Dictionary of Bible Themes Attempts to discover the unknown or the future by supernatural means, involving communication with the spirit world. It is expressly forbidden by God and has disastrous consequences. Genesis 41:24Divination was part of early beliefs and practices Exodus 7:11Isaiah 31:1-2; 47:9 Jeremiah 27:9 Ezekiel 21:21 Daniel 2:2; 5:7 Acts 8:9-13,18-24; 13:6-12; 16:16-18 Examples of divination in NT times Acts 8:11The reality of a supernatural spirit world See also The spirit world is real and alluring Genesis 44:5,151 Samuel 6:2 Acts 8:9-10 2 Kings 9:22 See also The spirit world is powerful and dangerous Numbers 22:6-7,122 Kings 17:17 Zechariah 10:2 Ephesians 6:12 2 Thessalonians 2:9-10 Revelation 18:23 Leviticus 19:31 Deliberate involvement with divination forbidden See also Exodus 22:18Leviticus 19:26 Deuteronomy 18:10-14 2 Kings 21:6 Isaiah 8:19-20 Ezekiel 13:23 Micah 5:12 Malachi 3:5 Galatians 5:20 Deuteronomy 29:29 It is God's divine privilege to reveal or conceal things See also Proverbs 25:21 Samuel 28:7 Examples of the evil of divination See also 1 Samuel 28:3-151 Chronicles 26:13-16 Casting lots to make decisions Nehemiah 11:1Divination is clearly forbidden but some practices such as casting lots seem acceptable ways of discovering God's will in particular circumstances: Acts 1:26See also 1412 foreknowledge4175 mediums 4185 sorcery and magic 4185 sorcery and magic 4190 spiritism 4195 spirits 7392 lots, casting of 8124 guidance 8734 evil 9130 future, the |
    |