and other jugglers and impostors (19:19; 2 Timothy 3:13). Every species
and degree of this superstition was strictly forbidden by the law of Moses
(Exodus 22:18; Leviticus 19:26, 31; 20:27; Deuteronomy 18:10, 11).
But beyond these various forms of superstition, there are instances of
divination on record in the Scriptures by which God was pleased to make
known his will.
(1.) There was divination by lot, by which, when resorted to in matters of
moment, and with solemnity, God intimated his will (Joshua 7:13). The
land of Canaan was divided by lot (Numbers 26:55, 56); Achan’s guilt was
detected (Joshua 7:16-19), Saul was elected king (1 Samuel 10:20, 21), and
Matthias chosen to the apostleship, by the solem lot (Acts 1:26). It was
thus also that the scape-goat was determined (Leviticus 16:8-10).
(2.) There was divination by dreams (Genesis 20:6; Deuteronomy 13:1, 3;
Judges 7:13, 15; Matthew 1:20; 2:12, 13, 19, 22). This is illustrated in the
history of Joseph (Genesis 41:25-32) and of Daniel (2:27; 4:19-28).
(3.) By divine appointment there was also divination by the Urim and
Thummim (Numbers 27:21), and by the ephod.
(4.) God was pleased sometimes to vouch-safe direct vocal
communications to men (Deuteronomy 34:10; Exodus 3:4; 4:3;
Deuteronomy 4:14, 15; 1 Kings 19:12). He also communed with men from
above the mercy-seat (Exodus 25:22), and at the door of the tabernacle
(Exodus 29:42, 43).
(5.) Through his prophets God revealed himself, and gave intimations of
his will (2 Kings 13:17; Jeremiah 51:63, 64).