Dictionary of Bible Themes: 4155 divination

4155 divination

Dictionary of Bible Themes

Dictionary of Bible Themes » 4000 Creation » 4100 Supernatural beings » 4155 divination

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.

Divination was part of early beliefs and practices

Genesis 41:24; Exodus 7:11; Isaiah 31:1-2; Isaiah 47:9; Jeremiah 27:9; Ezekiel 21:21; Daniel 2:2; Daniel 5:7

Examples of divination in NT times

Acts 8:9-13,18-24; Acts 13:6-12; Acts 16:16-18

The reality of a supernatural spirit world

The spirit world is real and alluring

Acts 8:11 See also Genesis 44:5,15; 1 Samuel 6:2; Acts 8:9-10

The spirit world is powerful and dangerous

2 Kings 9:22 See also Numbers 22:6-7,12; 2 Kings 17:17; Zechariah 10:2; Ephesians 6:12; 2 Thessalonians 2:9-10; Revelation 18:23

Deliberate involvement with divination forbidden

Leviticus 19:31 See also Exodus 22:18; Leviticus 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

It is God's divine privilege to reveal or conceal things

Deuteronomy 29:29 See also Proverbs 25:2

Examples of the evil of divination

1 Samuel 28:7 See also 1 Samuel 28:3-15

Casting lots to make decisions

Divination is clearly forbidden but some practices such as casting lots seem acceptable ways of discovering God's will in particular circumstances:

1 Chronicles 26:13-16; Nehemiah 11:1; Acts 1:26