Bible Topics About Witches And Witchcraft That Are Rarely Taught By Modern Day Preachers
There are several explosive and often avoided topics in the Bible concerning witches and witchcraft, which challenge modern perspectives on spiritual matters. These topics often confront uncomfortable truths about the reality and seriousness of occult practices. Some of these include:
1. The Ban on Witchcraft and Sorcery (Exodus 22:18, Deuteronomy 18:9-14): The Bible explicitly condemns witchcraft, sorcery, and occult practices, calling them abominations and warning that those who engage in them will be excluded from God's kingdom. These passages are rarely taught in their full weight, often because they clash with modern fascination with witchcraft in pop culture and New Age spirituality. The Bible presents witchcraft as a serious spiritual danger, often linked with idolatry and rebellion against God.
2. The Witch of Endor and King Saul (1 Samuel 28:3-20): In this passage, King Saul consults a medium (the Witch of Endor) to summon the spirit of the deceased prophet Samuel. The disturbing account shows how Saul, desperate and cut off from God, resorts to witchcraft, leading to his downfall. This event is often avoided because it blurs the lines between the spiritual world and the forbidden practices of necromancy, and it highlights the consequences of turning to occult powers instead of relying on God.
3. The Transformation of Simon the Sorcerer (Acts 8:9-24): Simon was a sorcerer who amazed people with his magic in Samaria but later became a follower of Jesus. When Simon tried to buy the power of the Holy Spirit, Peter rebuked him sharply. This story is explosive because it shows how even those deeply involved in witchcraft and sorcery can come to faith, but it also highlights the dangers of attempting to manipulate spiritual powers for personal gain. The distinction between true and false spirituality is sharply emphasized.
4. Jannes and Jambres, the Magicians of Pharaoh (2 Timothy 3:8, Exodus 7:11-12): These two magicians are mentioned as opposing Moses and performing counterfeit miracles by the power of the occult. While their names appear in later Jewish tradition, the Bible references their role in opposing God's work in Egypt. The explosive aspect of this story is that it shows Satan’s ability to perform supernatural signs through witchcraft, mimicking God’s power, and deceiving people into following false signs and wonders.
5. The Sorcerers of Revelation (Revelation 9:21, 18:23): In the book of Revelation, sorcery is associated with the final, horrific judgment of the earth. It is one of the many sins that lead to God's wrath being poured out, and sorcerers are among those who will face eternal punishment. The Bible’s unflinching stance on the fate of those who practice witchcraft in the end times is often avoided, as it stands in stark contrast to the romanticized portrayal of witchcraft in contemporary media.
6. The Serpent in the Garden and Witchcraft (Genesis 3:1-6): The original temptation in the Garden of Eden was influenced by Satan, who used the serpent to deceive Eve. Witchcraft, in its broadest sense, is a means of gaining forbidden knowledge and power outside of God’s will. The serpent's manipulation in the garden has been seen as the archetype of occult deception. This foundational act of rebellion is rarely taught as the root of all witchcraft, which seeks to subvert God's authority and lead people into spiritual darkness.
7. The False Prophets and Diviners (Jeremiah 14:14, Ezekiel 13:17-23): Throughout the Bible, there is a clear condemnation of false prophets and diviners who lead people astray, often through occult practices like necromancy, divination, and soothsaying. These deceptive practices are spiritually dangerous, and the Bible warns that those who engage in them will face severe judgment. The connection between false prophecy and witchcraft is often overlooked because it challenges the idea that all "spiritual" experiences are equally valid or from God.
8. The Curse of Deuteronomy 18:10-14: This passage not only forbids witchcraft but also condemns any form of seeking supernatural guidance outside of God, including using mediums, spiritists, and casting spells. This comprehensive curse is rarely discussed in-depth, as it sharply contrasts with modern trends in spirituality, where people often turn to astrology, tarot cards, or psychic readings.
9. The Role of Witchcraft in Idol Worship (2 Kings 21:6, 2 Chronicles 33:6): King Manasseh of Judah practiced witchcraft, sorcery, and idol worship, even offering his son as a sacrifice. His actions, which deeply offended God, led to judgment on Israel. This intertwining of witchcraft with idolatry shows that these practices often go hand in hand with rejecting God, and the consequences are severe. The deep spiritual connection between witchcraft and idolatry is not often discussed in churches today.
10. The Witchcraft of Balaam (Numbers 22-24, Revelation 2:14): Balaam is a key figure who tried to curse Israel, even though he was a prophet of God. His use of divination, in his desire for wealth and power, represents a form of witchcraft that seeks to manipulate God's will for personal gain. His story is often overlooked because it shows how religious leaders can fall prey to occult practices when driven by greed and power.
These topics are explosive because they challenge the modern tendency to downplay or romanticize occult practices. The Bible consistently presents witchcraft as a direct opposition to God, linked with rebellion, idolatry, and spiritual deception. Many avoid these teachings due to the uncomfortable reality of the seriousness with which God condemns witchcraft, sorcery, and other occult practices.
