Topical Encyclopedia Witchcraft, as depicted in the Bible, is consistently condemned as an abomination before God. The practice of witchcraft, which includes sorcery, divination, and the invocation of spirits, is seen as a direct affront to the sovereignty and holiness of God. The Bible provides several accounts where those who engage in witchcraft are subject to divine judgment and destruction.Old Testament Context The Old Testament law explicitly forbids the practice of witchcraft and prescribes severe penalties for those who engage in it. In Exodus 22:18, the command is clear: "You must not allow a sorceress to live" . This directive underscores the seriousness with which God views the practice of witchcraft, associating it with rebellion against His divine order. In Deuteronomy 18:10-12, the Israelites are warned against adopting the detestable practices of the nations around them, which include divination, sorcery, and witchcraft. The passage 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" . Historical Accounts The narrative of King Saul and the medium of Endor in 1 Samuel 28 illustrates the consequences of seeking guidance through forbidden means. Despite having previously expelled mediums and spiritists from the land, Saul, in desperation, seeks out a medium to summon the spirit of the prophet Samuel. This act of disobedience leads to his downfall, as foretold by the spirit of Samuel, and ultimately results in his death and the defeat of Israel at the hands of the Philistines. In 2 Kings 9:22, witchcraft is associated with the wickedness of Queen Jezebel, whose idolatry and sorceries are condemned by the prophet Jehu. Her eventual demise is portrayed as divine retribution for her evil practices, which included leading Israel into idolatry and witchcraft. New Testament Perspective The New Testament continues to affirm the condemnation of witchcraft. In Galatians 5:19-21, witchcraft is listed among the "acts of the flesh," which are contrary to the Spirit. The apostle Paul warns that "those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God" . This reinforces the understanding that witchcraft is incompatible with a life devoted to God. In Acts 19:19, the transformative power of the Gospel is demonstrated in Ephesus, where many who had practiced sorcery brought their scrolls together and burned them publicly. The value of the scrolls was significant, yet the new believers chose to destroy them as a testament to their repentance and rejection of their former ways. Theological Implications The biblical stance against witchcraft is rooted in the understanding that it represents a rejection of God's authority and an attempt to gain power or knowledge through illegitimate means. It is seen as a form of idolatry, placing trust in created things rather than the Creator. The destruction of witches and those who practice witchcraft serves as a sobering reminder of the seriousness with which God views any attempt to usurp His divine authority or to seek guidance apart from Him. Nave's Topical Index 1 Samuel 28:3,9Now Samuel was dead, and all Israel had lamented him, and buried him in Ramah, even in his own city. And Saul had put away those that had familiar spirits, and the wizards, out of the land. Nave's Topical Index Library Ascalon. Gerar. The Story of the Eighty Witches. Whether a Spell Can be an Impediment to Marriage? Appendix xvi. On the Jewish views About Demons' and the Demonised ... Memoir of John Bunyan The Unclean Spirits. Footnotes Light for them that Sit in Darkness; The Doctrine Resources What does the Bible say about witchcraft / witches? Should a Christian fear witchcraft? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is Wicca? Is Wicca witchcraft? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible say about black magic? | GotQuestions.org Witchcraft: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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