Topical Bible: Divination: Those Who Practised used Mysterious Words and Gestures

◄ Divination: Those Who Practised used Mysterious Words and Gestures ►

Topical Encyclopedia

Divination, in the biblical context, refers to the practice of seeking knowledge of the future or the unknown through supernatural means. This practice is consistently condemned in the Scriptures, as it often involves reliance on powers or entities other than God. The Bible provides numerous examples and warnings against divination, emphasizing its incompatibility with faith in the one true God.

Old Testament Context

In the Old Testament, divination is frequently associated with pagan practices and is explicitly prohibited. Deuteronomy 18:10-12 states, "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 Israelites were warned against adopting the customs of the surrounding nations, which often included divination. The practice was seen as an attempt to gain insight or control over the future, bypassing God's sovereign will. In Ezekiel 21:21 , the prophet describes the king of Babylon using divination: "For the king of Babylon will stop at the fork in the road, at the junction of the two roads, to seek an omen. He will cast lots with arrows; he will consult his idols; he will examine the liver."

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, divination continues to be viewed negatively. Acts 16:16-18 recounts the account of a slave girl in Philippi who had 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 it left her at that very moment."

This passage highlights the spiritual conflict inherent in divination, as the spirit within the girl recognized the authority of Paul and the message of salvation. The apostle's command in the name of Jesus demonstrates the power of God over such practices.

Mysterious Words and Gestures

Practitioners of divination often employed mysterious words and gestures as part of their rituals. These could include incantations, spells, or symbolic actions intended to invoke or manipulate spiritual forces. Such practices were designed to create an aura of mystery and authority, convincing others of the diviner's supposed power.

The Bible, however, emphasizes that true wisdom and knowledge come from God alone. Isaiah 8:19 warns, "When men tell you to consult the spirits of the dead and the spiritists who whisper and mutter, should not a people consult their God? Why consult the dead on behalf of the living?"

Condemnation and Consequences

The biblical condemnation of divination is rooted in the understanding that it represents a form of idolatry, placing trust in created things rather than the Creator. Leviticus 19:31 instructs, "You must not turn to mediums or spiritists; do not seek them out, or you will be defiled by them. I am the LORD your God."

The consequences of engaging in divination are severe, as it leads individuals away from the truth of God's word and into spiritual deception. The practice is seen as a rejection of God's authority and a violation of the first commandment, which calls for exclusive devotion to the Lord.

Throughout Scripture, the consistent message is clear: God's people are to seek Him for guidance and wisdom, rejecting all forms of divination and the mysterious words and gestures associated with it.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Isaiah 8:19
And when they shall say to you, Seek to them that have familiar spirits, and to wizards that peep, and that mutter: should not a people seek to their God? for the living to the dead?
Torrey's Topical Textbook