The practice of necromancy and the consultation of mediums are explicitly condemned in the Bible, reflecting a consistent biblical theme that underscores the importance of seeking guidance and wisdom from God alone. Necromancers and mediums, who claim to communicate with the dead or with spirits, are seen as engaging in practices that are detestable to the Lord and contrary to His commandments.

Old Testament Prohibitions

The Old Testament provides clear instructions regarding the prohibition of necromancy and the use of mediums. In the Mosaic Law, God commands the Israelites to avoid these practices as part of their covenant relationship with Him. Leviticus 19:31 states, "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 command underscores the defiling nature of such practices and the need for the Israelites to remain holy and set apart for God.

Further, in Deuteronomy 18:10-12 , the Lord warns, "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." This passage not only prohibits these practices but also associates them with the pagan nations that Israel was to displace, emphasizing the need for Israel to remain distinct and faithful to God.

Historical Context and Enforcement

Throughout Israel's history, the removal of necromancers and mediums was a sign of religious reform and a return to covenant faithfulness. King Saul, despite initially removing mediums and spiritists from the land (1 Samuel 28:3), later sought the counsel of a medium at Endor, which led to his downfall (1 Samuel 28:7-20). This incident illustrates the dangers of turning away from God's commands and seeking guidance through forbidden means.

In contrast, King Josiah's reforms are noted for their thoroughness in eradicating such practices. 2 Kings 23:24 records, "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. He did this to carry out the words of the law written in the book that Hilkiah the priest had found in the house of the LORD." Josiah's actions were part of a broader effort to restore true worship and obedience to God's law.

New Testament Perspective

The New Testament continues to affirm the rejection of occult practices, including necromancy and the use of mediums. In Acts 19:19 , we see 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 of renunciation highlights the incompatibility of such practices with the Christian faith and the transformative power of the Gospel.

The apostle Paul, in his letters, warns against engaging in practices associated with the occult. In Galatians 5:19-21 , he lists "sorcery" among the works of the flesh, which are contrary to the life led by the Spirit. The early Christian community was called to live in the light of Christ, rejecting the darkness associated with necromancy and similar practices.

Theological Implications

The biblical prohibition against necromancers and mediums is rooted in the understanding of God's sovereignty and the sufficiency of His revelation. Seeking guidance from the dead or from spirits undermines the authority of God and His Word. The Bible consistently calls believers to seek wisdom and direction from God, who is the source of all truth and life.

The removal of necromancers and mediums serves as a reminder of the call to holiness and the need to trust in God's provision and guidance. It reflects a commitment to uphold the sanctity of the relationship between God and His people, free from the corrupting influences of pagan practices.