There is a man I know who has been experiencing some unusual things. He once told me, “I hear people talking about coming to arrest me.” Then he asked me, “Do you hear them too?” I said, “No, I don’t hear anything.” It was clear that only he could hear those voices.
Another time, he held my hand and said, “Can you hear them singing my song?” Again, I couldn’t hear anything. He seemed deeply afraid.
Just a few nights ago, I found him outside our house holding a machete. He asked me, “Do you hear that old woman across the street saying I raped her granddaughter?” (Note: that woman lives far away from us.) I replied, “No, I don’t hear anything.” He then returned home with his machete, speaking seriously and calmly. Sometimes, he even says he sees people standing at his door.
I once tried talking to him about giving his life to Jesus, but he replied, “I’ll fight in a military way,” which I understood to mean through witchdoctors or spiritualists. But now, I see that he cannot “fight” as he claimed—his condition is worsening, and I fear that if nothing is done, he might completely lose his mind.
So my question is: what exactly is happening to him? What spirit is behind this?
Shalom. The spiritual world is very real. Both the kingdom of God and the kingdom of darkness are active. While the Holy Spirit empowers and transforms people into the likeness of Christ, Satan also deceives and enslaves people through fear, lies, and counterfeit experiences.
In this man’s case—hearing voices, sensing conversations from far away, and claiming to see people who aren’t there—it is clear that a spirit is at work within him. However, it is not the Holy Spirit of God, but an unclean spirit, likely invited through direct or indirect contact with the occult or demonic knowledge.
Because the fruit of this spirit in his life is fear, torment, confusion, and aggression—which are not characteristics of God’s Spirit. The Bible clearly says:
“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” —2 Timothy 1:7
And again:
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.” —Galatians 5:22–23
If the Holy Spirit was in him, we would see evidence of peace, joy, gentleness, and self-control. Instead, this man lives in fear, hears tormenting voices, and is filled with suspicion. These are the opposite fruits—evidence that he is being influenced by an evil spirit.
Just as the Holy Spirit gives gifts to believers (1 Corinthians 12:7–10), such as prophecy, healing, tongues, and teaching, evil spirits also counterfeit gifts. People under demonic influence may hear distant voices, have psychic-like insights, perform signs, or possess a persuasive ability that leads others into error or destruction.
Jesus warned us about this:
“The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” —John 10:10
This man has likely been ensnared by the enemy, either knowingly or unknowingly. Because he doesn’t know Christ, he might wrongly believe these experiences are supernatural gifts from God. But Scripture warns us:
“And no wonder! For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light.” —2 Corinthians 11:14
The most important thing is that he hears and believes the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
“So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” —Romans 10:17
Take time to explain the Good News to him—that Jesus Christ came to destroy the works of the devil (1 John 3:8), and through His death and resurrection, He offers complete freedom and new life to anyone who believes in Him.
If he responds in faith:
“Then Peter said to them, ‘Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is to you and to your children…’” —Acts 2:38–39
Once he receives the Holy Spirit, he will experience a radical change. The torment will be replaced by divine peace, his fears by joy, his confusion by clarity, and his restlessness by the gentleness and self-control of Christ.
“Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.” —John 8:36
Don’t give up on him. Keep praying. Keep sharing the truth. The power of the cross is greater than any demonic influence, and Jesus came for people exactly like him—those bound, broken, and lost.
“The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me… He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and recovery of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed.” —Luke 4:18
May the Lord give you wisdom, courage, and grace as you minister to him.
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ANSWER:
In 1 Chronicles 21:7, we read:
“This command was also evil in the sight of God; so He punished Israel.”
King David ordered a national census to determine how many fighting men Israel had. On the surface, this may seem like a practical decision for military planning. However, the Bible says this act displeased God greatly. The consequence? A severe plague broke out, and 70,000 Israelites died.
So the big question is: What made this census such a serious sin? And why did so many innocent people suffer for one man’s mistake?
