Necromancy in the Bible refers to the practice of communicating with the dead, often for the purpose of seeking guidance or foretelling the future. It is condemned in scripture, as seen in Deuteronomy 18:10-12, where such practices are associated with abomination and rebellion against God.
Scripture
9 “When you come into the land that the Lord your God is giving you, you shall not learn to follow the abominable practices of those nations.”
10 There shall not be found among you anyone who burns his son or his daughter as an offering, anyone who practices divination or tells fortunes or interprets omens, or a sorcerer.
11 or a charmer or a medium or a necromancer or one who inquires of the dead,
12 For whoever does these things is an abomination to the Lord. And because of these abominations the Lord your God is driving them out before you.
13 You shall be blameless before the Lord your God.
14 For these nations, which you are about to dispossess, listen to fortune-tellers and to diviners. But as for you, the Lord your God has not allowed you to do this.
Biblical Definition of Necromancy
In the Bible, necromancy is understood as a serious offense against God, rooted in the belief that attempting to communicate with the dead undermines divine authority and disrupts the established order of life and death. Deuteronomy 18:10-12 explicitly states, “Let no one be found among you who sacrifices their son or daughter in the fire, who practices divination or engages in witchcraft, who interprets omens, or engages in necromancy or calls up the dead. Anyone who does these things is detestable to the Lord.” This passage reflects a broader theological principle in the Hebrew Scriptures: that God alone holds control over life, death, and the afterlife. Engaging in necromancy signifies a rejection of faith in God’s sovereignty and provision, revealing a desire for knowledge and power not granted by God.
The practice of necromancy also serves as a caution against seeking guidance from sources outside of God’s revelation. The story of King Saul and the Witch of Endor in 1 Samuel 28 illustrates the grave consequences of resorting to necromancy. Saul, in desperation after being abandoned by God, seeks the medium to summon the spirit of the prophet Samuel, revealing not only his disobedience but also the futility and danger of such practices. The encounter ends with Samuel recounting the divine judgment against Saul, thereby reinforcing the biblical notion that turning to necromancy leads to further estrangement from God and his purposes. Overall, the biblical condemnation of necromancy articulates a crucial understanding of human limitations and the importance of seeking guidance through prayer, scripture, and fellowship with God instead of through forbidden supernatural means.
In addition to its explicit mention in Deuteronomy, necromancy is also contextualized through various narratives and wisdom literature throughout the Bible, emphasizing its aversion in the eyes of God. The overarching theme is that communication with the dead is not only futile but invites spiritual peril. The narratives often depict necromancers or mediums as individuals who exploit the vulnerabilities of the living, demonstrating a lack of faith in God’s providence. The prophetic tradition consistently warns against such practices by reasserting the importance of adhering to God’s word and rejecting any form of occult influence, which could lead believers away from the truth.
Moreover, the figure of Jesus Christ in the New Testament reinforces the biblical definition of necromancy through his teachings and actions. He demonstrates authority over death itself, evident in miracles such as raising Lazarus and his own resurrection, which highlights that genuine encounters with the afterlife are grounded in divine power rather than forbidden practices. The resurrection is portrayed as the ultimate victory over death, rendering necromantic attempts as not only ineffective but redundant. The Christian emphasis on eternal life and hope in God’s promises stands in direct contrast to necromancy, showcasing the faithful’s reliance on God for understanding the afterlife rather than seeking illicit knowledge through condemned practices. This distinction further affirms that true spiritual wisdom is found through God-ordained means, and any deviation is depicted as a profound misunderstanding of the nature of life and death established by the Creator.
Spiritual Communication and Its Implications
Necromancy, in the biblical context, often refers to the practice of attempting to communicate with the dead, which raises significant theological and moral concerns. This practice is seen as a violation of the natural order established by God, as it seeks to bypass the divine authority and engage with spiritual realms that are forbidden. The broader implication here is the understanding of the sanctity of life and death, emphasizing that humans should not seek to manipulate or control the spiritual world for personal gain or knowledge.
The Danger of Idolatry and False Worship
Another broader meaning of necromancy in the Bible relates to its association with idolatry and false worship. Engaging in necromantic practices can lead individuals away from true worship of God, as it often involves the veneration of spirits or entities that are not aligned with biblical teachings. This highlights the danger of turning to alternative spiritual practices that can distort one’s relationship with God and lead to spiritual deception, emphasizing the importance of fidelity to divine commandments.
