In the biblical context, the terms "wise men," "enchanters," "magicians," and "diviners" often refer to individuals possessing knowledge or skills in interpreting signs, dreams, or engaging in practices considered supernatural or mystical. These figures appear in various narratives throughout the Scriptures, often in opposition to the prophets and servants of the God of Israel.

Wise Men

The term "wise men" is frequently used in the Bible to describe individuals with exceptional understanding or skill. In the Old Testament, wise men are often associated with the court of a king, providing counsel and interpretation of dreams or signs. For instance, in the Book of Daniel, Daniel and his companions are described as wise men in the Babylonian court, excelling in wisdom and understanding (Daniel 1:20). The wise men from the East, who visited Jesus after His birth, are another notable example. They are described as magi who followed a star to find the newborn King of the Jews, bringing gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh (Matthew 2:1-12).

Enchanters

Enchanters are individuals who practice enchantment, often involving incantations or spells. In the biblical narrative, enchanters are typically seen in a negative light, associated with pagan practices and idolatry. The Book of Daniel mentions enchanters among the group of wise men in Babylon who were unable to interpret King Nebuchadnezzar's dream, highlighting the superiority of Daniel's God-given wisdom (Daniel 2:2).

Magicians

Magicians in the Bible are often depicted as practitioners of the occult, using secret arts or sorcery. In the account of Moses and the Exodus, the magicians of Egypt are shown attempting to replicate the miracles performed by Moses and Aaron. Initially, they succeed in mimicking some of the signs, such as turning their staffs into serpents and turning water into blood, but they ultimately fail to match the power of God demonstrated through Moses (Exodus 7:11-12, 22). This narrative underscores the limitations of human magic compared to divine power.

Diviners

Diviners are those who seek to foretell the future or uncover hidden knowledge through various means, often considered forbidden by biblical law. The practice of divination is explicitly condemned in the Scriptures, as seen in Deuteronomy 18:10-12 , where it is listed among the abominations detestable to the Lord. Despite this, diviners appear in several biblical accounts, such as the account of Balaam, a diviner hired by Balak to curse Israel. However, God intervenes, and Balaam ends up blessing Israel instead (Numbers 22-24).

Throughout the Bible, these figures are often portrayed in contrast to the prophets and servants of God, who rely on divine revelation rather than human wisdom or occult practices. The narratives serve to highlight the supremacy of God's wisdom and power over human attempts to control or predict the future through supernatural means.