Divination According to the Bible: Understanding, Recognizing, and Combating It in Contemporary Culture
- Jan 4
- 5 min read
Updated: Jan 17
Divination, a practice of seeking knowledge or insight through supernatural means, has been a part of various cultures for centuries. In the Bible, it’s viewed with strong disapproval because it involves attempting to gain wisdom from sources other than God. For Christians, understanding what divination is, how it’s portrayed in Scripture, and how it manifests in contemporary culture is vital. It’s not just about ancient practices—it’s also a reality today.
What is Divination According to the Bible?
The Bible’s stance on divination is clear. Divination refers to methods used to gain secret knowledge about the future, or to communicate with spiritual forces (other than God) for guidance. These methods can include things like astrology, tarot cards, crystal balls, palm reading, or consulting mediums. Essentially, divination is an attempt to control or predict events beyond human understanding by relying on spiritual sources that are not aligned with God's will.
In Deuteronomy 18:10-12, God warns against engaging in practices such as:
"Let no one be found among you who... practices divination or sorcery, interprets omens, engages in witchcraft, or casts spells... anyone who does these things is detestable to the Lord." (Deuteronomy 18:10-12, NIV)
This passage illustrates that divination is not just a "neutral" practice—it’s something God specifically forbids because it involves turning to other sources for wisdom instead of relying on His guidance.
Another important scripture is Leviticus 19:26, which says:
"Do not practice divination or seek omens." (Leviticus 19:26, NIV)
These commands are repeated in Isaiah 47:13-15, where the prophet Isaiah mocks the diviners and astrologers of Babylon:
"All the counsel you have received has only worn you out! Let your astrologers come forward, those stargazers who make predictions month by month, let them save you from what is coming upon you." (Isaiah 47:13, NIV)
God’s perspective is clear: divination is not just wrong because it doesn’t work—it’s wrong because it takes the focus away from God’s sovereignty, His will, and His wisdom.
How Does Contemporary Culture Participate in Divination?
While you may not see many people casting lots or using ancient methods like those mentioned in the Bible, modern-day forms of divination are all around us. Here are some common ways that contemporary culture participates in divination:
Astrology: Horoscopes and zodiac signs have become mainstream in many cultures. People often turn to their birth charts or daily horoscope for guidance on how to act, what to wear, or even whom to date. It’s common to see astrology apps or Instagram posts discussing your "star sign’s" predictions for the day.
Tarot Cards and Palmistry: These practices are becoming more popular, even among young people. Tarot readings, whether in-person or online, are advertised as a way to uncover hidden truths about the future or one’s life path. Palmistry (reading palms to predict the future) is also something many people may dabble in.
Psychics and Mediums: The popularity of psychic readings, spiritual mediums, or even "ghost hunting" shows the growing interest in seeking answers from supernatural sources.
Manifestation and the Law of Attraction: While not always overtly "divinatory," the movement that encourages people to "manifest" their desires through positive thinking often involves an attempt to control life circumstances through non-biblical means, believing that the universe will grant wishes in response to one's energy.
Crystals and "Energy Healing": Many people today turn to crystals, chakra balancing, or energy healing practices, believing these methods can influence spiritual or physical well-being. These are rooted in the idea that objects or spiritual energies can provide answers or change outcomes.
How to Recognize Divination
Recognizing divination involves examining the motivation and source of the guidance being sought. Here are a few red flags that indicate involvement in divination:
Seeking answers outside of God's Word: Any practice that looks to a source outside of Scripture for life guidance or future predictions is a form of divination.
Relying on unknown spiritual sources: Practices that open up a person to unknown or unspecified spiritual entities (e.g., spirit guides, mediums, or occult forces) are warnings that divination may be at play.
Focus on control: Divination often gives people a sense of control over their lives, making them believe they can influence or predict the future through supernatural means, rather than relying on God’s wisdom and trust in His timing.
The "spiritual" feel: If a practice feels spiritual but doesn’t align with the Bible (like some forms of meditation, energy work, or channelling), it’s wise to be cautious.
How Divination Destroys the Christian's Life
Engaging in divination can lead to spiritual harm and distance from God. Here’s how:
Undermines Trust in God: When a Christian seeks answers outside of God’s Word, they are essentially saying that God’s guidance isn’t enough. This erodes trust in God's sovereignty and timing.
Opens Doors to Deception: The Bible warns that the enemy (Satan) can use deceptive practices to lure people away from truth. In 2 Corinthians 11:14, Paul reminds us that “Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light.” Divination often involves false sources of wisdom that seem "truthful" but are ultimately deceptive.
Spiritual Unfaithfulness: Engaging in divination is spiritual adultery, according to Scripture. It involves turning to false gods (or spiritual sources) for answers rather than being faithful to God. This is shown in Hosea 4:12, which says:
“My people consult a wooden idol, and a diviner’s rod speaks to them. A spirit of prostitution leads them astray; they are unfaithful to their God.” (Hosea 4:12, NIV)
Legal Ground for Spiritual Attack: The Bible teaches that engaging in occult practices can give the enemy legal ground to influence a person’s life. This opens up vulnerabilities to spiritual attacks, confusion, and oppression.
How to Combat Divination
To combat divination, Christians must rely on the power of Scripture, prayer, and spiritual discernment. Here are some practical steps:
Return to God’s Word: The Bible is the Christian’s guide to truth. When in doubt, always turn to Scripture for direction (Psalm 119:105). Engage in daily reading and study of God’s Word to strengthen your faith.
Repentance and Renouncing: If you’ve been involved in any form of divination, it’s crucial to repent and renounce it. In Acts 19:18-19, the believers burned their occult books as a sign of repentance. Repentance restores your relationship with God.
Prayer and Fasting: Ask God for discernment and wisdom. In James 1:5, God promises to give wisdom to those who ask. Prayer and fasting are powerful tools in spiritual warfare.
Surround Yourself with Truth: Community and accountability are essential. Get involved with a church or group that upholds biblical truths. Avoid places or people that encourage divinatory practices.
Trust God’s Plan: Instead of seeking predictions about your future, trust in God’s perfect plan for your life (Jeremiah 29:11). He alone knows what’s best, and His ways are higher than ours.
Divination is a practice deeply opposed by the Bible. It's an attempt to gain knowledge from spiritual sources outside of God’s will, and it can seriously hinder a Christian’s relationship with the Lord. Whether it's astrology, tarot cards, or the allure of "manifesting" your desires, Christians are called to reject these practices, focus on God's Word, and trust in His divine guidance. By doing so, we protect our hearts from deception and stand firm in the freedom God offers.
