Observer of Times and Soothsayers: The Ancient Practice of Divination Condemned by God
What Is an Observer of Times?
In the Bible, the term observer of times refers to someone who attempts to read signs in the natural world—clouds, stars, or seasonal changes—to predict the future. In today’s language, this person would be called a soothsayer or astrologer.
The practice was common in ancient pagan cultures. People believed that celestial bodies and weather patterns revealed hidden truths or upcoming events. By studying these signs, observers of times claimed they could foretell wars, harvests, personal destinies, or even the rise and fall of kings.
But while the practice may have looked like wisdom, God declared it to be abomination. Deuteronomy 18:10–12 says clearly: “There shall not be found among you… an observer of times, or an enchanter, or a witch… For all that do these things are an abomination unto the Lord.”
Cultural Origins of Soothsaying
The art of soothsaying stretches back to Babylon, Egypt, and Mesopotamia. Priests and astrologers served in royal courts, reading the stars and weather to guide rulers. They believed the gods communicated through the heavens, and by interpreting signs, they could control their destiny.
Babylonian astrology became the foundation for Greek and Roman practices. Even today, modern astrology—horoscopes, zodiac readings, and planetary alignments—flows from the same ancient system.
What Did They Believe?
Observers of times believed:
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The clouds revealed messages from the gods.
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The stars and planets controlled human fate.
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The changing seasons marked moments of supernatural power.
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By practicing divination, they could protect themselves, gain wealth, or predict disasters.
In short, they trusted in creation rather than the Creator, placing their hope in signs instead of the living God.
Their Gods and Spirits
Soothsayers often called on deities like Shamash (the Sun god), Sin (the Moon god), or Marduk (a Babylonian star god). Later cultures replaced these with Zeus, Apollo, or other planetary gods. Yet behind these “gods” were demonic spirits, masquerading as celestial rulers.
The Bible warns that these are not neutral forces. Psalm 96:5 says: “For all the gods of the nations are idols: but the Lord made the heavens.”
Purpose of the Practice
The goal of observing times was always divination—seeking secret knowledge apart from God. Whether predicting crop success, guiding kings, or forecasting personal fortune, it was about control. People wanted to bypass God’s authority and gain forbidden knowledge through occult means.
Why Do People Get Involved?
Even today, people turn to astrology, horoscopes, and sky omens for the same reasons:
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Curiosity about the future
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Fear of the unknown
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Desire for guidance without submission to God
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Cultural tradition and pressure
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A sense of control in uncertain times
Satan deceives by making these practices look wise or harmless. Yet each time a person looks to the stars or seasons for divine guidance, they step into the realm of demonic divination.
Yes. Observing times is a form of divination. It attempts to access spiritual knowledge apart from God’s Spirit. Isaiah 47:13 rebukes Babylon, saying: “Let now the astrologers, the stargazers, the monthly prognosticators, stand up, and save you from these things that shall come upon you.” Their wisdom failed then—and it still fails today.
The Spiritual Dangers
Those who dabble in soothsaying or astrology risk:
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Opening doors to demonic influence
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Falling into fear, bondage, or superstition
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Experiencing confusion, misdirection, or curses
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Becoming separated from God’s truth
What looks like harmless star-gazing or cloud-reading is, in fact, an occult practice. Jesus Himself warned in Matthew 24:24 that false signs would deceive even the elect if possible.
God’s Alternative
Instead of looking to stars or clouds, God calls us to look to Him. Jeremiah 10:2 says: “Thus saith the Lord, Learn not the way of the heathen, and be not dismayed at the signs of heaven.”
Only God knows the future, and He reveals His truth through His Word and His Spirit. Christians are not called to guess the future but to trust the One who holds it.
Closing Call
Observers of times and soothsayers may sound like ancient history, but the same practices live on in horoscopes, astrology apps, zodiac readings, and sky omens. Do not be deceived. These are forms of divination that invite spiritual oppression.
Renounce the practice, repent, and turn to Jesus Christ, who alone gives wisdom, peace, and freedom.
