Difference between revisions of "Magic"

<p> <i> The Old [[Testament]] </i> . Magic—the attempt to exploit supernatural powers by formulaic recitations to achieve goals that were otherwise unrealizablewas seen in a negative light in the Old Testament (Leviticus 19:26,31; 20:6; 1 Samuel 28:9; Isaiah 8:19; 44:25; 57:3; Jeremiah 27:9; Ezekiel 22:28; Micah 5:12; Nahum 3:4; Malachi 3:5 ) and was banned under penalty of death (Exodus 22:18; Leviticus 20:27; Deuteronomy 18:10-11 ). However, many [[Canaanite]] magical practices were later widespread in the divided monarchy: [[Jezebel]] practiced sorcery (2 Kings 9:22 ); [[Manasseh]] encouraged divination (2 Kings 21:6; 2 Chronicles 33:6 ); [[Hebrew]] seers and diviners practiced the magic arts (Micah 3:7 ); and Isaiah condemned women who wore charms (Isaiah 3:18-23 ). The multiplicity of terminology used in the bans testifies that magic was a pervasive problem in the [[Israelite]] world. However, many of the banned terms (primarily in Deuteronomy 18:10-11 ) have defied easy explanation, including child sacrifice (possibly used for divinatory purposes Deuteronomy 18:10; 2 Kings 21:6 ), types of divination (Numbers 23:23; Deuteronomy 18:10-11; 1 Samuel 15:23; 2 Kings 17:17; Micah 3:6 ), sorceries (Exodus 22:18; Deuteronomy 18:11; Jeremiah 27:9; Micah 5:12; Malachi 3:5 ), and necromancy (1 Samuel 28 ). </p> <p> [[Magic]] was considered an aspect of pagan wisdom; magicians were counted as wise men (Psalm 58:5; Daniel 1:20; 2:13 ) and officials of foreign governments (Genesis 41:6; Exodus 7:11; Daniel 2:2 ). Different from pagan sources, the Old Testament writers did not see a connection between magic and the gods. Foreign magicians in [[Scripture]] did not invoke help of their gods for magical formulas, but often called upon self-operating forces that were independent of the gods (Isaiah 47:13; the monotheistic [[Israelites]] did not accept the existence of the foreign gods ). Moreover, the biblical writers seemed to attribute a reality to magical power that it did not ascribe to the gods. Magic was considered human rebellion that unlocked divine secrets, making humanity equal with God. </p> <p> Although there was a formal ban on magic, Israelite religion appeared on the surface to have adopted some Canaanite magical practices. There are many references scattered throughout the Old Testament to various imitative magical practices, including the use of clothing (2 Kings 2:13-14 ), magic staffs (Exodus 7:9 ), hands (2 Kings 5:11 ), mandrakes (Genesis 30:14-18 ), instruments (2 Kings 6:7 ), hair (Judges 16:17 ), whispering (2 Samuel 12:19 ), spells (Joshua 10:12 ), belomancy (1 Samuel 20:20-22 ), hydromancy (Exodus 15:25 ), and various blessings, curses, and dreams. Old Testament ceremonial regulations appear to have had a magical flavor to them. [[Animals]] for sacrifice had to be the proper age, sex, and color; many were probably not used because they were utilized in the magic arts of the [[Canaanites]] (Deuteronomy 14:21 ). </p> <p> However, foreign materials and technical terms of magic were simply used as vehicles of expression in Israelite religion. The magical features preserved ancient elements whose original meaning had been radically altered. The writers stripped the magical actions of their autonomous power and made them serve as vehicles of God's will. Yahweh's name was invoked by the miracle worker (Exodus 7:8-9; 15:25; 1 Kings 17:21; 2 Kings 2:14 ). [[Miracles]] were merely signs validating the mission of the prophet, who did not work by his skill but by the power of [[Yahweh]] (Exodus 3:14-17; Deuteronomy 13:2-3; Judges 6:17,36; 1 Kings 18:36; Isaiah 7:10-11 ). The writers took great pains to show that [[Moses]] was helpless without [[God]] (Exodus 4:10; 6:12,30 ). Even Balaam, both a magician and prophet, could only do God's will (Numbers 23:12 ). God could overturn a curse and make it a blessing (Psalm 109:28 ). The man of God healed the sick, revealed hidden things, performed wonders, and pronounced curses and blessings, just like a pagan magician. However, it was not done with any technical skill, nor were these people praised for any wisdom (2 Kings 5:11 ). All procedures were commonplace and untraditional. </p> <p> The Israelites viewed divination as a subsidiary of magic. The biblical writers banned all of the foreign techniques employed for divinatory oracles (Leviticus 20:6,27; Deuteronomy 18:10; 1 Samuel 28:3; 2 Kings 23:24; Isaiah 2:6; 8:19; 57:3; Ezekiel 13:17 ), including hydromancy (Genesis 