While counting people is not inherently sinful, the motive behind the act is what matters to God. According to Exodus 30:11–12, when a census was taken, each person had to offer a ransom to the Lord “so that there may be no plague among them when you number them.” David failed to do this.
More importantly, David’s decision reflected a shift in trust—from reliance on God to confidence in military strength. He wanted to see the numbers instead of walking by faith.
Joab, David’s military commander, immediately recognized the danger and warned him:
“Why should my lord bring guilt on Israel?” —1 Chronicles 21:3
Despite the warning, David insisted.
Later, David repented:
“I have sinned greatly by doing this… I have done a very foolish thing.” —1 Chronicles 21:8
This shows that the sin was rooted in pride and self-reliance—which are condemned throughout Scripture (see Proverbs 16:18, Jeremiah 17:5).
David himself asked this very question:
“Was it not I who ordered the fighting men to be counted? I, the shepherd, have sinned… These are but sheep. What have they done?” —1 Chronicles 21:17
It seems unfair—until we understand a deeper biblical truth.
Look at 2 Samuel 24:1
“Again the anger of the Lord burned against Israel, and He incited David against them, saying, ‘Go and take a census of Israel and Judah.’”
This verse shows that God was already angry with the nation of Israel before David acted. The census was not the root cause of the judgment—it was the occasion God used to execute a punishment the people already deserved. Though the Bible doesn’t list their exact sins here, Israel had a long history of rebellion—idolatry, injustice, ritual corruption, and shedding innocent blood (see Isaiah 1:2–4, Micah 6:8–13, Hosea 4:1–6).
In that sense, God allowed David’s failure to serve as a doorway for His righteous judgment. God’s sovereignty over human actions is seen here, where even human mistakes can fulfill divine purposes—without God being the author of evil (see Romans 9:17–22, Genesis 50:20).
Another passage gives even more detail:
“Satan rose up against Israel and incited David to take a census of Israel.” —1 Chronicles 21:1
So, was it God or Satan who caused David to act?
Theologically, both are true—God permitted it; Satan executed it. Just like in the case of Job (Job 1–2), Satan acts within limits set by God. In David’s case, God allowed the temptation to accomplish a greater purpose—to bring judgment on a rebellious nation.
This mystery of divine sovereignty and human responsibility is echoed in James 1:13
“Let no one say when he is tempted, ‘I am being tempted by God,’ for God cannot be tempted with evil, and He himself tempts no one.”
Yet, God may permit temptation for purposes of discipline, correction, or judgment.
This story teaches us that God may sometimes use leaders—even flawed ones—to bring about His discipline on a people.
We see this with King Nebuchadnezzar, a cruel and powerful ruler. Yet God called him:
“My servant Nebuchadnezzar” —Jeremiah 27:6
God used him to punish nations—including Israel—for their disobedience. Nebuchadnezzar did not know he was being used, but God’s purpose still prevailed.
The same principle may apply today. When leaders become corrupt, harsh, or irrational, we should ask: Is this simply bad leadership, or is God allowing this as a form of correction to turn us back to Him?
God’s Word reminds us:
“When the righteous increase, the people rejoice, but when the wicked rule, the people groan.” —Proverbs 29:2
This is not to say all suffering is punishment—but sometimes, national or personal hardship is a wake-up call to return to God’s ways.
David’s census was wrong not because counting was sinful, but because it came from pride, misplaced trust, and disobedience to God’s clear instructions. Yet the resulting plague was more than just a punishment for David—it was a divine judgment on a rebellious nation.
God, in His justice and sovereignty, allowed the census to become the means through which He held Israel accountable for their hidden sins. The story reminds us to walk humbly, depend on God, and intercede for our leaders and nations—lest we find ourselves under judgment as well.
“If My people who are called by My name humble themselves, and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.” —2 Chronicles 7:14
May we walk in wisdom, humility, and repentance before the Lord.