The Quest for Knowledge and Its Consequences
Necromancy also reflects humanity’s innate desire for knowledge, particularly concerning the afterlife and the unknown. The biblical narrative warns against seeking knowledge through forbidden means, suggesting that such pursuits can lead to dire consequences. This broader meaning serves as a cautionary tale about the limits of human understanding and the importance of trusting in God’s wisdom rather than attempting to uncover hidden truths through illicit practices.
How to Strengthen Your Faith and Spiritual Awareness
Strengthening your faith and spiritual awareness is a deeply personal journey that requires intentionality and openness. Start by carving out time each day for prayer and reflection; this quiet space allows you to connect with God and listen for His guidance. Dive into the Scriptures, not just as a text to read, but as a living conversation with God—ask questions, seek understanding, and let the words resonate in your heart. Surround yourself with a community of believers who inspire and challenge you; sharing your experiences and struggles can deepen your faith and provide support. Finally, practice gratitude and service; recognizing the blessings in your life and extending kindness to others can transform your perspective and draw you closer to God. Remember, faith is a journey, not a destination, so be patient with yourself as you grow and evolve in your spiritual walk.
Bible References to Necromancy Definitions:
Leviticus 19:26-31: 26 “You shall not eat any flesh with the blood in it. You shall not interpret omens or tell fortunes.
27 You shall not round off the hair on your temples or mar the edges of your beard.
28 You shall not make any cuts on your body for the dead or tattoo yourselves: I am the Lord.
29 “Do not profane your daughter by making her a prostitute, lest the land fall into prostitution and the land become full of depravity.
30 You shall keep my Sabbaths and reverence my sanctuary: I am the Lord.
31 “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 20:6-7: 6 “If a person turns to mediums and necromancers, whoring after them, I will set my face against that person and will cut him off from among his people.
7 Consecrate yourselves, therefore, and be holy, for I am the Lord your God.
1 Samuel 28:3-20: 3 Now Samuel had died, and all Israel had mourned for him and buried him in Ramah, his own city. And Saul had put the mediums and the necromancers out of the land.
4 And the Philistines assembled and came and encamped at Shunem. And Saul gathered all Israel, and they encamped at Gilboa.
5 When Saul saw the army of the Philistines, he was afraid, and his heart trembled greatly.
6 And when Saul inquired of the Lord, the Lord did not answer him, either by dreams, or by Urim, or by prophets.
7 Then Saul said to his servants, “Seek out for me a woman who is a medium, that I may go to her and inquire of her.” And his servants said to him, “Behold, there is a medium at En-dor.”
8 So Saul disguised himself and put on other garments and went, he and two men with him. And they came to the woman by night. And he said, “Divine for me by a spirit and bring up for me whomever I shall name to you.”
9 The woman said to him, “Surely you know what Saul has done, how he has cut off the mediums and the necromancers from the land. Why then are you laying a trap for my life to bring about my death?”
10 But Saul swore to her by the Lord, “As the Lord lives, no punishment shall come upon you for this thing.”
11 Then the woman said, “Whom shall I bring up for you?” He said, “Bring up Samuel for me.”
12 When the woman saw Samuel, she cried out with a loud voice. And the woman said to Saul, “Why have you deceived me? You are Saul.”
13 The king said to her, “Do not be afraid. What do you see?” And the woman said to Saul, “I see a god coming up out of the earth.”
14 He said to her, “What is his appearance?” And she said, “An old man is coming up, and he is wrapped in a robe.” And Saul knew that it was Samuel, and he bowed with his face to the ground and paid homage.
15 Then Samuel said to Saul, “Why have you disturbed me by bringing me up?” Saul answered, “I am in great distress, for the Philistines are warring against me, and God has turned away from me and answers me no more, either by prophets or by dreams. So I have summoned you to tell me what I should do.”
16 And Samuel said, “Why then do you ask me, since the Lord has turned from you and become your enemy?
17 The Lord has done to you as he spoke by me, for the Lord has torn the kingdom out of your hand and given it to your neighbor, David.
18 Because you did not obey the voice of the Lord and did not carry out his fierce wrath against Amalek, therefore the Lord has done this thing to you this day.
19 Moreover, the Lord will give Israel also with you into the hand of the Philistines, and tomorrow you and your sons shall be with me. The Lord will give the army of Israel also into the hand of the Philistines.
20 Then Saul fell at once full length on the ground, filled with fear because of the words of Samuel. And there was no strength in him, for he had eaten nothing all day and all night.
2 Kings 21:1-6: 1 Manasseh was twelve years old when he began to reign, and he reigned fifty-five years in Jerusalem. His mother’s name was Hephzibah.