🏛️ Historical & Cultural Context
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Babylonian Astrology – Wikipedia – Provides an overview of Babylonian astrology, the first known organized system of astrology, which arose in the second millennium BC. Wikipedia
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Heavenly Writings: The Babylonian Origins of Astrology – Discusses how the Babylonians developed mathematical functions to predict the motion of heavenly bodies, laying the groundwork for modern astrology. Satya Astrology
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Ancient Babylonian and Mesopotamian Astrology – Explores the origins of astrology in Babylon, attributing it to the god Marduk and its influence on later cultures. Africa ME Facts and Details
📚 Scholarly Perspectives
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Observer of Times – Biblical Cyclopedia – Examines the superstition associated with observing times, closely linked to astrology and widely spread through the ancient world by the influence of the Oriental Magi. McClintock & Strong Cyclopedia
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Astrology & Astronomy in Iran and Ancient Mesopotamia – Discusses how astrology and astronomy were intertwined in ancient Mesopotamian cultures, influencing practices in Iran and beyond. UMass Boston Faculty
Revival Flame Ministries – “Beware of Divination”
This ministry emphasizes the spiritual danger of receiving prophecies or words not aligned with God's assignment. They warn how flattery and deceptive “words of prophecy” can derail one’s spiritual path and carry poison intended to kill one’s calling.
Revival Flame
Ministry of Prayer — Deliverance by Renouncing
This deliverance-focused ministry provides structured prayers for renouncing a wide range of occult practices, including soothsaying, observing times, divination tools, and New Age influences. It offers a comprehensive renunciation tool for those seeking spiritual cleansing.
Ministry of Prayer
EndTime Ministries — Deliverance Ministry
Part of a broader ministry network, the Deliverance Ministry is dedicated to casting out demons and breaking spiritual strongholds—addressing occult oppression and imparting inner healing and freedom.
EndTime Ministries
Christian Learning & News — “Ex-Astrologer Warns Christians”
An ex-astrologer gives a powerful warning to Christians about the dangers of horoscopes, tarot, numerology, and divination—calling them attempts to gain supernatural insights outside of God's will.
Christian Learning & News
Healing and Deliverance Ministries — “Exposing the Spirit of Witchcraft” & “Forbidden Practices of the Occult”
These teachings uncover the hidden occult influences found in everyday life—from games and entertainment to holidays and astrology. They identify “occult games” and star-gazing as gateways to witchcraft and spiritual deception.
Healing and Deliverance Ministries+1
Faith Lane Ministries — Exposing the Spirit of Divination
This teaching addresses the insidious “Python Spirit” of divination—a deceptive force targeting leaders and believers, often masquerading as helpful yet ultimately destructive. It references Acts 16:16–18 as a biblical precedent for confronting such spirits.
Anna Marie Strawhand
Bound No More Ministries — The Danger of Divination
An article that explains the biblical roots of divination and soothsaying, including practices like ornithomancy—interpreting bird flights—as forbidden means of foretelling the future. It contextualizes how ancient rituals are echoed in modern alternatives.
Bound No More Ministries
📲 Social Media Post
🌌 Astrology, horoscopes, and soothsaying may look harmless—but the Bible calls them abominations. Don’t be deceived by the stars. Trust God alone! 🙏
👉 Click here to read more!https://youtube.com/shorts/i-kB4FF5jJ8?feature=share
#Deliverance #SpiritualWarfare #AstrologyExposed #Soothsayer #Divination
🎬 YouTube Script (45 Seconds)
Title: Observers of Times: The Truth About Astrology and Soothsayers
🎥 Script:
"Have you ever read a horoscope or looked to the stars for answers? That practice goes back to ancient times—what the Bible calls observers of times or soothsayers. They studied clouds, stars, and seasons to predict the future. But God calls it abomination. Why? Because it’s divination—seeking hidden knowledge apart from Him. Behind astrology and soothsaying are demonic powers that deceive and enslave. Don’t trust the stars for guidance—trust the God who made them. Only Jesus Christ gives true wisdom and freedom."https://youtube.com/shorts/i-kB4FF5jJ8?feature=share
https://youtube.com/shorts/i-kB4FF5jJ8?si=w3QrqnVk5eDrZsJM