Be blessed.
Answer:
To understand this well, it’s important to recognize that the Bible speaks about different kinds of oaths, and not all oaths are sinful or forbidden.
For instance, the Apostle Paul calls God as a witness to confirm his words:
“But I call God to witness against me—it was to spare you that I did not return to Corinth.” — 2 Corinthians 1:23
“For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son…” — Romans 1:9
From this, we see there are two main categories of oaths:
These oaths are solemn promises made before God, often called vows or covenants. They bind a person spiritually and morally. For example, if someone vows to God to do or not do something until a certain purpose is fulfilled, this is serious. Failing to keep such a vow is considered sin (Ecclesiastes 5:4-5):
“When you make a vow to God, do not delay paying it, for he has no pleasure in fools; pay what you vow.” — Ecclesiastes 5:4-5
Marriage is another example of a sacred covenant. When two people marry according to God’s design, they are bound by a holy oath to remain faithful until death:
“What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate.” — Mark 10:9
Whether the couple publicly declares their vows or not, the marriage covenant is established before God.
In courts or official agreements, people are often asked to swear or affirm the truth of their statements or their commitment to uphold contracts. These oaths serve a practical purpose—they confirm honesty and build trust. They are not about proving moral perfection or superiority but about affirming truthfulness and accountability.
God forbids rash, arrogant, or prideful oaths—those made carelessly or out of pressure. For example:
Such oaths are often spoken in anger or pride and are meaningless because humans do not have authority over these things. Jesus warned against this:
“But I say to you, Do not take an oath at all, either by heaven, for it is the throne of God…” — Matthew 5:34
Instead, Jesus taught that we should speak simply and truthfully:
“Let what you say be simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’; anything more than this comes from evil.” — Matthew 5:37
Therefore, Christians are encouraged to speak honestly and straightforwardly, letting their “yes” mean yes, and their “no” mean no (James 5:12):
“But above all, my brothers, do not swear, either by heaven or by earth or by any other oath, but let your ‘yes’ be yes and your ‘no’ be no, so that you may not fall under condemnation.” — James 5:12
May God bless you as you seek to live with integrity and truth.
After Eve disobeyed God by eating the fruit from the tree He had forbidden, God pronounced judgments on the serpent, the woman, and the man. One specific consequence for the woman was this:
“Your desire shall be for your husband, and he shall rule over you.” — Genesis 3:16
At first glance, this might sound like romantic longing or affection, but a deeper theological and linguistic understanding reveals that it refers to something much more complex—a desire to control or dominate, leading to a power struggle in the marriage relationship.
When Satan tempted Eve in Genesis 3:5, he appealed to her ambition:
“For God knows that when you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” — Genesis 3:5
This temptation stirred in her a desire to rise above her God-given position—to gain wisdom, power, and independence from God’s command. Theologically, this reflects the sin of pride, which is the root of many other sins (Isaiah 14:12–14; Proverbs 16:18). This desire to be “like God” was not just about knowledge, but about control and self-rule.
Adam, although created first (1 Timothy 2:13), did not display this same ambition. His failure was passivity, not pride. But for Eve, this desire for autonomy and dominance became central—and it was this tendency that God addressed when He said, “Your desire will be for your husband.”
The Hebrew word used here for desire is “teshuqah”, which appears only a few times in Scripture. The most relevant parallel is in Genesis 4:7, where God says to Cain:
“Sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must rule over it.” — Genesis 4:7
In both cases, the word “desire” (teshuqah) implies a controlling or dominating urge, and “rule” implies conflict over authority. This clearly shows that the “desire” mentioned in Genesis 3:16 is not about affection, but about power and influence—a struggle for control in the relationship.
This verse marks the beginning of relational disorder between man and woman—a distortion of God’s original design (Genesis 2:18–25). Sin introduced rivalry where there was once unity. The woman would desire to control, but the man, in turn, would dominate her—often harshly. This was not God’s original intent but a consequence of sin.
