship of false gods and the manipulation of spiritual forces. By prohibiting divination, God was setting His people apart from the surrounding nations, emphasizing their unique relationship with Him and their reliance on His guidance rather than on occult practices. The enforcement of these laws is evident in several biblical narratives. For instance, King Saul's consultation with the medium at Endor, as recorded in 1 Samuel 28, serves as a cautionary tale. Despite the prohibition, Saul sought out a medium to summon the spirit of Samuel, leading to his downfall and the loss of his kingdom. This narrative illustrates the consequences of disobedience to God's commands regarding divination. Theological Implications The prohibition of divination in the Law reflects a broader theological principle: the sovereignty of God and the call for His people to trust in His providence. By seeking knowledge through divination, individuals demonstrate a lack of faith in God's plan and provision. The Law's strict stance against divination underscores the importance of exclusive devotion to God and reliance on His revealed Word for guidance. In summary, the biblical law against divination and the prescribed punishments for those who sought it highlight the seriousness with which God views such practices. These laws served to protect the spiritual integrity of the Israelite community and to affirm their distinct identity as God's chosen people, wholly reliant on Him for wisdom and direction. Torrey's Topical Textbook Leviticus 20:6And the soul that turns after such as have familiar spirits, and after wizards, to go a whoring after them, I will even set my face against that soul, and will cut him off from among his people. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library The First Apology of Justin, the Martyr Three Books of Testimonies Against the Jews On Feast Days and Fast Days. The Uproar in Ephesus. Appeal to the Christian Women of the South Psalm XL. The Book of Jubilees Homilies on Philippians, Colossians, and Thessalonians. The Last Days of the Old Eastern World Homilies on the Gospel of John. Resources What are tarot cards? Are tarot cards evil? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about sorcery? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible say about dowsing? | GotQuestions.org Divination: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Divination: All Who Practised It, Abominable Divination: An Abominable Practice Divination: Could not Injure the Lord's People Divination: Effected Through: A Lucrative Employment Divination: Effected Through: Books of, Numerous and Expensive Divination: Effected Through: Connected With Idolatry Divination: Effected Through: Cups Divination: Effected Through: Dreams Divination: Effected Through: Enchantments Divination: Effected Through: Inspecting the Inside of Beasts Divination: Effected Through: Observing Heavenly Bodies Divination: Effected Through: Observing Times Divination: Effected Through: Raising the Dead Divination: Effected Through: Rods Divination: Effected Through: Sorcery Divination: Effected Through: The Flight of Arrows Divination: Practised by Astrologers Divination: Practised by Charmers Divination: Practised by Consulters of Familiar Spirits Divination: Practised by Diviners Divination: Practised by Enchanters Divination: Practised by False Prophets Divination: Practised by Magicians Divination: Practised by Necromancers Divination: Practised by Soothsayers Divination: Practised by Sorcerers Divination: Practised by Witches Divination: Practised by Wizards Divination: The Law: Forbade Seeking To Divination: The Law: Forbade to the Israelites the Practice of Divination: The Law: Punished Those Who Sought To Divination: The Law: Punished With Death Those Who Used Divination: Those Who Practised used Mysterious Words and Gestures Divination: Those Who Practised: Consulted in Difficulties Divination: Those Who Practised: Regarded As Wise Men Divination: Those Who Practised: Regarded With Awe Related Terms |
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