2 And he did what was evil in the sight of the Lord, according to the despicable practices of the nations whom the Lord drove out before the people of Israel.
3 For he rebuilt the high places that his father Hezekiah had destroyed, and he erected altars for Baal and made an Asherah, as Ahab king of Israel had done, and worshiped all the host of heaven and served them.
4 And he built altars in the house of the Lord, of which the Lord had said, “In Jerusalem will I put my name.”
5 And he built altars for all the host of heaven in the two courts of the house of the Lord.
6 And he burned his son as an offering and used fortune-telling and omens and dealt with mediums and necromancers. He did much evil in the sight of the Lord, provoking him to anger.
2 Chronicles 33:1-6: 2 And he did what was evil in the sight of the Lord, according to the abominations of the nations whom the Lord drove out before the people of Israel.
2 And he did what was evil in the sight of the Lord, according to the abominations of the nations whom the Lord drove out before the people of Israel.
3 For he rebuilt the high places that his father Hezekiah had broken down, and he erected altars to the Baals, and made Asherahs, and worshiped all the host of heaven and served them.
4 And he built altars in the house of the Lord, of which the Lord had said, “In Jerusalem shall my name be forever.”
5 And he built altars for all the host of heaven in the two courts of the house of the Lord.
6 And he burned his sons as an offering in the Valley of the Son of Hinnom, and used fortune-telling and omens and sorcery, and dealt with mediums and with necromancers. He did much evil in the sight of the Lord, provoking him to anger.
Isaiah 8:19-22: 19 And when they say to you, “Inquire of the mediums and the necromancers who chirp and mutter,” should not a people inquire of their God? Should they inquire of the dead on behalf of the living?
20 To the teaching and to the testimony! If they will not speak according to this word, it is because they have no dawn.
21 They will pass through the land, greatly distressed and hungry. And when they are hungry, they will be enraged and will speak contemptuously against their king and their God, and turn their faces upward.
22 And they will look to the earth, but behold, distress and darkness, the gloom of anguish. And they will be thrust into thick darkness.
Isaiah 19:1-4: 1 An oracle concerning Egypt. Behold, the Lord is riding on a swift cloud and comes to Egypt; and the idols of Egypt will tremble at his presence, and the heart of the Egyptians will melt within them.
2 And I will stir up Egyptians against Egyptians,
and they will fight, each against another
and each against his neighbor,
city against city, kingdom against kingdom;
3 And the spirit of the Egyptians within them will be emptied out, and I will confound their counsel; and they will inquire of the idols and the sorcerers, and the mediums and the necromancers.
4 And I will give over the Egyptians into the hand of a hard master, and a fierce king will rule over them, declares the Lord God of hosts.
Isaiah 47:8-14: 8 Now therefore hear this, you lover of pleasures, who sit securely, who say in your heart, “I am, and there is no one besides me; I shall not sit as a widow or know the loss of children”:
9 These two things shall come to you in a moment, in one day; the loss of children and widowhood shall come upon you in full measure, in spite of your many sorceries and the great power of your enchantments.
10 You felt secure in your wickedness; you said, “No one sees me”; your wisdom and your knowledge led you astray, and you said in your heart, “I am, and there is no one besides me.”
11 But evil shall come upon you, which you will not know how to charm away; disaster shall fall upon you, for which you will not be able to atone; and ruin shall come upon you suddenly, of which you know nothing.
12 Stand fast in your enchantments and your many sorceries,
with which you have labored from your youth;
perhaps you may be able to succeed;
perhaps you may inspire terror.
13 You are wearied with your many counsels; let them stand forth and save you, those who divide the heavens, who gaze at the stars, who at the new moons make known what shall come upon you.
14 Behold, they are like stubble; the fire consumes them; they cannot deliver themselves from the power of the flame. No coal for warming oneself is this, no fire to sit before!
Galatians 5:19-21: 19 Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality,
20 idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions,
21 envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.
Revelation 21:7-8: 7 The one who conquers will have this heritage, and I will be his God and he will be my son.
8 But as for the cowardly, the faithless, the detestable, as for murderers, the sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars, their portion will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur, which is the second death.”
Rev. François Dupont is a dedicated church minister with a wealth of experience in serving spiritual communities. With a calm and serene demeanor, he has been devoted to sharing the message of love, compassion, and tolerance for over two decades. Through his thoughtful sermons, compassionate counseling, and unwavering support, Rev. Dupont has touched the lives of countless individuals, allowing them to find solace and strength during difficult times. His serene presence and deep understanding of the human condition make him a trusted guide for those seeking spiritual nourishment and guidance.