44:5,15 ) and astrology (Isaiah 47:13; Jeremiah 10:2 ). They were distinguished from inquiries of Yahweh (Urim and Thummin, Numbers 27:21; ephod, 1 Samuel 23:9; lots, Numbers 26:55; dreams, 1 Samuel 28:6 ) on the grounds that divination was a custom of the nations. However, the Israelites believed in its power (1 Samuel 28:8-20 ). As with magic, the biblical writers did not view divination as connected with the gods, but instead considered it a magic or wisdom art that revealed secrets of God in a wrong way (Isaiah 19:3; Ezekiel 21:26; Hosea 4:12 ). Thus, the divinatory technician trusted in omens and in human wisdom, rather than in God. Inquiry was acceptable, as long as it was only to God and confirmed by him (Judges 6:36; 7:4; 2 Samuel 5:23 ). The Israelites preferred the simple technique of lot inquiry, addressing God and relying on his decision instead of going through an elaborate system of ritual. In sum, they did not reject divination in the strictest sense, but approved of the technique of inquiring of God to learn of his decisions. </p> <p> <i> The New Testament </i> . Magical practices were also prevalent in the New Testament world. Although the New Testament writers did not explicitly condemn magic, none who practiced magic arts were described in a flattering way. There were numerous warnings against sorcery (Gk. <i> pharmakos </i> [ Galatians 5:20; Revelation 9:21; 18:23; 21:8; 22:15 ). </p> <p> New Testament [[Christians]] viewed magical practices like their Old Testament counterparts. Although [[Simon]] the magician (Gk. <i> magos </i> [ Matthew 2:1-16; Acts 13:6-8 ) was severely criticized by Peter (Acts 8:9-24 ), the efficacy of his power was not denied, and he was considered dangerous. The story of [[Bar-Jesus]] (who attempted to resist [[Paul]] and [[Barnabas]] Acts 13:4-12 ) was used by the writer to exhibit the differences between [[Christ]] and magic. The only other magicians mentioned by name were [[Jannes]] and Jambres, the [[Egyptian]] priests of Moses' time (2 Timothy 3:6-8 ); these names were noted in later [[Jewish]] writings and even by Pliny the Elder, who thought Moses was one of the Egyptian magicians ( <i> [[Natural]] History </i> 30,1 11). These two were looked upon by Paul as examples of those who opposed the truth. The one who had a spirit of divination (Gk. <i> pneuma python </i> normally a spirit connected with the Delphic oracle Acts 16:16 ) was forced to acknowledge Jesus, but the apostles did not accept this testimony because of the ungodly source. The burning of books on magic arts (Acts 19:19-20 ) was seen as a sign that the word of the Lord was growing. Seducers (a term that probably signified a spell-binding magician 2 Timothy 3:13 ) were thought by Paul to be deceived, and Paul claimed figuratively that the Galatians had been bewitched (Galatians 3:1 ). He likely alluded to magical practices in his treatment of heresy in Colossians 2:8-23 . </p> <p> Many of the accepted practices in the New Testament (exorcisms, faith healing, and the use of lots Acts 1:26 ) could have been construed by the [[Gentiles]] as similar to their own rituals. In fact, there were some linguistic similarities between words used for exorcism and healing in the New Testament and pagan magical rites. The Gentiles saw miracles as magical in nature, and thus confused those of the apostles with their own magic (Acts 8:9-11 ). The exorcisms of [[Jesus]] appeared to some as magical (Matthew 12:25-37; Mark 3:23-30; Luke 11:17-20 ), as well as his use of saliva to heal the blind (Mark 7:33 ). In fact, some rabbinical references claimed that Jesus was a magician. But the New Testament writers regarded Jesus and the apostles' miraculous Acts as of divine origin. The healing of the woman with the issue of blood was done because of her faith (Matthew 9:20-22; Mark 5:25-34; Luke 9:34-38 ), not by magic. </p> <p> Mark W. Chavalas </p> <p> <i> See also </i> [[Divination]]; [[Idolatry Idol]] </p> <p> <i> Bibliography </i> . H. C. Brichto, <i> The Problem of "Curse" in the Hebrew [[Bible]] </i> ; A. Guillaume, <i> [[Prophecy]] and [[Divination]] Among the Hebrews and Other Semites </i> ; H. Huggman, <i> The Word of the Lord Shall Go [[Forth]] </i> : <i> Essays in [[Honor]] of [[David]] Noel Freedman inCelebration of His Sixtieth Birthday, </i> pp. 355-59; S. Iwry, <i> JAOS </i> 81 (1961): 27-34; J. Lindbloom, <i> VT </i> 12 (1962): 164-78; M. Unger, <i> Biblical Demonology </i> ; R. B. Zuck, <i> Bibliotheca [[Sacra]] </i> 128 (1971): 362-60. </p>

