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Divination in the Bible refers to the act of attempting to uncover hidden knowledge or predict the future through supernatural means such as fortune telling, use of oracles, astrology, and other magical practices. In the Bible, divination is often described as a sin and is forbidden among God’s people, as it amounts to seeking guidance from sources other than God. However, there are also instances in the Bible where God uses oracles and other supernatural means to reveal His will to His people. This raises the question of whether divination is inherently evil or it depends on the source of supernatural power being used.
Understanding the Concept of Divination
Divination, according to the Bible, is the practice of seeking knowledge or guidance from supernatural powers or spirits through various means, including interpreting omens, casting lots, or using divination tools like crystal balls. The Bible condemns divination as an act of rebellion against God, who alone has the power to determine the future and reveal His will to His people.
The Biblical View of Divination
The Bible views divination as an act of defiance against God, who alone has the power to determine the future and reveal His will to His people. In Deuteronomy 18:10-12, divination is listed alongside other forms of occult practices that are detestable to God, such as sorcery, witchcraft, and necromancy.
Different Forms of Divination in the Bible
The Bible mentions several forms of divination, including but not limited to:
- Casting lots to make decisions (Proverbs 16:33, Acts 1:26)
- Consulting mediums and spiritists (1 Samuel 28:7, Isaiah 8:19)
- Using divination tools like crystal balls, amulets, or charms (Isaiah 3:18-23, Ezekiel 21:21)
The Consequence of Practicing Divination
The Bible is very clear about the consequences of engaging in divination. In Leviticus 20:6, it states that the person who turns to mediums and spiritists to prostitute himself with them shall be cut off from among his people. Similarly, in Deuteronomy 18:14-15, God warns His people not to follow the practices of the nations around them, who engage in divination, but to listen to His prophets, who alone are authorized to speak on His behalf.
The Dangers of Divination
Divination is not only forbidden by God, but it is also dangerous. It opens the door to demonic influence and can lead to deception, confusion, and destruction. In 1 Samuel 28, King Saul consulted a medium to seek guidance from the spirit of the dead prophet Samuel, but the spirit that appeared to him was not Samuel, but a demonic spirit that brought him bad news and sealed his doom.
The Role of Prophecy in the Bible
Prophecy, on the other hand, is a legitimate form of communication between God and His people. In the Bible, prophets were men and women chosen by God to speak His words and reveal His will to His people. They were not fortune-tellers or soothsayers, but messengers of God who spoke the truth, even when it was unpopular or inconvenient.
The Purpose of Prophecy
The purpose of prophecy is to warn, instruct, comfort, and encourage God’s people. It is not to predict the future or satisfy human curiosity, but to reveal God’s character, His plans, and His promises. In Isaiah 41:21-24, God challenges the false prophets of Babylon to prove their power by predicting the future, but then He reminds His people that He alone is God, and He alone knows the end from the beginning.
The Gift of Prophecy
The gift of prophecy is still available to believers today, but it is subject to the authority of God’s Word and the discernment of the church. In 1 Corinthians 14, Paul gives guidelines for the exercise of spiritual gifts in the church, including prophecy. He emphasizes the importance of edification, exhortation, and comfort, and warns against confusion and disorder.
FAQs: What does divination mean in the bible?
What is divination according to the bible?
Divination is the act of seeking knowledge of the future or the unknown by supernatural means. The Bible strongly condemns divination as it is often associated with witchcraft, sorcery, and idolatry. Practicing divination is considered a sin in the eyes of God as it is believed to be a form of rebellion against Him and a reliance on worldly and ungodly methods rather than trust in Him.
Did divination play a role in the Old Testament?
Divination played a significant role in the Old Testament, especially among the neighboring pagan cultures of Israel. From the Canaanites to the Babylonians, it was a common practice among the people in the region who sought knowledge of the unknown through sorcery, the casting of lots, and the interpretation of omens. The Bible repeatedly warns against this practice and the punishment that comes with it.
How did divination affect the Israelites?
Divination had a profound impact on the Israelites. The practice was a direct challenge to God’s sovereignty, and it was strictly forbidden. The Bible records several instances where the Israelites turned to divination and sorcery, and because of this, they faced severe retribution from God. Throughout history, the Israelites were often punished for their disobedience, including the worship of false gods and the practice of divination.
What does the Bible say about divination?
The Bible condemns divination as a sin that is strongly associated with witchcraft, sorcery, and idolatry. The practice of divination is seen as a challenge to God’s sovereignty and a rejection of His guidance and protection. In the book of Deuteronomy, the Bible warns that anyone who practices divination is an abomination to the Lord, and such persons would be cut off from the people of God. Therefore, believers are admonished to avoid all forms of divination and rely solely on the guidance and wisdom of God.