It’s crucial to understand that Genesis 3:16 is a description of the fallen condition, not a prescription for how relationships should be. It’s not God’s command for men to rule over women by force—it’s a revelation of what happens when sin governs relationships.
That’s why, in the New Testament, we see a redemptive model of marriage through Jesus Christ.
“Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.” — Ephesians 5:25
“Wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands as you do to the Lord.” — Ephesians 5:22
This isn’t oppression—it’s mutual submission under Christ (see Ephesians 5:21). Husbands are called to lead in love and self-sacrifice, not in domination or pride. Wives are called to follow in humility and trust, not in fear.
Through Jesus, we are no longer slaves to the consequences of sin. Christ became a curse for us, so that we could be free from the curse of the fall:
“Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us…” — Galatians 3:13
This means that in Christian marriage, the pattern of power struggle can be broken. Husbands no longer rule by force, and wives no longer compete for control. Instead, both serve each other in love and reverence for Christ.
“There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” — Galatians 3:28
This verse doesn’t erase gender roles—it restores dignity and equality in Christ, removing the strife caused by sin.
So when God said, “Your desire will be for your husband, and he will rule over you,” He was describing the broken dynamics of marriage after the fall. But through the gospel of Christ, we are invited to something better—a marriage built on grace, love, and servant leadership, modeled after Christ and His Church.
In Christ, the curse is overcome, and true unity between man and woman can be restored.
Be blessed. — Answer rooted in Genesis 3:16, Ephesians 5, Galatians 3:13 & 28
REAL-LIFE STORY:
My grandmother told me about her brother who once married a woman, but he mistreated her. Eventually, he abandoned her, even after they had a child together. As the woman returned to her family in Arusha, hurt and rejected, she said: “This man will marry twelve wives, and the twelfth will be like a hyena who will finish him off.” Now, years later, the man has already married six women and continues to remarry.
So the question is: Were her words being fulfilled through God, or are they being fulfilled through Satan? Or something else?
Human beings have God-given creative power in their words—especially when spoken with faith. But faith operates in three distinct ways, and each has different spiritual roots and implications.
This is the kind of faith that is built upon trust in God’s Word. It aligns with God’s will and operates through the Holy Spirit. For example, someone may rebuke a sickness in the name of Jesus, and healing occurs. Or speak life to a dead body, and it comes back to life (e.g., John 11:43-44 – Lazarus’ resurrection).
“So Jesus answered and said to them, ‘Have faith in God. For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, “Be removed and be cast into the sea,” and does not doubt in his heart… he will have whatever he says.’” — Mark 11:22–23
This is God-centered faith, and it brings about divine results that glorify Him.
Satan also imitates spiritual power. Some people (e.g., witches, sorcerers, or spirit mediums) speak words or make declarations powered by demonic forces. In such cases, evil spirits work behind the scenes to fulfill those spoken curses or predictions.
“For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age…” — Ephesians 6:12
That’s why some words spoken in rituals, spells, or curses do manifest—but not by the power of God.
This is often overlooked, but it’s real. It’s the type of faith or determination that comes from the human spirit—not directly from God or Satan. For example, when you decide to raise your hand, it moves. When people dreamed of flying or reaching the moon, they achieved it through inner willpower—not divine intervention.
This inner faith can even affect circumstances. Someone may speak something out of strong emotion and inner belief, and if God does not intervene, that word may come to pass.
“…if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you.” — Matthew 17:20
Many parental blessings or curses fall under this category. Even unbelieving parents can speak powerful words over their children. Their authority and strong emotion can make those words effective—even without knowing God.
If the woman in the story wasn’t a Christian and wasn’t using dark powers, she may have spoken those words from a place of deep emotional pain and inner conviction. That kind of word, spoken with soul-level belief, can still come true—especially if God does not override it in His mercy.
