Topical Encyclopedia Divination, as referenced in the Bible, is the practice of seeking knowledge of the future or the unknown through supernatural means. This practice is often associated with diviners, individuals who claim to possess the ability to interpret signs, omens, or communicate with spiritual entities to gain insight beyond human understanding. The Bible consistently portrays divination as contrary to the will of God, warning the Israelites and believers against engaging in such practices.Old Testament References In the Old Testament, divination is explicitly condemned as an abomination to the Lord. The Mosaic Law strictly forbids the Israelites from engaging in divination or consulting diviners. Deuteronomy 18:10-12 states, "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 abominations the LORD your God is driving out the nations before you." The narrative of Balaam, a non-Israelite diviner, illustrates the tension between divination and the divine will. Although Balaam is initially hired by Balak, the king of Moab, to curse Israel, God intervenes, and Balaam ultimately blesses Israel instead (Numbers 22-24). This account demonstrates God's sovereignty over divination and His ability to thwart the plans of those who practice it. Prophets and Diviners The prophets of Israel often stood in opposition to diviners and false prophets who claimed to speak on behalf of God but led the people astray. Jeremiah 14:14 records, "The prophets are prophesying lies in My name," declares the LORD. "I did not send them or appoint them or speak to them. They are prophesying to you a false vision, worthless divination, the futility and delusion of their own minds." Ezekiel also condemns the false prophets and diviners who deceive the people with false visions and divinations. Ezekiel 13:6-7 says, "They see false visions and speak lying divinations. They claim, ‘Thus declares the LORD,’ when the LORD did not send them; yet they wait for the fulfillment of their message. Have you not seen a false vision and spoken a lying divination when you proclaim, ‘Thus declares the LORD,’ even though I have not spoken?" New Testament Context In the New Testament, the practice of divination is similarly rejected. Acts 16:16-18 recounts the account of a slave girl in Philippi who had a spirit of divination and brought her owners much profit by fortune-telling. The Apostle Paul, recognizing the spirit as demonic, commands it to leave her in the name of Jesus Christ, and she is immediately freed from its influence. The early church fathers and apostles continued to warn against the dangers of divination and other occult practices. Galatians 5:19-21 lists sorcery among the works of the flesh, warning that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. Conclusion Throughout the biblical narrative, divination is consistently portrayed as a practice that leads people away from reliance on God and His revealed word. The Bible emphasizes the importance of seeking guidance and wisdom from God alone, rejecting any form of divination or reliance on those who claim to possess supernatural insight apart from Him. Torrey's Topical Textbook Deuteronomy 18:14For these nations, which you shall possess, listened to observers of times, and to diviners: but as for you, the LORD your God has not suffered you so to do. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library The Unclean Spirits. On Threefold Wisdom. Resources What are tarot cards? Are tarot cards evil? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about sorcery? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible say about dowsing? | GotQuestions.org Divination: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Divination: All Who Practised It, Abominable Divination: An Abominable Practice Divination: Could not Injure the Lord's People Divination: Effected Through: A Lucrative Employment Divination: Effected Through: Books of, Numerous and Expensive Divination: Effected Through: Connected With Idolatry Divination: Effected Through: Cups Divination: Effected Through: Dreams Divination: Effected Through: Enchantments Divination: Effected Through: Inspecting the Inside of Beasts Divination: Effected Through: Observing Heavenly Bodies Divination: Effected Through: Observing Times Divination: Effected Through: Raising the Dead Divination: Effected Through: Rods Divination: Effected Through: Sorcery Divination: Effected Through: The Flight of Arrows Divination: Practised by Astrologers Divination: Practised by Charmers Divination: Practised by Consulters of Familiar Spirits Divination: Practised by Diviners Divination: Practised by Enchanters Divination: Practised by False Prophets Divination: Practised by Magicians Divination: Practised by Necromancers Divination: Practised by Soothsayers Divination: Practised by Sorcerers Divination: Practised by Witches Divination: Practised by Wizards Divination: The Law: Forbade Seeking To Divination: The Law: Forbade to the Israelites the Practice of Divination: The Law: Punished Those Who Sought To Divination: The Law: Punished With Death Those Who Used Divination: Those Who Practised used Mysterious Words and Gestures Divination: Those Who Practised: Consulted in Difficulties Divination: Those Who Practised: Regarded As Wise Men Divination: Those Who Practised: Regarded With Awe Related Terms |
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