What is an omen?

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

An omen is a sign or phenomenon believed to predict or foretell future events, often associated with good or bad luck. The Bible clearly warns against seeking omens or practicing divination. Believers are encouraged to seek God's wisdom and guidance through prayer, His Word, and the Holy Spirit. God's people are instructed to trust in His sovereignty, rather than looking for signs or omens to predict the future. The Bible teaches that God alone knows the future (Isaiah 46:9–10) and that His people should rely on Him for direction (Proverbs 3:5–6).

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

• Deuteronomy 18:10–12: "There shall not be found among you anyone who...practices divination or tells fortunes or interprets omens, or a sorcerer...for whoever does these things is an abomination to the LORD." This passage explicitly forbids seeking omens and other occultic practices.
• Leviticus 19:26: "You shall not eat any flesh with the blood in it. You shall not interpret omens or tell fortunes." This verse links the prohibition of omens with other religious practices.
• Isaiah 8:19: "And when they say to you, 'Inquire of the mediums and the necromancers who chirp and mutter,' should not a people inquire of their God? Should they inquire of the dead on behalf of the living?" We are encouraged to seek God, rather than omens or fortune-tellers.

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

• Acts 16:16–18: Paul encounters "a slave girl who had a spirit of divination" and casts the spirit out of her, demonstrating the incompatibility of such practices with Christian faith.
• Galatians 5:19–20: "Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality...sorcery..." Paul lists sorcery, which often involved seeking omens, among other sinful practices.
• Revelation 21:8: "But as for the cowardly, the faithless, the detestable...sorcerers...their portion will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur, which is the second death." This verse warns of the serious consequences of practices, like sorcery, which often involve omens.

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

Believers should seek God's guidance through prayer, Scripture, and wise counsel, rather than looking for signs or omens. Instead of being swayed by superstitions or perceived omens, Christians are called to test everything against God's Word (1 Thessalonians 5:21). God is sovereign and desires a personal relationship with His people. Rather than seeking guidance from omens or fortune-tellers, believers are encouraged to grow in their faith and understanding of God's will through studying His Word, prayer, and fellowship with other believers.

UNDERSTAND

• Omens are signs or phenomena believed to predict future events.
• The Bible urges believers to trust in God's sovereignty instead of omens.
• Believers are encouraged to seek guidance through prayer and Scripture, rather than relying on superstitions or signs.

REFLECT

• How do you typically seek guidance in your life, and what does it look like to trust in God instead of in signs?
• How can you remind yourself to trust in God’s sovereignty when facing uncertainty or decision-making?
• Have you experienced moments where you felt tempted to look for signs or superstitions instead of turning to God? How did you respond?

ENGAGE

• What are some common beliefs or superstitions in today’s culture that might be similar to the concept of omens, and how can they affect a believer’s faith?
• How can the biblical warnings against seeking omens inform our understanding of modern practices related to fortune-telling or divination?
• What practical steps can we take to cultivate a deeper reliance on prayer and Scripture as sources of guidance, rather than succumbing to the allure of omens?