That’s why the Bible warns us to be very careful with our words:
“Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.” — Romans 12:1
We may not fully understand how deeply our words can affect others.
“Death and life are in the power of the tongue…”
Yes, a person can speak something—good or bad—and it comes to pass, even if it’s not from God. But whether that word is being fulfilled through divine faith, demonic influence, or human will depends on its source and spiritual backing.
Let us choose our words carefully and follow the example of Jesus, who said:
“Love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you…” — Matthew 5:44
May the Lord guide your speech and protect you from every careless or harmful word. God bless you.
The Holy Spirit’s work in a person’s life happens gradually. When God chooses to draw a sinner toward Himself, He sends the Holy Spirit to convict that person of sin (John 16:8). This conviction makes the person aware of their need to repent and turn to God. At this stage, the Holy Spirit is like a guide walking alongside them — encouraging and drawing them closer, but not yet fully dwelling inside (John 14:16-17).
A helpful analogy is that of courtship. Imagine a man courting a woman: he shows kindness, gives gifts, speaks lovingly, and tries to win her heart. But until she accepts his marriage proposal, they are not united. Similarly, the Holy Spirit can reveal things to a person and guide them, but the full indwelling of the Spirit comes only after genuine repentance and baptism.
Why baptism?
Baptism is the public and spiritual act that symbolizes a person’s death to sin and resurrection to new life in Christ (Romans 6:3-4). It is the moment the Holy Spirit takes full residence in the believer’s heart, sealing them as God’s own (Ephesians 1:13-14).
The Bible clearly teaches that baptism is essential for receiving the Holy Spirit:
Ephesians 4:30 “And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.” This “sealing” is a spiritual mark of ownership and protection.
2 Corinthians 1:22 “He has also put his seal on us and given us his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.” The Holy Spirit is described as a “deposit,” confirming our relationship with God.
Romans 8:9 “You, however, are not in the realm of the flesh but are in the realm of the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, they do not belong to Christ.”
This verse highlights that without the indwelling Spirit, a person is not truly part of Christ’s body.
When a person genuinely repents — turning from sin and accepting Christ’s sacrifice — and then receives baptism according to Scripture, the Holy Spirit comes to live within them fully. This is like a spiritual “marriage,” a permanent union sealed by baptism.
What about those who are baptized but still sin?
Some may argue, “I know people who were baptized properly but still live in sin.” The answer lies in understanding human free will and spiritual maturity. Baptism does not guarantee perfect behavior immediately but marks the beginning of a transformed life (Philippians 1:6). Some may have been baptized superficially or for social reasons, not truly repenting. The effectiveness of baptism depends on a sincere heart.
May God bless you as you seek His truth.
The Pharisees and Sadducees were two prominent Jewish sects during the Second Temple period (516 BC – 70 AD). Though both adhered to the Torah (the first five books of Moses), they held divergent theological beliefs, especially regarding the resurrection, the afterlife, and spiritual beings.
Beliefs:
Affirmed the resurrection of the dead, judgment, and life after death (Daniel 12:2).
Believed in angels, spirits, and the existence of a spiritual realm.
Accepted not only the Torah but also the Oral Law (later codified in the Talmud) as authoritative.
Anticipated the coming of a Messiah who would establish God’s kingdom.
Scripture Support:
“And many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt.”Daniel 12:2, ESV
“…the Pharisees acknowledge them all.”Acts 23:8, ESV
Beliefs:Denied the resurrection, angels, and spirits.
Rejected the Oral Law and only adhered strictly to the written Torah.
Did not believe in an afterlife or divine judgment beyond this life.
Jesus’ Rebuke (Matthew 22:23–33):Jesus directly addressed the Sadducees’ denial of resurrection. He reminded them that God is “the God of the living,” referring to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob indicating they are still alive in God’s presence.
