What Is Divination According to the Bible?

Divination is a practice rooted in the kingdom of darkness, often associated with witch doctors, sorcerers, and those influenced by familiar spirits who claim to predict future events. In biblical terms, divination involves seeking knowledge or guidance from sources other than God, which is strictly forbidden.

People historically engaged in divination through various means such as palm reading, casting lots, or examining animal organs (haruspicy).

Biblical Prohibition of Divination

In the Old Testament, God explicitly forbade the Israelites from practicing divination and sorcery. This prohibition was part of God’s covenant law, designed to keep His people separate from pagan customs and reliant solely on Him.

2 Kings 17:16-20 (NIV):
“They forsook all the commands of the Lord their God and made for themselves two idols cast in the shape of calves… They sacrificed their sons and daughters in the fire. They practiced divination and sought omens… and aroused the Lord’s anger. So the Lord was very angry with Israel and removed them from his presence… Only the tribe of Judah was left. Even Judah did not keep the commands of the Lord their God but followed the practices Israel had introduced.”

This passage highlights the spiritual downfall that came with engaging in divination disobedience to God led to exile and judgment.

Does Divination Actually Work?

A common question is whether divination truly reveals the future. The biblical answer is a clear no.

• Satan’s Limitations: Satan does not have omniscience. He cannot predict the future, just as humans cannot. Only God possesses perfect knowledge of past, present, and future.

God’s Sovereignty: According to Isaiah 46:9-10 (ESV), God declares:
“I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me, declaring the end from the beginning…”
This confirms that foreknowledge of future events belongs to God alone.

• Satan’s Deception: Satan may arrange circumstances to give the illusion of prophecy or prediction. For instance, a witch doctor might name visitors who then unexpectedly arrive, but this is orchestrated through demonic influence rather than genuine foreknowledge.

How Divination Works Spiritually

When a person seeks divination, they open themselves to demonic manipulation. Witch doctors and mediums do not truly see the future; they communicate with spirits who create scenarios to deceive people into thinking their predictions are accurate.

This is why Deuteronomy 18:10-12 (NIV) condemns divination and related practices:

“Let no one be found among you who… practices divination or sorcery… Anyone who does these things is detestable to the Lord.”

• Idolatry and False Worship: Divination often involves worshiping false gods or spirits, violating the First Commandment (Exodus 20:3).
• Separation from God: Seeking knowledge from occult sources breaks the believer’s fellowship with God and invites spiritual bondage.
• False Security: Any blessings or prophecies obtained through divination are counterfeit and ultimately lead to curses, as Satan’s goal is to destroy (John 10:10).

The True Source of Prophecy

For those seeking to understand their future, the Bible is the authoritative source. God reveals His plans through Scripture and the Holy Spirit. Believers are encouraged to trust God’s Word for guidance rather than turn to occult practices.

Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV):
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

Divination is a deceptive practice condemned by God, originating from Satan’s lies. It does not reveal the future but creates falsehoods that lead people away from God. Only God knows the future perfectly, and His Word offers the true hope and guidance we need.

If you want to know what tomorrow holds, immerse yourself in God’s Word and trust in His promises.

Maranatha!

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