Deuteronomy 18:9-14
No way, no how
Lately there is a revival of an artform that was very popular from the late 1800's to mid 1900's
Spiritualists and mediums flourished in the Victorian period
Many people believed in the spirit world and sought to make contact
The rise of spiritualists and mediums eventually turned in the age of science
Science began to "prove" many of these individuals as fakes and con-artists
The increased interest in this artform now is due to the willingness of many to believe in the paranormal
But this practice of communicating with the dead goes all the way back to pre-biblical times
Shaman and magi would claim ability to communicate with spirit world
That is where the OT picks up the story
The Hebrew children/Israelites were surrounded by cultures that practiced this
Egyptians had a very strong belief in the spirit world
The Chaldeans were known for their spirit world beliefs
The Hebrew children were exposed to this on a daily basis
Deuteronomy becomes a defining law in the life of Israel
God prohibits allowing those who cast spells, mediums, spiritists, or anyone who calls up the dead
Chobar cheber - Spell casting to charm someone, or to take away free will
Shoeel owb – a consulter of familiar spirits
Yidde oniy – a knowing one
Doreesh hameetiym – seeker of death/ the dead
Saul breaks the law when he consults a shoeel owb in 1 Samuel 28
Samuel, the prophet, was dead and buried
The Philistines had invaded the land
Saul sought God's wisdom through approved channels – God did not answer
Saul found a consulter of familiar spirits to bring Samuel forth
Samuel comes forth and condemns Saul in death as he did in life
Why turn to the dead
Saul is a great example of anyone who goes to a medium – they want reassurance or comfort or wisdom from someone they know has the answers
In life we turn to parents or aunts/uncles we admire for wisdom; we look to our children as hope
In death, when those we have turned to are gone, it seems that our source of wisdom, hope, reassurance is gone
Mediums and spiritists play on the longing of people to find answers or words of comfort regarding someone they have lost
But Saul forgot the word of the Lord – 1 Chronicles 10:13-14
The issue of mediums, spirit talkers, séances, Ouija boards isn't in the act of doing but in the act of not doing
By turning to the dead through these individuals people are forgetting the living – God
Isaiah 8:19 – to consult the dead is to turn on the living God
God has established himself as the ultimate source of wisdom, comfort, assurance, hope
Exodus 34:14 – God is Jealous, demands singular devotion
1 Corinthians 15:22-28 – death is defeated in Christ and under his authority
Romans 5:1-5 – hope that God offers does not disappoint
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