“I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob’? He is not God of the dead, but of the living.”Matthew 22:32, ESV
Paul’s Use of Their Division (Acts 23:6–10):The Apostle Paul, a former Pharisee, used the doctrinal divide between the two groups to protect himself from unjust trial:
“…‘Brothers, I am a Pharisee, a son of Pharisees. It is with respect to the hope and the resurrection of the dead that I am on trial.’”Acts 23:6, ESV
This statement caused conflict between the Pharisees and Sadducees, essentially diverting attention away from Paul.
The term “Greek” in the New Testament refers to different groups depending on context. It’s crucial to understand these distinctions to interpret Scripture accurately.
These were ethnically Jewish people who lived in Greek-speaking regions of the Roman Empire. They often adopted Greek customs and language while still practicing Judaism.
Example: John 12:20–21
“Now among those who went up to worship at the feast were some Greeks. So these came to Philip… and asked him, ‘Sir, we wish to see Jesus.’”John 12:20–21, ESV
These “Greeks” were likely Hellenistic Jews or proselytes (Gentile converts to Judaism) who had come to Jerusalem for the Passover.
Example: Pentecost (Acts 2:5–11)On Pentecost, Jews from all over the Roman world, including Greek-speaking areas, were present:
“Now there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men from every nation under heaven.”Acts 2:5, ESV
These were non-Jewish people from Greek or Hellenistic backgrounds. In the New Testament, many of them were considered “God-fearers” Gentiles who were attracted to Jewish monotheism but not fully converted.
Example: The Syrophoenician Woman (Mark 7:26)
“Now the woman was a Gentile, a Syrophoenician by birth. And she begged him to cast the demon out of her daughter.”Mark 7:26, ESV
Though she was a Gentile, Jesus honored her faith, showing that salvation would also be extended to the nations.
Titus and Timothy
Pharisees were strict interpreters of the Law who also believed in resurrection, angels, and the spiritual world.
Sadducees were more aristocratic and skeptical, denying the resurrection and spiritual beings, accepting only the Torah.
Greeks in the New Testament may refer to either Hellenistic Jews or Gentiles from the Greek world.
Be blessed!
Shalom! To answer this question properly, we must begin with a foundational truth: God is omnipresent He exists everywhere and nothing is hidden from Him, not even the realm of darkness.
In Psalm 139:7–12 (ESV), David declares:
“Where shall I go from your Spirit? Or where shall I flee from your presence? If I ascend to heaven, you are there! If I make my bed in Sheol, you are there!… Even the darkness is not dark to you; the night is bright as the day, for darkness is as light with you.” (vv. 7–12)
This psalm reveals God’s unlimited reach and knowledge even the darkest, most hidden places are fully exposed to Him. This truth establishes that God can intervene or speak in any context, including situations involving darkness or rebellion.
Scripture reveals three main “realms” or “kingdoms” active in creation:
The Kingdom of God – The highest authority; holy, eternal, and sovereign (Luke 1:33, Matthew 6:10).
The kingdom of darkness – Governed by Satan, active in deception, witchcraft, rebellion, and sin (Colossians 1:13, Ephesians 6:12).
The kingdom of man – The physical realm we inhabit, influenced by the above two (Genesis 1:28, Romans 5:12).
Each of these realms has its own jurisdiction and influence, but only God’s Kingdom is supreme. He alone has full authority over all creation (Psalm 103:19).
“The Lord has established his throne in the heavens, and his kingdom rules over all.” Psalm 103:19 (ESV)
Even Satan acknowledged a form of temporal control over the earthly kingdoms when tempting Jesus:
“All these I will give you, if you will fall down and worship me.” Matthew 4:9 (ESV)
This was not an empty boast. While God is sovereign, He allows limited authority to Satan within boundaries He controls (Job 1:12, Luke 22:31–32).
