Magic and Divination in the Old Testament

Solomon Nigosian

Juli 2008 · Liverpool University Press

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Humans, since time immemorial, have tried to discover and influence the will of spirits and deities that they believed to be in charge of their lives. As a result, all cultures have produced certain special individuals thought to be closely in touch with the powers of the supernatural world. Was this true of ancient Israel? If so, who were the occult experts and what techniques were used by them? This study explores the many practices and rituals associated with magic and divination among the ancient Israelites as documented in the Old Testament. Seeking omens and consulting seers and diviners were widely practiced, though in the biblical text such activities are roundly condemned. Solomon Nigosian's scholarly work is written in language that makes it absorbing reading for both the biblical scholar and the layperson.

Autoren-Profil

Solomon Nigosian Ph.D., is a historian of religion specializing in Biblical and Near/Middle Eastern Religions. His numerous books include Magic and Divination in the Old Testament; The Zoroastrian Faith: Tradition and Modern Research; Judaism: The Way of Holiness; Islam: Its History, Teachings and Practices; and World Religions: A Historical Approach, 4th ed. He is Research Associate Emeritus at Victoria College, University of Toronto.