The definition of divination is the practice of seeking knowledge of the future. This is accomplished by supernatural, unknown or unexplained means. An online resource references the Celtic art of divination. Based upon my research, the Celtic god of eloquence and literacy, Ogma or Ogmos inspired staves carved with the Ogham alphabet. This alphabet has become a popular method of divination for Celtics and pagans. Meanwhile, Ching is a Chinese book of wisdom that relies on 2500 years of ancient diviners and sages. These are some of the sources so called fortune tellers rely on today.
It happened that as we were on our way to the place of prayer, we were met by a slave-girl who had a spirit of divination [that is, a demonic spirit claiming to foretell the future and discover hidden knowledge], and she brought her owners a good profit by fortune-telling, Acts 16:16.
During the apostle Paul’s first visit to Europe, a slave girl with the gift of divination began to follow his missionary team around the city of Philippi. According to Luke, this happened for several days annoying Paul daily. Apparently, this girl’s constant distraction caused Paul to lose his patience. After becoming worn out, Paul rebuked this girl, casting out a demonic spirit that was inside of her. Luke refers to this spirit being the source of her fortune telling ability. Unfortunately, when the owners of this girl realized their ability to make money was gone, these men convinced the chief magistrates to throw Paul and Silas into jail.
“When you enter the land which the Lord your God is giving you, you shall not learn to imitate the detestable (repulsive) practices of those nations. 10 There shall not be found among you anyone who makes his son or daughter pass through the fire [as a sacrifice], one who uses divination and fortune-telling, one who practices witchcraft, or one who interprets omens, or a sorcerer, 11 or one who casts a charm or spell, or a medium, or a spiritist, or a necromancer [who seeks the dead]. 12 For everyone who does these things is utterly repulsive to the Lord; and because of these detestable practices the Lord your God is driving them out before you, Deuteronomy 18:9-12.
If you are like me, wondering what is wrong with divination, Moses explains why in the passage above. Divination was a common practice among pagan and secular nations. The thought of imitating detestable practices repulsed the Lord. Thus, Moses compares divination to witchcraft, a form of sorcery which the prophet Samuel banned Israel from participating, 1 Samuel 28:6-20.. Based upon God’s reason, partaking in divination is a form of rebellion, trusting in something else rather than relying on the Lord. Hopefully, this blog helps you understand the biblical perspective against seeking a spirit of divination,
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 