A Biblical Warning Against Consulting the Dead

In a world filled with uncertainty, people often seek guidance, comfort, or a glimpse into the future. Some turn to horoscopes, others to psychics, and still others attempt to commune with the departed through mediums or séances. These practices, though sometimes dismissed as harmless curiosity, are far from neutral in the eyes of God. As evangelical Christians, we hold fast to the authority of Scripture as God’s inspired and inerrant word, our ultimate guide for faith and life. The Bible issues a clear and uncompromising warning against consulting the dead, urging us instead to seek the living God and His revealed truth.

In this blog post, we’ll explore two pivotal passages, Isaiah 8:19-20 and 1 Samuel 28, that address this issue head-on. We’ll dig into the original Hebrew language to uncover the depth of these warnings, using the English Standard Version (ESV) to ground our understanding. Along the way, we’ll reflect on what these texts mean for us today, especially in a culture where occult practices are experiencing a resurgence. Let’s journey together into God’s word, seeking His light amidst the darkness.

Isaiah 8:19-20: A Call to Seek God, Not the Dead

The prophet Isaiah ministered during a turbulent time in Judah’s history. The nation faced threats from neighboring powers—first Syria and Israel, and later the looming Assyrian empire. In their fear, some turned to mediums and wizards for answers, hoping to find reassurance or secret knowledge. Into this context, God speaks through Isaiah with a powerful rebuke and redirection:

“And when they say to you, ‘Inquire of the mediums and the necromancers who chirp and mutter,’ should not a people inquire of their God? Should they inquire of the dead on behalf of the living? To the law and to the testimony! If they do not speak according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.” (Isaiah 8:19-20, ESV)

Unpacking the Hebrew Keywords

To fully grasp the weight of this warning, let’s examine the key Hebrew words and phrases:

Mediums (אוֹב, ov): This term refers to a necromancer—someone who claims to communicate with the dead. In ancient Israel, such practices were explicitly condemned as detestable to God (Deuteronomy 18:10-12). The word ov suggests a hollow, empty source, a stark contrast to the living God.

Necromancers (יִדְּעֹנִי, yidde’oni): Often translated as “wizards” or “knowing ones,” this term describes those who profess special insight, typically through occult means. It implies a false claim to wisdom, one that bypasses God’s true revelation.

Chirp (צָפַף, tsafaf): This verb means to peep or whisper, mimicking the eerie sounds mediums made during their rituals. It paints a picture of deception, as if the dead could speak through these faint, unnatural noises.

Mutter (הָגָה, hagah): Meaning to murmur or speak in a low voice, this word reinforces the secretive, shadowy nature of these practices. It stands in opposition to the clear, authoritative voice of God.

Isaiah poses two piercing rhetorical questions: “Should not a people inquire of their God?” and “Should they inquire of the dead on behalf of the living?” The Hebrew word for God here is אֱלֹהִים (Elohim), a majestic name that underscores His sovereignty and power. Why would anyone turn to the dead, powerless, and silent, when the living God, Elohim, is ready to guide His people?

The prophet then redirects the people to the true source of wisdom: “To the law and to the testimony!”

Law (תּוֹרָה, torah): This word means instruction or teaching, often referring to God’s commandments and will. It’s the foundation of life and truth for God’s people.

Testimony (תְּעוּדָה, te’udah): Signifying witness or attestation, this likely points to God’s prophetic revelations or the covenant He made with Israel. Together, torah and te’udah emphasize the sufficiency of God’s word.

Finally, Isaiah delivers a sobering verdict: those who reject this word “have no light in them.” The Hebrew word for light, אוֹר (or), symbolizes truth, guidance, and life itself. To abandon God’s word for the occult is to plunge into spiritual darkness, devoid of hope or direction.

The Message for Judah and Us

In Judah’s crisis, the temptation to consult mediums was real, but Isaiah exposes its futility. Why seek the dead, who cannot speak or save, when the living God offers wisdom and strength? This passage challenges us today as well. When we face trouble—whether personal struggles, national crises, or spiritual doubts—shouldn’t we turn to our God? If we can’t rely on Him in our distress, what good is our faith?

Moreover, the question “Should they inquire of the dead on behalf of the living?” cuts to the heart of practices like praying to saints or seeking messages from the departed. The Bible offers no basis for such actions; instead, it calls us to the living God who speaks through His living word.

1 Samuel 28: Saul’s Descent into Darkness

If Isaiah 8:19-20 provides the principle, 1 Samuel 28 offers a vivid illustration. This chapter recounts the tragic story of King Saul, who, in a moment of desperation, consults a medium to summon the spirit of the prophet Samuel. Let’s explore this narrative and its key Hebrew terms.

