When men tell you to consult the spirits of the dead and the spiritists who whisper and mutter, shouldn't a people consult their God instead? Why consult the dead on behalf of the living? When men tell you to consult mediums and spiritists who whisper and mutter,In ancient Israel, consulting mediums and spiritists was a common practice among surrounding pagan nations. These individuals claimed to communicate with the dead or with spirits to gain insight or knowledge. The whispering and muttering refer to the secretive and often unintelligible incantations used in their rituals. This practice was explicitly forbidden in the Law of Moses (Leviticus 19:31, Deuteronomy 18:10-12) as it was considered an abomination and a direct violation of the first commandment, which calls for exclusive worship and reliance on God. The cultural context highlights a time when Israel was tempted to adopt the practices of neighboring nations, leading them away from their covenant relationship with God. Deu 18:10-12 Let no one be found among you who sacrifices his son… shouldn’t a people consult their God instead? This rhetorical question emphasizes the absurdity of seeking guidance from the dead or from spirits when the living God, who is all-knowing and all-powerful, is available to His people. It underscores the covenant relationship between God and Israel, where God promised to be their guide and protector (Exodus 19:5-6). The call to consult God instead of mediums is a reminder of the prophets' role as God's mouthpiece, providing divine guidance and revelation. This phrase also connects to the broader biblical theme of seeking wisdom and understanding from God alone (James 1:5). Isa 31:1 Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help… Why consult the dead on behalf of the living? This question challenges the logic and efficacy of seeking wisdom from the dead, who have no power or knowledge to influence the living. It reflects the biblical understanding that God is the source of life and truth, and only He can provide the guidance necessary for living a righteous life. The futility of consulting the dead is further illustrated in the story of King Saul and the medium of Endor (1 Samuel 28), where Saul's desperation leads him to seek counsel from a spirit, resulting in his downfall. This phrase reinforces the biblical teaching that life and wisdom come from God alone, and it foreshadows the New Testament revelation of Jesus Christ as the living Word and ultimate source of life (John 1:4, John 14:6). 1Sa 28:11-19 “Whom shall I bring up for you?” the woman asked.… Persons / Places / Events 1. IsaiahA major prophet in the Old Testament, Isaiah is the author of the book bearing his name. He served as a prophet in Judah during the reigns of several kings and is known for his messages of both judgment and hope. 2. Spiritists and Mediums Individuals who claim to communicate with the dead or with spirits. In ancient Israel, consulting such individuals was forbidden by God, as it was seen as a form of idolatry and rebellion against Him. 3. Judah The southern kingdom of Israel, where Isaiah primarily ministered. During Isaiah's time, Judah faced threats from surrounding nations and internal spiritual decline. 4. God The one true God of Israel, whom Isaiah calls the people to consult instead of turning to forbidden practices. 5. The Living and the Dead The living refers to the people of Judah, while the dead refers to the spirits that the people were wrongly consulting. Teaching Points Consult God FirstIn times of uncertainty or fear, believers are encouraged to seek guidance from God through prayer and His Word, rather than turning to worldly or forbidden sources. Discernment in Spiritual Matters Christians are called to exercise discernment and avoid practices that are contrary to God's commands, recognizing that not all spiritual experiences are from God. Trust in God's Sovereignty Trusting in God's sovereignty means believing that He has the answers and guidance we need, even when the world offers seemingly easier or more immediate solutions. Rejecting Idolatry Consulting mediums or spiritists is a form of idolatry, as it places trust in something other than God. Believers must guard against idolatry in all its forms. Living by Faith, Not Fear The temptation to seek forbidden guidance often stems from fear. Christians are called to live by faith, trusting in God's provision and protection. Bible Study Questions 1. What are some modern equivalents of consulting mediums or spiritists, and how can Christians avoid these practices?2. How does Isaiah 8:19 challenge us to evaluate where we seek guidance and wisdom in our daily lives? 3. In what ways can we cultivate a deeper trust in God to guide us, especially in times of uncertainty or fear? 4. How does the account of King Saul in 1 Samuel 28 serve as a warning against seeking guidance from the dead? 5. What practical steps can we take to ensure that we are consulting God first in all areas of our lives? Connections to Other Scriptures Deuteronomy 18:10-12This passage explicitly forbids the Israelites from engaging in practices such as divination, sorcery, and consulting the dead, emphasizing that these practices are detestable to God. 1 Samuel 28 The account of King Saul consulting the witch of Endor, which serves as a account example of the consequences of seeking guidance from the dead rather than from God. Leviticus 19:31 This verse warns against turning to mediums and spiritists, reinforcing the call to holiness and reliance on God alone.
People Immanuel, Isaiah, Jacob, Jeberechiah, Mahershalalhashbaz, Remaliah, Rezin, Uriah, Urijah, ZechariahPlaces Assyria, Damascus, Euphrates River, Jerusalem, Judah, Mount Zion, Samaria, ShiloahTopics Arts, Behalf, Bird-like, Chatter, Chirp, Consult, Control, Dead, Familiar, Ghosts, Gods, Hollow, Inquire, Mediums, Mutter, Necromancers, Peep, Request, Secret, Seek, Shouldn't, Soothsayers, Sounds, Spiritists, Spirits, Whisper, Wise, WizardsDictionary of Bible Themes Isaiah 8:19 4155 divination 4132 demons, malevolence Library Shiloah and EuphratesForasmuch as this people refuseth the waters of Shiloah that go softly ... the Lord bringeth up upon them the waters of the river, strong and many.' ISAIAH viii. 6, 7. The kingdom of Judah was threatened with a great danger in an alliance between Israel and Damascus. The cowardly King Ahaz, instead of listening to Isaiah's strong assurances and relying on the help of God, made what he thought a master-stroke of policy in invoking the help of the formidable Assyrian power. That ambitious military … Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Search the Scriptures Exposition of the Doctrines of Grace Prefatory Scripture Passages. Of the Scriptures Gihon, the Same with the Fountain of Siloam. Trials of the Christian That it is not Lawful for the Well Affected Subjects to Concur in Such an Engagement in War, and Associate with the Malignant Party. The Universality of Actual Grace Jesus' Temporary Residence at Capernaum. Of the Character of the Unregenerate. To Pastors and Teachers "But if we Walk in the Light, as He is in the Light, we have Fellowship one with Another, and the Blood of Jesus Christ His The Wicked Husbandmen. Letter xix (A. D. 1127) to Suger, Abbot of S. Denis First Sunday in Lent Covenanting a Privilege of Believers. Christ's Prophetic Office A Treatise of the Fear of God; That the Employing Of, and Associating with the Malignant Party, According as is Contained in the Public Resolutions, is Sinful and Unlawful. History of the Interpretation. Links Isaiah 8:19 NIVIsaiah 8:19 NLT Isaiah 8:19 ESV Isaiah 8:19 NASB Isaiah 8:19 KJV Isaiah 8:19 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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