Topical Bible: Divination: Effected Through: The Flight of Arrows

◄ Divination: Effected Through: The Flight of Arrows ►

Jump to: Torrey's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

Divination, the practice of seeking knowledge of the future or the unknown by supernatural means, is addressed in various forms throughout the Bible. One specific method mentioned in the Scriptures is divination through the flight of arrows. This practice is highlighted in the context of ancient Near Eastern cultures, where it was not uncommon for leaders and warriors to seek omens or guidance through various divinatory practices.

Biblical Reference:

The primary biblical reference to divination through the flight of arrows is found in the book of Ezekiel. In Ezekiel 21:21 , the prophet describes a scene involving the king of Babylon, Nebuchadnezzar, as he stands at a crossroads, seeking guidance for his military campaign:

"For the king of Babylon stands at the fork in the road, at the head of the two roads, to use divination. He shakes the arrows, consults the idols, and examines the liver."

In this passage, the phrase "shakes the arrows" refers to a form of divination where arrows were cast or shaken to determine a course of action. This practice, known as belomancy, involved interpreting the position, direction, or pattern of arrows to discern divine will or predict future events.

Cultural Context:

In the ancient Near East, divination was a common practice among various cultures, including the Babylonians, Assyrians, and others. The use of arrows in divination was part of a broader system of omens and signs that leaders relied upon to make critical decisions, especially in matters of war and governance. The casting of arrows was believed to reveal the will of the gods, providing guidance on which path to take or which strategy to employ.

Biblical Perspective:

From a biblical perspective, divination is consistently portrayed as contrary to the will of God. The Scriptures warn against engaging in divinatory practices, emphasizing reliance on God’s guidance and wisdom rather than seeking knowledge through forbidden means. In Deuteronomy 18:10-12 , the Israelites are explicitly instructed to avoid such practices:

"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 use of divination, including methods like the flight of arrows, is seen as an attempt to circumvent God’s sovereignty and seek knowledge apart from His revealed will. The biblical narrative consistently calls for trust in God’s providence and guidance, as opposed to reliance on human-devised methods of divination.

Theological Implications:

The practice of divination through the flight of arrows, as depicted in Ezekiel, serves as a reminder of the tension between human attempts to control or predict the future and the biblical call to trust in God’s sovereign plan. The reliance on divination reflects a lack of faith in God’s ability to direct and provide for His people. Throughout Scripture, believers are encouraged to seek wisdom and guidance through prayer, the study of God’s Word, and the counsel of the Holy Spirit, rather than through practices that are condemned by God.

In summary, while divination through the flight of arrows was a recognized practice in ancient cultures, the Bible consistently warns against such methods, urging believers to place their trust in God alone for guidance and direction.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Ezekiel 21:21,22
For the king of Babylon stood at the parting of the way, at the head of the two ways, to use divination: he made his arrows bright, he consulted with images, he looked in the liver.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Medes and the Second Chaldaean Empire
... as a great power"First Greek settlements in the Delta; flight of the ... Irrigation was
effected formerly, as ... as a vague shadow of him seen dimly through the haze ...
/.../chapter iiithe medes and the.htm