“What about…” Aledo Church of Christ Summer Series 2014

Mediums “What do you say to someone who sees no difference between praying to God and seeking counsel from a psychic, medium, or astrology?”

Divination “…divination - the use of various means to foresee future events, truth, or the discovery of hidden knowledge.” Davis, David. “Divination in the Bible”. Jewish Bible Quarterly. 30 (2) 2002; p “Divination may be defined as the art or science of deducing the future or the unknown through the observation and interpretation of some facet of nature or human life, ordinarily of an unpredictable and trivial character.” International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, (Rev). Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, “…divination - the use of various means to foresee future events, truth, or the discovery of hidden knowledge.” Davis, David. “Divination in the Bible”. Jewish Bible Quarterly. 30 (2) 2002; p “Divination may be defined as the art or science of deducing the future or the unknown through the observation and interpretation of some facet of nature or human life, ordinarily of an unpredictable and trivial character.” International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, (Rev). Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1979.

Forms Common in Ancient Near East “We are much better informed, in general, about Mesopotamian divinatory practices, even though a great deal remains obscure. The range of techniques apparently was much broader than in Israel, and the art much more developed and specialized. One hears of divining by oil on water (lecanomancy), by observing smoke (libanomancy), and by casting lots. The best attested techniques, however, involve observations of natural phenomena: astronomical features, birds, dreams, malformations, and extispicy performed on animals, including its specialization in hepatoscopy.” Long, Burke. “The Effect of Divination Upon Israelite Literature” Journal of Biblical Literature 92 (4) 1973; p “We are much better informed, in general, about Mesopotamian divinatory practices, even though a great deal remains obscure. The range of techniques apparently was much broader than in Israel, and the art much more developed and specialized. One hears of divining by oil on water (lecanomancy), by observing smoke (libanomancy), and by casting lots. The best attested techniques, however, involve observations of natural phenomena: astronomical features, birds, dreams, malformations, and extispicy performed on animals, including its specialization in hepatoscopy.” Long, Burke. “The Effect of Divination Upon Israelite Literature” Journal of Biblical Literature 92 (4) 1973; p. 491.

Forms Common in Ancient Near East 1.Dreams (Oneiromancy). 2.Lots (Cleromancy). 3.Arrows (Belomancy). 4.Water (Hydromancy or Lecanomancy). 5.Liver Inspection (Hepatoscopy). 6.Staff or Rod (Rhabdomancy). 7.Consultation with the Dead (Necromancy). 8.Observation of Heavenly Bodies (Astromancy or Astrology). International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, (Rev). Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, Dreams (Oneiromancy). 2.Lots (Cleromancy). 3.Arrows (Belomancy). 4.Water (Hydromancy or Lecanomancy). 5.Liver Inspection (Hepatoscopy). 6.Staff or Rod (Rhabdomancy). 7.Consultation with the Dead (Necromancy). 8.Observation of Heavenly Bodies (Astromancy or Astrology). International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, (Rev). Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1979.

Mediums “What do you say to someone who sees no difference between praying to God and seeking counsel from a psychic, medium, or astrology?”

Forbidden for Israel:  Deuteronomy 18: Be separate from the nations, 9 2.Detestable to God, 12 3.Listen to God,  Leviticus 19:26 & 31; 20:27  Isaiah 8:19-20 Forbidden for Israel:  D Deuteronomy 18: Be separate from the nations, 9 2.Detestable to God, 12 3.Listen to God, LLeviticus 19:26 & 31; 20:27 IIsaiah 8:19-20

Scripture and Divination “Magic, Sorcery”:  Galatians 5:20 1.Gr. pharmakeia 2.Magic = seeking to control events by enticing a deity or spirit being to act on your behalf  Acts 19:11-21 “Magic, Sorcery”:  G Galatians 5:20 1.Gr. pharmakeia 2.Magic = seeking to control events by enticing a deity or spirit being to act on your behalf AActs 19:11-21

Acceptable Divination? Casting Lots? Used 23 times in NASB In an approving way? o 13 times o Perhaps Acts 1:24-26 o Often seeking God or at His direction, cf. Lev. 16:8, 1; Joshua 18:6 In a statement of fact o 11 times o Against Israel, cf. Joel 3:3 o Against Jesus, cf. Luke 23:34 Casting Lots? Used 23 times in NASB In an approving way? o 13 times o Perhaps Acts 1:24-26 o Often seeking God or at His direction, cf. Lev. 16:8, 1; Joshua 18:6 In a statement of fact o 11 times o Against Israel, cf. Joel 3:3 o Against Jesus, cf. Luke 23:34

Acceptable Divination? Hydromancy (water)? Often cited is Joseph, Genesis 44:5, 15 Cf. Genesis 41:16 – “It is not in me…” Necromancy? Saul & the “witch of En-Dor” 1 Sam. 28:3-25 Was this an “approved” event? Was this a real event?

The En-Dor Event 1.God is no longer communicating with Saul, 6 2.“She cried out” Why? Because this was only real event? Because she realizes this is Saul? 3.She “sees” Samuel, 14 o Saul does not see Samuel o Saul is able to converse 4.Samuel chastises Saul, 15-19

Overview 1.Divination is said to be detestable to God. 2.Most forms and techniques in the ancient near east sought to interpret natural phenomena to predict the future. 3.God wanted His people to rely on and listen to Him. 4.God seemed to approve a limited form, “casting lots,” at unique times at His direction.

Trusting God Trust in the Lord with all your heart And do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He will make your paths straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the Lord and turn away from evil. Proverbs 3:5-7NASU

Anxiety, Worry Anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7NASU