Divination
Culture & SocietyWhat is the meaning of Divination in the Bible?
Divination is the practice of seeking knowledge of the future or the unknown through supernatural means, typically performed by specialized priests or seers. It is generally classified into two types: artificial divination, which involves interpreting external signs such as animal entrails or celestial movements, and inspirational divination, which involves receiving messages through altered states of consciousness or dreams.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding divination clarifies the biblical prohibition against such practices, contrasting the Israelite reliance on prophetic revelation and divine law with the surrounding nations' dependence on occult methods to guide their decisions.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
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Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.