The Context

Saul, once chosen by God to lead Israel, had fallen into disobedience. He had expelled mediums and necromancers from the land (1 Samuel 28:3), in line with God’s law, but now faced a dire situation. The Philistine army was amassed against him, and God was silent—no answers came through prophets or dreams (1 Samuel 28:6). Instead of repenting, Saul sought out a medium at Endor.

The text reads:

“Then Saul said to his servants, ‘Seek out for me a woman who is a medium, that I may go to her and inquire of her.’ … So Saul disguised himself … and he said, ‘Divine for me by a spirit and bring up for me whomever I shall name to you.’” (1 Samuel 28:7-8, ESV)

Key Hebrew Words

Medium (אוֹב, ov): As in Isaiah, this term denotes a necromancer. Here, it’s paired with בַּעֲלַת אוֹב (ba’alat ov), meaning “mistress of necromancy,” highlighting the woman’s expertise in this forbidden art.

Inquire (דָּרַשׁ, darash): This verb means to seek or ask, often used for seeking God’s will (e.g., Deuteronomy 4:29). Saul’s use of darash for the dead instead of God reveals his spiritual bankruptcy.

Spirit (אוֹב, ov): Contextually, this refers to the spirit or ghost summoned, purportedly Samuel. Some debate whether this was truly Samuel or a demonic deception, but the text’s focus is on Saul’s disobedience, not the identity of the spirit.

The medium complies, and a figure appears, delivering a chilling message:

“Why have you disturbed me by bringing me up? … The Lord has turned from you and become your enemy … Tomorrow you and your sons shall be with me.” (1 Samuel 28:15-19, ESV)

Saul’s fate is sealed—death awaits him and his sons, and Israel will fall to the Philistines.

Lessons from Saul’s Failure

Saul’s story is a cautionary tale. In his fear and isolation, he turned to the very practices he once opposed, bypassing God for a forbidden source. The result? Not guidance or comfort, but judgment. The Hebrew word darash underscores the irony: Saul sought (darash) the dead when he should have sought (darash) God. His actions mirror the warning of Isaiah 8:19-20, and the outcome proves there is “no light” in such pursuits.

This narrative challenges us to examine our own responses to despair. Do we trust God even when He seems silent, or do we seek shortcuts through illegitimate means? Saul’s end reminds us that consulting the dead leads not to life, but to deeper darkness.

Scripture’s Authority and Christ’s Sufficiency

As Believers, we affirm the Bible as God’s infallible word, our sole authority for doctrine and practice. Isaiah 8:19-20 and 1 Samuel 28 reinforce this conviction. God has given us His torah and te’udah—His law and testimony—sufficient for every need. To turn elsewhere is to reject His provision and invite deception.

Moreover, we believe in a personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ. Jesus declares, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life” (John 14:6, ESV), offering direct access to the Father. The Holy Spirit indwells us, guiding us into all truth (John 16:13). Why seek the dead when the living Savior intercedes for us (Hebrews 7:25)?

The Bible labels occult practices—consulting mediums, necromancy, and the like—as “detestable” (Deuteronomy 18:10-12). They not only disobey God but also expose us to spiritual danger, as Satan masquerades as an angel of light (2 Corinthians 11:14). Our call is to trust Scripture and Christ alone.

Resisting the Occult’s Allure

Today, occult practices are on the rise, often cloaked as entertainment or self-discovery. Ouija boards, psychic hotlines, and TV shows about speaking to the dead draw millions. Even within some Christian circles, there is a temptation to blend biblical faith with mysticism or ancestor worship. Yet Scripture leaves no room for compromise.

Consider the modern parallels to Judah and Saul. Like Judah, we face uncertainties—economic instability, global conflicts, personal crises—that might tempt us to seek answers beyond God. Like Saul, we might feel God’s silence and grow desperate. But the response must be the same: “To the law and to the testimony!” God’s word remains a “lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105, ESV).

We must also be discerning. The Apostle John urges, “Test the spirits to see whether they are from God” (1 John 4:1, ESV). Any practice that bypasses God’s authority or seeks hidden knowledge apart from Him fails that test.

Choosing Light Over Darkness

The Biblical warning against consulting the dead is unequivocal. Isaiah 8:19-20 calls us to seek God’s light—His torah and te’udah—rather than the darkness of the occult. Saul’s tragic end in 1 Samuel 28 illustrates the peril of ignoring this command. As evangelicals, we’re summoned to stand firm on Scripture, reject forbidden practices, and trust in Christ’s sufficiency.

So, where do you turn in times of need? If you’ve dabbled in occult practices—whether out of curiosity or desperation—I urge you to repent. Confess it to God, renounce those ties, and seek His forgiveness (1 John 1:9). Then, immerse yourself in His word, letting the Holy Spirit guide you.

For those who’ve never ventured there, stay vigilant. Share this truth with others, warning them of the dangers of the occult and pointing them to the living God. Let’s be like the Bereans, searching the Scriptures daily (Acts 17:11), and live as children of light in a dark world.