The enigmatic art of foretelling the future has captivated human interest since time immemorial, with fortune tellers playing a significant role in various cultures and religions, including the Bible. Throughout Christian history, different terms have been used to describe those who claim to divine the future, often takżeity to their methods and beliefs.
When exploring what the Bible calls fortune tellers, it's essential to understand that the term 'fortune teller' is a modern construct, and the Bible uses various words to describe individuals engaged in divination, sorcery, and other related activities. The most common terms include 'soothsayers,' 'diviners,' and 'enchanters.'
Soothsayers in the Bible
Soothsayers, or those who interpret signs and omens to foretell the future, are mentioned numerous times in the Bible. In Leviticus 19:26 and Leviticus 20:27, they are explicitly condemned, with God's commandment being, "Do not practice divination or seek omens."
In the New Testament, Acts 16:16-18 tells the story of a slave girl possessed by a spirit that enabled her to predict the future. Apostle Paul, upon learning that she was causing trouble, cast the spirit out of her, illustrating the Bible's stance against fortune-telling.
Divination in the Old Testament
The Old Testament condemns divination, with Adonai asserting His dominion over the future. In Isaiah 44:25, He declares, "I am the one who stirs up the wind and makes waves in the sea. My name is the Lord Almighty. I am the one who stirs up the storm and makes waves in the sea, but I also reveal secrets and hidden things."
The book of Deuteronomy, particularly chapter 18, warns against consulting mediums, spiritists, or those who communicate with the dead, emphasizing that such practices are an abomination to God.
Divination in the New Testament
The New Testament also shuns divination. In Acts 16:16, the aforementioned slave girl is described as having a "pythonic spirit," referring to the Pythia, the priestess of Apollo at Delphi, who was believed to deliver prophecies. When Paul cast the spirit out of her, the enslaved woman's ability to predict the future was also taken away, demonstrating the New Testament's disapproval of fortune-telling.
Even the much debated Book of Revelation, often associated with prophecy, reveals that true prophecy comes from God, not from self-proclaimed fortune tellers. In Revelation 19:10, an angel states, "Worship God! For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy."
Other Terms Used for Fortune Tellers in the Bible
In addition to soothsayers and divines, the Bible employs other terms to describe fortune tellers and those engaged in occult practices. 'Enchanters' are mentioned in Psalms 58:4-5, "Their tongues practice deceit, and iniquity is spoken with their lips. They have poisonous venom like the venom of a snake, guilt stops their lips from speaking."
'Witches' and 'sorcerers' are also condemned in the Bible. In Exodus 22:18, we find, "Do not allow a sorceress to live," and in the famous Ten Commandments given to Moses, Exodus 20:3 says, "You shall not make for yourself a carved image." This is often interpreted to include idols and false gods used in sorcery and fortune-telling.
The Bible's stance on fortune-telling is clear and consistent, warning against its practice and adherents. However, it's essential to remember that interpretations may vary among different Christian denominations and individuals. So, while the Bible calls fortune tellers by various names and condemns their practices, it also emphasizes the importance of personal discernment and a direct relationship with God for divine foresight.