Wizards and magic are sometimes mentioned in the Bible, often in connection with sorcery or practices that are discouraged by God. What does Scripture teach about engaging in magical practices or consulting with wizards? Let’s explore the Bible’s stance on this topic and the spiritual dangers it warns against.
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What Does The Bible Say About Wizards
Leviticus 19:31
“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.”
This verse emphasizes that seeking out wizards, mediums, or necromancers is a direct violation of God’s command. It warns against engaging in practices that involve communication with the dead or supernatural beings, as they can lead to defilement.
As Christians, we are called to place our trust in God alone and seek His guidance, rather than seeking supernatural powers or relying on occult practices for answers or assistance.
Deuteronomy 18:10-12
“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 or a charmer or a medium or a necromancer or one who inquires of the dead, for whoever does these things is an abomination to the Lord.”
This passage clearly lists various forms of occult practices, including wizardry, as abominations to the Lord. It serves as a stern warning against engaging in these activities and highlights the seriousness of their consequences.
As believers, we should distance ourselves from witchcraft, divination, and any form of magic that contradicts God’s commandments, recognizing that they are detestable in His sight.
1 Chronicles 10:13
“So Saul died for his breach of faith. He broke faith with the Lord in that he did not keep the command of the Lord, and also consulted a medium, seeking guidance.”
This verse recounts the tragic story of King Saul, who sought the help of a medium for guidance instead of relying on God. Saul’s actions were considered a breach of faith, and it cost him his life.
This serves as a cautionary tale, reminding us of the dangers and consequences of turning to wizards or mediums instead of seeking God’s will and guidance in our lives.
Isaiah 8:19
“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?”
In this verse, Isaiah challenges the people of God to rely on Him for guidance and not to seek the assistance of wizards or necromancers. He questions the wisdom of seeking answers from the dead instead of inquiring of the living God.
Similarly, as Christians, our trust should be placed in God alone, seeking His guidance through prayer, study of His Word, and through the counsel of fellow believers, rather than seeking supernatural knowledge from questionable sources.
Jeremiah 14:14
“And the Lord said to me: ‘The prophets are prophesying lies in my name. I did not send them, nor did I command them or speak to them. They are prophesying to you a lying vision, worthless divination, and the deceit of their own minds.”
This verse highlights the danger of following false prophets who engage in deceptive practices such as divination. It warns against placing trust in their visions, as they are not from God but are products of deceitful minds.
As believers, we should exercise discernment and carefully evaluate the messages we receive, ensuring they align with God’s revealed truth in Scripture and not getting entangled in the falsehoods promoted by wizards and false prophets.
Acts 8:9-11
“But there was a man named Simon, who had previously practiced magic in the city and amazed the people of Samaria, saying that he himself was somebody great. They all paid attention to him, from the least to the greatest, saying, ‘This man is the power of God that is called Great.’ And they paid attention to him because for a long time he had amazed them with his magic.”
This passage speaks of Simon, a former magician, who had bewitched the people of Samaria with his magical abilities. He falsely claimed to possess a divine power and received much attention and admiration from the people.
This story serves as a reminder that even those who exhibit impressive supernatural feats are not necessarily operating under the guidance of God. It warns of the danger of being enthralled by the allure of magic and encourages us to anchor our faith in the true power of God.
Acts 19:19
“Also, many of those who were now believers came, confessing and divulging their practices. And a number of those who had practiced magic arts brought their books together and burned them in the sight of all. And they counted the value of them and found it came to fifty thousand pieces of silver.”
In this verse, believers who had previously been involved in wizardry and magic arts confess their previous practices and show repentance by publicly destroying their magical books. They understand the need to completely renounce and separate themselves from their former occult involvement.
As Christians, we should also be willing to forsake any associations with occult practices, acknowledging the transformative power of Christ and surrendering our lives fully to Him.
Galatians 5:20
“Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions.”
This verse includes witchcraft in a list of works of the flesh, clearly indicating its sinful nature. It highlights how witchcraft can lead to the promotion of discord, hatred, and the disunity among believers.
As followers of Christ, we are called to cultivate the fruits of the Spirit within us and distance ourselves from any form of activities or beliefs that are contrary to God’s commandments.
Revelation 21:8
“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.”
This verse speaks of the ultimate fate of sorcerers, including wizards, who will be condemned along with other unrepentant sinners. It emphasizes the seriousness of engaging in witchcraft and its eternal consequences.
As Christians, it is essential to understand the eternal ramifications of our actions and to wholeheartedly embrace the forgiveness and transforming power offered through faith in Jesus Christ.
Exodus 7:11
“Then Pharaoh summoned the wise men and the sorcerers, and they, the magicians of Egypt, also did the same by their secret arts.”
In this biblical account, Pharaoh sought counsel from the wise men and sorcerers of Egypt. These magicians, exercising their secret arts, attempted to replicate the miraculous signs performed by Moses and Aaron.
This passage serves as a reminder that while there might be deceptive displays of supernatural power, true divine miracles reflect the power and authority of God alone above any wizardry or magic.
