Divination, in the context of biblical teachings, refers to the practice of seeking knowledge of the future or the unknown through supernatural means. One specific method of divination mentioned in the Scriptures is the practice of "observing times." This practice involves attempting to predict or influence future events by interpreting celestial or temporal signs, often associated with astrology or other forms of time-based prognostication.

The Bible explicitly condemns the practice of observing times as a form of divination. In Deuteronomy 18:10-12 , the Israelites are warned against adopting the detestable practices of the nations around them, which include divination and observing times: "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."

The practice of observing times is often linked with astrology, where individuals seek to discern the future or gain insight by studying the positions and movements of celestial bodies. This is further addressed in Leviticus 19:26 , which states, "You must not eat anything with blood still in it. You must not practice divination or sorcery." The prohibition against divination, including observing times, underscores the biblical principle that reliance on such practices detracts from faith in God's sovereignty and providence.

In 2 Kings 21:6 , the narrative of King Manasseh illustrates the severity of engaging in these practices: "And he sacrificed his own son in the fire, practiced sorcery and divination, and consulted mediums and spiritists. He did much evil in the sight of the LORD, provoking Him to anger." Manasseh's actions, including observing times, are depicted as leading the nation of Judah into sin and idolatry, highlighting the spiritual peril associated with such practices.

The New Testament also addresses the issue of divination and observing times. In Galatians 4:9-10 , the Apostle Paul admonishes the Galatian believers for turning back to weak and worthless principles, including the observance of special days and seasons: "But now that you know God, or rather are known by God, how is it that you are turning back to those weak and worthless principles? Do you wish to be enslaved by them all over again? You are observing special days and months and seasons and years!" Here, Paul warns against reverting to practices that undermine the freedom found in Christ.

Throughout Scripture, the consistent message is that divination, including the practice of observing times, is contrary to the will of God. Believers are encouraged to trust in the Lord and seek His guidance through prayer and the study of His Word, rather than relying on forbidden practices that seek to manipulate or predict the future through human means.2 Kings 21:6
And he made his son pass through the fire, and observed times, and used enchantments, and dealt with familiar spirits and wizards: he worked much wickedness in the sight of the LORD, to provoke him to anger.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Acts XVI
... opening of the heart, we find that it was effected in the same way, through the
power ... a certain female servant, having a spirit of divination, who brought ...
/.../mcgarvey/a commentary on acts of the apostles/acts xvi.htm

Summa Theologica
... Whether the essence of God is seen by the created intellect through an image? ... Whether
the Holy Ghost proceeds from the Father through the Son? ...
//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/

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