In 1 Samuel 28, King Saul, having lost favor with God and no longer hearing from Him through prophets, dreams, or the Urim, sought out a medium the so-called “Witch of Endor.” This was a direct violation of God’s Law:
“Do not turn to mediums or necromancers; do not seek them out, and so make yourselves unclean by them: I am the Lord your God.” Leviticus 19:31 (ESV)
“There shall not be found among you anyone who… practices divination or tells fortunes or interprets omens… For whoever does these things is an abomination to the Lord.” Deuteronomy 18:10–12 (ESV)
Despite this rebellion, something unusual happened Samuel appeared and spoke to Saul.
Now, theologians differ on whether this was truly the spirit of Samuel or a demon impersonating him. But the text itself (1 Samuel 28:12–20) strongly suggests God allowed Samuel to appear, not as a sign of approval, but as an act of judgment:
“Why then do you ask me, since the Lord has turned from you and become your enemy?” 1 Samuel 28:16 (ESV)
This was not divine endorsement of witchcraft. Rather, it was God using even a forbidden situation to declare judgment on Saul. Saul was already condemned for his disobedience (1 Samuel 15:23), and consulting a medium sealed his fate.
Theologically, yes God can speak through or in any circumstance, even in places or through means that are not godly. Why? Because He is sovereign (Romans 8:28, Daniel 4:35). But that does not mean He approves of the method or that the person is right with God.
In Numbers 22, Balaam, a pagan prophet skilled in divination, hears directly from God. God even uses Balaam’s donkey to speak a message! But Balaam’s intentions were corrupt, and he later led Israel into sin (Numbers 31:16). Despite hearing God’s voice, Balaam was ultimately killed in judgment (Joshua 13:22).
Lesson: Hearing from God is not the same as being right with God.
People who turn to witchcraft, fortune-telling, or other occult practices are not genuinely seeking God they’re usually looking for quick fixes to life’s problems. But Scripture warns:
“There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death.” – Proverbs 14:12 (ESV)
Saul didn’t go to the medium to seek God he went to get answers that God had withheld. This is a warning: trying to reach God through forbidden means invites judgment, not blessing.
God’s true method of communication and reconciliation with man is through His Son, Jesus Christ.
“For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.” 1 Timothy 2:5 (NKJV)“I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” – John 14:6 (ESV)
Any attempt to approach God through idols, the occult, or alternative spiritual paths is rebellion and leads to destruction even if “answers” seem to come. Those answers are often deceptive or come with spiritual consequences (2 Thessalonians 2:9–12).
Yes, God is able to speak in any situation—even through darkness—because He is omnipresent and sovereign. However, that does not mean He endorses or approves of the methods used.
When He does choose to speak in such contexts, it is often a warning or a final word of judgment, not favor or guidance.
Key truth: God’s answers will never contradict His Word.
To seek God properly, we must come through faith in Jesus Christ, with a humble heart, and in obedience to His Word. Any other way is dangerous and leads away from truth.
Scripture References Used:
Psalm 139:7–12 – God’s Omnipresence (ESV)
1 Samuel 28:6–20 – Saul and the Medium of Endor (ESV)
Leviticus 19:31, Deuteronomy 18:10–12 – Prohibition of Witchcraft (ESV)
Numbers 22–24, 31:16, Joshua 13:22 – The story of Balaam
John 14:6, 1 Timothy 2:5 – Christ as the only way to God (ESV/NKJV)
Proverbs 14:12 – Deceptive paths (ESV)
2 Thessalonians 2:9–12 – Deceptive spiritual experiences (NIV
ANSWER:First, we must understand that it is not God’s will for us to experience suffering or evil. However, there are challenges and hardships that God allows for a purpose. These may be to teach us, show us His glory, or warn us. Ultimately, these hardships can lead to a good outcome, which is why the Apostle Paul wrote in
2 Corinthians 12:9:“But He said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10 For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”
There are also troubles caused by humans themselves. These are choices we make, and God cannot prevent all of them because He has given us free will. Just like a wise parent may give advice to a child who is about to make a wrong decision, but cannot force them to listen, God allows us to make our own choices. Even though He sees the consequences, He does not force us to obey. If we choose wrongly, He may warn us, but He respects our freedom to choose.
