Dictionary of Bible Themes – 4155 divination
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4155 divination

4155 divination

Attempts to discover the unknown or the future by supernatural means, involving communication with the spirit world. It is expressly forbidden by God and has disastrous consequences.

Divination was part of early beliefs and practices

Ge 41:24; Ex 7:11; Isa 31:1-2; Isa 47:9; Jer 27:9; Eze 21:21; Da 2:2; Da 5:7

Examples of divination in NT times

Ac 8:9-13,18-24; Ac 13:6-12; Ac 16:16-18

The reality of a supernatural spirit world

The spirit world is real and alluring Ac 8:11 See also Ge 44:5,15; 1Sa 6:2; Ac 8:9-10

The spirit world is powerful and dangerous 2Ki 9:22 See also Nu 22:6-7,12; 2Ki 17:17; Zec 10:2; Eph 6:12; 2Th 2:9-10; Rev 18:23

Deliberate involvement with divination forbidden

Lev 19:31 See also Ex 22:18; Lev 19:26; Dt 18:10-14; 2Ki 21:6; Isa 8:19-20; Eze 13:23; Mic 5:12; Mal 3:5; Gal 5:20

It is God’s divine privilege to reveal or conceal things

Dt 29:29 See also Pr 25:2

Examples of the evil of divination

1Sa 28:7 See also 1Sa 28:3-15

Casting lots to make decisions

Divination is clearly forbidden but some practices such as casting lots seem acceptable ways of discovering God’s will in particular circumstances: 1Ch 26:13-16; Ne 11:1; Ac 1:26

See also

1412foreknowledge
4175mediums
4185sorcery and magic
4185sorcery and magic
4190spiritism
4195spirits
7392lots, casting of
8124guidance
8734evil
9130future, the

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