<p> People have from earliest times had the urge to use supernatural (occult) forces to help them know the future. The foretelling of events in this way is sometimes called divination (Acts 16:16-18). Magic, witchcraft and sorcery go beyond divination in that they seek to use occult powers not merely to foretell future events but also to influence those events. </p> <p> Such magic often has an evil intent, being directed at enemies by means of curses, spells and ritualistic actions. Sometimes it may have a partly good intent in trying to reverse evil spells and curses (Numbers 24:1; Numbers 24:10; 1 Samuel 6:2; 2 Kings 17:17; 2 Kings 21:6; Daniel 2:2; Revelation 9:21). But divination and sorcery derive their power from the demons of the spirit world, and for this reason the [[Bible]] condemns them (Leviticus 19:26; Leviticus 19:31; Leviticus 20:6; Leviticus 20:27; Deuteronomy 18:10-11; 2 Kings 21:6; 2 Kings 23:24; Galatians 5:19-20; Revelation 9:21; Revelation 21:8; Revelation 22:15). [[Sorcerers]] often used their powers in deliberate opposition to [[God]] (Acts 13:8; Acts 19:19; 2 Timothy 3:8). </p> <p> Among the methods of divination and sorcery mentioned in the Bible are throwing arrows into the air and observing the pattern formed when they fall (Ezekiel 21:21), consulting idolatrous figures or images (Ezekiel 21:21), looking into the liver of a sacrificed animal (Ezekiel 21:21), consulting the spirits of the dead (1 Samuel 28:8-9), studying the movements of the stars (Isaiah 47:13), gazing into a bowl or large cup of water (Genesis 44:5; [[Genesis]] 44:15) and using wristbands and veils in weird rituals to cast deadly spells over people (Ezekiel 13:17-19). [[Magicians]] were among the chief advisers to kings in many ancient countries (Exodus 7:11; Daniel 2:2). </p> <p> Divination, witchcraft and all these associated practices are contrary to the ways of God, not only because they depend on evil spiritual powers for their operation, but also because they are a denial of faith. [[True]] believers walk humbly with their God, accepting that, no matter what the circumstances, God is still in control of their affairs. Having been saved by faith, they now live by faith (Galatians 2:20; Ephesians 4:17-24; Colossians 1:11-13; Hebrews 11:6). </p> <p> [[Jesus]] [[Christ]] has triumphed over all the unseen powers of evil, and through him believers too can triumph (Ephesians 1:19-21; Ephesians 2:6; Colossians 2:8-10; Colossians 3:1-3). They believe in the power of the living Christ, but they do not treat that power as if it is magical (Acts 19:13-16). </p>

