The Bible strongly condemns all forms of mediumship, the practice of attempting to contact or consult the dead or communicate with spirits. Mediums are listed among practices God forbids for His people. Leviticus 19:31 commands:
“Give no regard to mediums and familiar spirits; do not seek after them, to be defiled by them: I am the Lord your God.”
Mediums were part of the occult practices of pagan nations, and Israel was explicitly warned not to imitate them. Deuteronomy 18:10–12 states:
“There shall not be found among you… a medium, or a spiritist, or one who calls up the dead. For all who do these things are an abomination to the Lord.”
One of the most well-known accounts involving a medium is found in 1 Samuel 28. King Saul, after being rejected by God, sought out the witch of Endor to summon the prophet Samuel. This act led to further judgment. Saul died shortly after, and 1 Chronicles 10:13 explains:
“So Saul died for his unfaithfulness… and also because he consulted a medium for guidance.”
This shows that God views mediumship not only as rebellion but as spiritual adultery, seeking answers from the realm of darkness instead of from Him.
Any communication with the spirit world outside of God’s direction is deception. Demons can pose as departed loved ones or offer counterfeit knowledge to lead people into bondage. God’s people are to seek wisdom through His Word, prayer, and the Holy Spirit, not through occult channels.
Those who have been involved with mediums must repent and renounce such practices. Deliverance and forgiveness are available through Jesus Christ, but the practice itself must be completely forsaken.