This is the same with God. He sees the harm that could come to us and wishes to prevent it, but the decision to follow or not is ours. God will warn us and show us the potential outcomes of our choices, but the decision to listen or ignore that advice is ultimately up to us.
God has given us the ability to choose. If a person chooses to continue in sin despite God’s warnings, He cannot force them to stop. For example, if someone continues in sinful behavior like adultery, even though God has clearly said that such people will not inherit the kingdom of God, He allows them to make that choice. While God knows the end result of their actions, He does not force them to change.
Even when Satan turned away from God, God warned him but did not force him to repent. Satan’s decision to rebel was his own choice. And similarly, we have the freedom to choose whether to follow God’s guidance or not. God does not force us.
God created us with the ability to make decisions. He gives us the option to accept or reject His advice. He is always there to warn us, guide us, and help us avoid the consequences of evil, but He will not force us to follow Him.
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QUESTION: After Cain killed his brother Abel, he fled to the land of Nod. I would like to understand, where did he find a wife and have children with her? (Genesis 4:16).
ANSWER: If you read Genesis 5:1-5 (NIV), it says:
“1 This is the written account of Adam’s family line. When God created mankind, he made them in the likeness of God.2 He created them male and female and blessed them. And he named them ‘Mankind’ when they were created.3 When Adam had lived 130 years, he had a son in his own likeness, in his own image; and he named him Seth.4 After Seth was born, Adam lived 800 years and had other sons and daughters.5 Altogether, Adam lived a total of 930 years, and then he died.”
If you carefully examine verse 4, you will see that, in addition to Cain and Abel, Adam and Eve had other sons and daughters. This means that Cain likely married one of his sisters or possibly a niece, as the Bible does not mention any other people being created by God at this point. The assumption that Cain married a wild animal or a non-human being is not supported by Scripture. Instead, it appears Cain took a wife from his own family.
In the early days of human history, there were no prohibitions against such marriages. The idea that one should not marry close relatives, such as siblings, came much later in the history of humanity. This leads to another important question: Was it lawful for Cain to marry a close relative, such as his sister?
ANSWER: Remember, Adam himself did not take a wife from another family, but from his own side. The Bible records that Eve was taken from Adam’s rib (Genesis 2:21-23). In terms of kinship, Adam and Eve’s relationship was more akin to a deep unity than the relationship between a brother and sister. Early on, God allowed such unions for the purpose of procreation, as humanity was still in its infancy and needed to multiply and fill the earth. The first humans were created to populate the earth, and there were no other people available at the time for marriage.
However, as humanity grew, the need for such unions decreased, and God later issued commandments forbidding incestuous relationships. This is seen in the Levitical laws given to the Israelites much later, after the human population had expanded significantly.
Leviticus 18:6 (NIV) says: “No one is to approach any close relative to have sexual relations. I am the Lord.”
Additionally, Leviticus 18:9 (NIV) states: “Do not have sexual relations with your sister, either your father’s daughter or your mother’s daughter, whether she was born in the same home or elsewhere.”
These laws were given to protect human health, moral integrity, and to establish a clear social structure for the growing human population. In the beginning, though, God allowed for such unions to ensure the survival and expansion of mankind.
To clarify, marrying a close relative was not uncommon in the early days of humanity, as there were no other options. But with the passage of time and the growth of the human race, God’s laws evolved to prohibit incest and ensure the well-being of future generations.
In summary: Cain most likely married one of his sisters or a close relative, as Adam and Eve had many other children. This practice was permissible early on, but later, God gave explicit commandments forbidding marriage between close relatives, which are still relevant today.
Blessings to you.