Sorcery

Sorcery is the practice of magic by people who claim to have supernatural power or hidden knowledge. It may include attempts to predict the future, use charms or spells, and call on evil spirits.

Sorcerers served in the royal courts of:

• Egypt (Exodus 7:11),

• Assyria (Nahum 3:4), and

• Babylonia (Daniel 2:2).

Sorcery was not allowed in Israel (Deuteronomy 18:10). The law prescribed death for those who practiced it (Exodus 22:18). Even so, some Israelites turned to sorcery (2 Kings 17:17; 2 Chronicles 33:6; Micah 5:12). This brought God’s judgment against them (Isaiah 57:3; Malachi 3:5).

Paul lists sorcery among the sinful works of the flesh (Galatians 5:20). The book of Revelation says that those who continue in sorcery face final judgment and exclusion from the holy city (Revelations 21:8; 22:15).

See also Magic.