The attempt to discover or influence the future by means forbidden by God, including the use of divination, astrology or witchcraft. Such practices are strongly condemned in Scripture.

Revelation 18:23

Examples of magic and sorcery

Magic practices

Zechariah 10:2

Babylon, here, represents the world as the centre of seduction.

Divination

Isaiah 8:19-20

See also

Spiritism

2 Chronicles 33:6
2 Chronicles 33:3-5

Astrology

pp 2Ki 21:3-5

Exodus 7:11; 8:18

Examples of those who practised sorcery

Egyptian magicians:

Numbers 22:6; 23:23
2 Kings 21:6

Balaam:

Isaiah 47:9-13

Manasseh, king of Judah

Acts 8:9-11

the Babylonians

Acts 13:6-8

Simon of Samaria

Acts 19:19

Bar-Jesus of Cyprus

people in Ephesus

Deuteronomy 18:9-12

All sorcery and magic is strongly forbidden

See also

Leviticus 19:26,31
Jeremiah 27:9-10
Ezekiel 13:18,20
Exodus 7:11-12; 8:16-19

God is stronger than sorcerers and magicians

Isaiah 44:24-25
Leviticus 20:6

God's judgment comes upon sorcerers and magicians

Micah 5:12
Acts 13:6-11
Revelation 21:8
Galatians 5:19-21
Exodus 22:18
Leviticus 20:27

God made participation in occult practices punishable by death

1 Chronicles 10:13-14

King Saul was judged for occult practices

Acts 16:16-18; 19:18-19

Jesus Christ can deliver from occultism

Romans 8:38-39

See also

1025 God, anger of
1310 God as judge
1409 dream
4155 divination
4180 seraphim
4195 spirits
7392 lots, casting of
8160 seeking God
8709 astrology
8829 superstition
8846 ungodliness
9210 judgment, God's