In biblical literature, the term "medium" refers to individuals who claim to communicate with the dead or with spirits. The practice of consulting mediums is explicitly condemned in the Bible, as it is associated with idolatry and rebellion against God. The Hebrew term often translated as "medium" is "אֹוב" (ob), which can also mean a necromancer or a spiritist.

Old Testament References

The Old Testament provides several references to mediums and spiritists, often in the context of prohibitions against their practices. In Leviticus 19:31 , the Israelites are commanded, "Do not turn to mediums or spiritists; do not seek them out to be defiled by them. I am the LORD your God." This command underscores the belief that seeking guidance from mediums is a form of spiritual impurity and a violation of the covenant relationship with God.

Deuteronomy 18:10-12 further elaborates on this prohibition: "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 categorizes the practice of consulting mediums alongside other forms of pagan worship and divination, which are abominations in the sight of God.

The Case of King Saul

One of the most notable biblical accounts involving a medium is the account of King Saul and the medium of Endor, found in 1 Samuel 28. Facing a dire situation with the Philistines and having lost favor with God, Saul seeks out a medium to summon the spirit of the prophet Samuel. Despite having previously expelled mediums and spiritists from the land, Saul disguises himself and visits the medium at night. When the medium successfully conjures Samuel's spirit, Saul receives a message of doom, confirming his impending defeat and death. This narrative illustrates the futility and danger of seeking guidance outside of God's will and serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of disobedience.

New Testament Context

While the New Testament does not explicitly mention mediums, it continues to affirm the Old Testament's stance against engaging with spirits and the occult. Acts 16:16-18 recounts the account of a slave girl possessed by a spirit of divination, who earned a great deal of money for her owners by fortune-telling. The Apostle Paul, recognizing the spirit, commands it to leave her in the name of Jesus Christ, and she is immediately freed. This account demonstrates the early Christian rejection of spiritism and the power of Christ over demonic forces.

Theological Implications

From a theological perspective, the Bible's condemnation of mediums is rooted in the belief that God alone is the source of truth and guidance. Consulting mediums is seen as an act of rebellion, as it seeks knowledge and power apart from God. The practice is associated with the demonic realm, which stands in opposition to the kingdom of God. Christians are therefore called to rely on the Holy Spirit and the Scriptures for guidance, rather than turning to forbidden practices that lead away from God's truth.

Cultural and Historical Context

In the ancient Near East, the practice of consulting the dead was common among pagan cultures. Mediums and spiritists were often sought for their supposed ability to provide insight into the future or to communicate with deceased ancestors. The biblical prohibitions against these practices served to distinguish the Israelites from surrounding nations and to reinforce their unique covenant relationship with Yahweh.

Conclusion

The biblical stance on mediums is clear and unequivocal: such practices are forbidden and considered detestable to God. The Scriptures consistently warn against seeking guidance from any source other than God, emphasizing the importance of faithfulness and obedience to His commands.