MAGIC AND THE SCRIPTURES

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In the present time, magic is often related to illusion or entertainment. It is also separated from religion and science in practice today. But in ancient times, this was not the case. Magic “involved tapping into external sources of power or knowledge.” (Walton and Keener, 2016). In the ancient Near East, magic was connected with religion. Magic was also part of medicine in those days. Magical formulas were often used to prevent or cure illnesses.

𝗠𝗔𝗚𝗜𝗖 𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗟𝗔𝗪

In the OT, particularly in Deuteronomy 18:9–13, even though the word “magic” itself is not mentioned, there is a complete ban on magical activities such as child sacrifice in rituals, divination, sorcery, witchcraft, consulting spiritists/mediums, necromancy, and others. Though these practices were common among the pagan people in Canaan, the Lord was not pleased with them. This was one of the reasons why God drove out the original inhabitants of the Promised Land (vv. 9, 12). The death penalty for witchcraft (Exod. 22:18; Lev. 20:27) shows that it was a serious violation for the Israelites (see also Lev. 19:26, 31).

𝗠𝗔𝗚𝗜𝗖 𝗜𝗡 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗕𝗜𝗕𝗟𝗜𝗖𝗔𝗟 𝗦𝗧𝗢𝗥𝗜𝗘𝗦

Scripture does not deny the reality of magical powers. Many stories involving magical practices are recorded in the OT (2 Kgs. 9:22; 17:17; 21:6; 23:24; 2 Chr. 33:6; Ezek. 13:18, etc.). Perhaps two of the most remarkable are when Moses and Aaron surpassed the abilities of the Egyptian sorcerers during the Exodus and when Saul consulted the witch of Endor (1 Sam. 28). Some also claim that Balaam was a diviner/sorcerer for hire (Num. 22:7; 24:1).

In the NT, particularly in Acts, we are introduced to Bar-Jesus/Elymas, a sorcerer and false prophet (Acts 13:6), Simon the sorcerer of Samaria (8:9–11), and the unnamed slave girl with a spirit of divination (16:16). We are also familiar with the account where many new believers in Ephesus—considered the “center of magic” at the time—publicly burned their magical scrolls (19:17–20). The negative way in which biblical writers portray these figures shows that such practices are not according to God’s will. Though the Bible does not deny that evil spiritual forces are at work behind these practices, it affirms that magic is powerless against the power of God.

𝗠𝗔𝗚𝗜𝗖 𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗕𝗘𝗟𝗜𝗘𝗩𝗘𝗥𝗦

Why were these practices forbidden? “Magical practices claimed to draw on or manipulate nonhuman spiritual power (usually distinguished from submission to God).” (Walton and Keener, 2016). In ancient times, magic was based on the belief that human actions (rituals, spells, and other occult practices) could affect the will of the gods/goddesses in order to get the desired response. The goal of divination was to know the future, while witchcraft/sorcery sought to change events by “tapping into external sources.”

This means that these forbidden practices were rooted in selfish desires to control reality. “In this view, the diviners were considered to be powerful in their ability to coerce the gods or work around them. The axis of power was associated with the practitioner.” (Walton and Hill, 2013). Those who practiced such things were viewed as having significant power because they supposedly controlled spiritual forces. These practices removed the Israelites’ dependence on God, the only safe and secure source of power and knowledge.

Going back to Deut. 18, Moses said that God would raise up prophets to reveal His words (vv. 14–22). Therefore, Israel did not need to imitate the pagans who relied on divination/sorcery for guidance. God wanted His people to depend on Him because He knew what was best for them—and He was willing to give them His instructions.

Today, ancient magical practices still exist but in different forms, such as feng shui, astrology/horoscopes, New Age spirituality, etc. These occult methods share the same goal of controlling reality by manipulating spiritual power (which is obviously demonic in nature). The Bible instructs believers to “take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness” (Eph. 5:11).

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Why attempt to manipulate spiritual power when we can entrust both the present and the future into the hands of our loving God? While ancient people sought to coerce deities through occult means, prayer teaches believers submission, trusting that God already knows what they need. We are also commanded not to worry about the future, for each day has enough trouble of its own (Matt. 6:34). Seeking to know the future only adds unnecessary burdens. Besides, God has already revealed what we need to know about the future through His Word. Our blessed hope is secured (Titus 2:13; Rom. 8:18; etc.). Stay Curious.

Sources and Studies:

Walton, J. and, Keener C. (2016). “Magic”. 𝘕𝘐𝘝 𝘊𝘶𝘭𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘢𝘭 𝘚𝘵𝘶𝘥𝘺 𝘉𝘪𝘣𝘭𝘦. (p. 326). Zondervan
Walton, J. and, Keener C. (2016). “Magic in the New Testament”. 𝘕𝘐𝘝 𝘊𝘶𝘭𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘢𝘭 𝘚𝘵𝘶𝘥𝘺 𝘉𝘪𝘣𝘭𝘦. (p. 1884). Zondervan
Walton, J. and, Hill, A. (2013). “Dreams, Divination, Prophecy.”. 𝘖𝘭𝘥 𝘛𝘦𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘛𝘰𝘥𝘢𝘺, 2𝘯𝘥 𝘌𝘥𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯. (p. 258). Zondervan
Alexander, P and, Alexander, D. (1999). “Magic in the Old Testament by Todd Klutz”. 𝘓𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘏𝘢𝘯𝘥𝘣𝘰𝘰𝘬 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘉𝘪𝘣𝘭𝘦. (p.265). Thomas Nelson
McKenzie, J.L (1965). “Magic”. 𝘋𝘪𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘢𝘳𝘺 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘉𝘪𝘣𝘭𝘦. (p. 534-536). McMillian Publishing.

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