The removal of mediums and spiritists is a recurring theme in the Bible, reflecting the consistent biblical stance against practices associated with divination, necromancy, and communication with the dead. These practices are considered abominations in the sight of God, and the Scriptures provide clear instructions for their eradication from among God's people.

Old Testament Context

The Old Testament law explicitly forbids the practice of consulting mediums and spiritists. In Leviticus 19:31, the Israelites are commanded, "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." This prohibition is reiterated in Leviticus 20:6, where God warns, "Whoever turns to mediums or spiritists and prostitutes himself with them, I will set My face against that person and cut him off from his people."

The severity of this command is further emphasized in Deuteronomy 18:10-12, which lists various forms of divination and declares them detestable: "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 Examples

Throughout Israel's history, there are notable instances where the removal of mediums and spiritists was actively pursued. King Saul, despite initially removing mediums and spiritists from the land (1 Samuel 28:3), later sought the counsel of a medium at Endor, an act that led to his downfall (1 Samuel 28:7-19).

In contrast, King Josiah is commended for his reforms, which included the eradication of such practices. 2 Kings 23:24 states, "Furthermore, Josiah removed the mediums and spiritists, the household gods and idols, and all the abominations seen in the land of Judah and in Jerusalem, in order to carry out the words of the law written in the book that Hilkiah the priest had found in the house of the LORD."

New Testament Perspective

While the New Testament does not explicitly mention the removal of mediums and spiritists, it continues to affirm the rejection of occult practices. Acts 19:19 describes the response of new believers in Ephesus who, upon converting to Christianity, "brought their magic books and burned them in front of everyone." This act signifies a clear renunciation of former practices associated with the occult.

The New Testament also warns against deception and false teachings, which can be linked to the influence of spiritism. In 1 Timothy 4:1, Paul writes, "Now the Spirit expressly states that in later times some will abandon the faith to follow deceitful spirits and the teachings of demons."

Theological Implications

The biblical mandate to remove mediums and spiritists underscores the importance of maintaining spiritual purity and fidelity to God. These practices are seen as direct violations of the first commandment, which calls for exclusive worship of the LORD. Engaging in or tolerating such practices is viewed as a form of spiritual adultery, leading individuals away from the truth and into deception.

The consistent biblical opposition to mediums and spiritists serves as a reminder of the spiritual warfare that believers are engaged in and the need to rely on God's Word and Spirit for guidance and protection.