<p> Magic. [[Magic]] is "the science or practice of evoking spirits, or educing the occult powers of nature to produce effects apparently supernatural." It formed an essential element in many ancient religions, especially among the Persians, [[Chaldeans]] and Egyptians. The Hebrews had no magic of their own. It was so strictly forbidden by the law, that it could never afterward have had any recognized existence, save in times of general heresy or apostasy and the same was doubtless the case in the patriarchal ages. The magical practices which obtained among the Hebrews were therefore borrowed from the nations around. </p> <p> From the first entrance into the land of promise, until the destruction of Jerusalem, we have constant glimpses of magic practiced in secret, or resorted to, not alone by the common, but also as the great. It is a distinctive characteristic of the [[Bible]] that from first to last it warrants no such trust or dread. [[Laban]] attached great value to, and was in the habit of consulting, images. [[Genesis]] 31:30; Genesis 31:32. </p> <p> During the plagues in Egypt, the magicians appear. Exodus 7:11; Exodus 8:18-19. [[Balaam]] also practiced magic. Numbers 22:7. [[Saul]] consulted the witch of Endor. An examination of the various notices of magic in the Bible gives this general result: They do not, act far as can be understood, once state positively that any, but illusive results were produced by magical rites. </p> <p> (Even the magicians of [[Egypt]] could imitate the plagues sent through [[Moses]] only so long as they had previous notice and time to prepare. The time Moses sent the plague unannounced the magicians failed; they "did so with their enchantments," but in vain. So, in the case of the witch of Endor, Samuel appearance was apparently unexpected by her; he did not come through the enchantments. - Editor). </p> <p> The [[Scriptures]] therefore afford no evidence that man can gain supernatural powers to use at his will. This consequence goes some way toward showing that we may conclude that there is no such thing se real magic; for although it is dangerous to reason on negative evidence, yet in a case of this kind it is especially strong. See [[Divination]]. </p>

Judges 18:5,6Zechariah 10:2Ezekiel 21:19-22Genesis 44:5 <p> All magical arts were distinctly prohibited under penalty of death in the [[Mosaic]] law. The [[Jews]] were commanded not to learn the "abomination" of the people of the [[Promised]] Land (Leviticus 19:31; Deuteronomy 18:9-14 ). The history of Saul's consulting the witch of [[Endor]] (1 Samuel 28:3-20 ) gives no warrant for attributing supernatural power to magicians. From the first the witch is here only a bystander. The practice of magic lingered among the people till after the Captivity, when they gradually abandoned it. </p> <p> It is not much referred to in the New Testament. The [[Magi]] mentioned in Matthew 2:1-12 were not magicians in the ordinary sense of the word. They belonged to a religious caste, the followers of Zoroaster, the astrologers of the East. Simon, a magician, was found by [[Philip]] at [[Samaria]] ( Acts 8:9-24 ); and [[Paul]] and [[Barnabas]] encountered Elymas, a [[Jewish]] sorcerer, at [[Paphos]] (13:6-12). At [[Ephesus]] there was a great destruction of magical books (Acts 19:18,19 ). </p>

<p> [[Magic]] was the art of influencing future events and changing their course by dark and secret means. Of the religion of the Egyptians, Chaldæans, Persians, etc., magic formed an essential element, and of the [[Egyptian]] magicians, in their conflict with [[Moses]] and Aaron, Exodus gives a vivid account. 7:11, 12, 22; 8:7. Of the religion of the [[Jews]] magic did not only not form a part, but the law forbade the consulting of magicians, under penalty of death. Leviticus 19:31; Leviticus 20:6. Nevertheless, from their neighbors magic crept in among the Israelites. The most remarkable instance is that of [[Saul]] and the sorceress of Endor. 1 Samuel 28:3-20. Also in the New [[Testament]] we find it mentioned. Acts 8:9. </p>

<p> In the Bible, all the superstitious ceremonies of magicians, sorcerers, enchanters, necromancers, spiritualists, exorcists, astrologers, soothsayers, interpreters of dreams, fortune-tellers, casters of nativities, etc., which are all forbidden by the law of God, whether practiced to hurt or to benefit mankind. It was also forbidden to consult magicians on pain of death, Leviticus 19:31 20:6 . See [[Enchantments]] and SORCERERS. </p>

<p> (1): (a.) A comprehensive name for all of the pretended arts which claim to produce effects by the assistance of supernatural beings, or departed spirits, or by a mastery of secret forces in nature attained by a study of occult science, including enchantment, conjuration, witchcraft, sorcery, necromancy, incantation, etc. </p> <p> (2): (a.) Alt. of Magical </p>

<p> A science which teaches to produce surprising and extraordinary effects; a correspondence with bad spirits, by means of which a person is able to perform surprising things. This was strictly forbidden by the law of God, on pain of death, Leviticus 19:31 . </p>