2 Kings 21:6
“And he burned his son as an offering and used fortune-telling and omens and dealt with mediums and with wizards. He did much evil in the sight of the Lord, provoking him to anger.”
This verse speaks about Manasseh, a wicked king of Judah, who not only practiced wizardry and sought the counsel of mediums but caused great evil in the eyes of the Lord. His actions provoked God’s anger.
As believers, we should be cautious not to engage in any practices that are displeasing to God, taking heed of the consequences it may have on our relationship with Him.
Exodus 22:18
“You shall not permit a sorceress to live.”
This verse reveals the severity with which God regards witchcraft. It prohibits the existence of sorceresses among His people, emphasizing His desire for them to be free from any form of participation in these occult practices.
As Christians, we should actively distance ourselves from witchcraft and actively seek to live in obedience to God’s commandments, avoiding any association with activities that promote evil.
Isaiah 47:9
“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.”
This verse speaks of the consequences that await those who practice sorcery and enchantments. It warns of the sudden and severe judgment that will befall them, even in the midst of their attempts to manipulate and control situations through magical means.
As believers, we should be warned by this verse and rely on God’s guidance and providence rather than seeking supernatural intervention through forbidden practices.
Revelation 22:15
“Outside are the dogs and sorcerers and the sexually immoral and murderers and idolaters, and everyone who loves and practices falsehood.”
This verse describes those who will be excluded from the eternal dwelling of God. Among the categories mentioned are sorcerers, highlighting the eternal consequences of engaging in witchcraft and practicing falsehood.
As Christians, it is essential to strive for lives marked by truth, purity, and obedience to God, avoiding any participation in practices that are incompatible with His character and teachings.
Daniel 2:27-28
“Daniel answered the king and said, ‘No wise men, enchanters, magicians, or astrologers can show to the king the mystery that the king has asked, but there is a God in heaven who reveals mysteries.”
In this passage, Daniel declares that the wisdom and knowledge of God surpass the abilities of wise men, enchanters, magicians, or astrologers to decipher mysteries and provide divine insight. He acknowledges that true revelation and understanding come from God alone.
As believers, we should trust in the wisdom and guidance of God, seeking His counsel rather than relying on occult practices that claim to offer supernatural knowledge.
2 Chronicles 33:6
“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.”
This verse recounts the actions of Manasseh, a wicked king of Judah, who not only practiced sorcery but also engaged in other forms of occultism, including consulting necromancers and mediums. His actions provoked God’s anger.
As Christians, let us learn from the consequences Manasseh faced and ensure we steer clear of any involvement with occult practices, remembering to honor and obey God in all we do.
Isaiah 47:12-13
“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. 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.”
This passage speaks of the futile reliance of those who engage in enchantments and sorceries, mocking their attempts to find security and insight through their magical practices.
As Christians, we should avoid the temptation to rely on such practices, trusting in the unchanging faithfulness of God and finding our hope and guidance in Him alone.
Deuteronomy 18:9-14
“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. 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 or a charmer or a medium or a necromancer or one who inquires of the dead, for whoever does these things is an abomination to the Lord.”
These verses provide an explicit warning against engaging in various forms of occult practices, including wizardry. The Lord considers these practices abominable, signaling their contradictory nature to His holy character.
As followers of Christ, we are called to separate ourselves from these practices, committing ourselves to worship and serve the one true God with pure hearts.
Deuteronomy 18:15-19
“The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among you, from your brothers—it is to him you shall listen—just as you desired of the Lord your God at Horeb on the day of the assembly, when you said, ‘Let me not hear again the voice of the Lord my God or see this great fire any more, lest I die.’ And the Lord said to me, ‘They are right in what they have spoken. I will raise up for them a prophet like you from among their brothers. And I will put my words in his mouth, and he shall speak to them all that I command him. And whoever will not listen to my words that he shall speak in my name, I myself will require it of him.”
These verses speak of the future coming of a prophet who will be like Moses, chosen by God to speak His words and commandments to His people. It emphasizes the importance of heeding the words of this prophet and following his teachings.
As Christians, we recognize Jesus Christ as the fulfillment of this prophecy, the ultimate prophet who reveals God’s will and desires for His people. We should listen to His teachings and walk in obedience to His commands, refraining from seeking guidance and revelation through illegitimate means.
Acts 16:16-18
“As we were going to the place of prayer, we were met by a slave girl who had a spirit of divination and brought her owners much gain by fortune-telling. She followed Paul and us, crying out, ‘These men are servants of the Most High God, who proclaim to you the way of salvation.’ And this she kept doing for many days. Paul, having become greatly annoyed, turned and said to the spirit, ‘I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her.’ And it came out that very hour.”
This passage recounts the encounter between the apostle Paul and a slave girl possessed by a spirit of divination. Although her words seemed to affirm Paul’s ministry, he recognized the source of her proclamation and commanded the spirit to leave her.
This story highlights the importance of discernment and the need to rely on the power and authority of Jesus Christ to confront and dispel the influence of wizardry or other supernatural practices in our lives and in the lives of others.