Isaiah 8:19

KJV

And when they shall say unto you, Seek unto them that have familiar spirits, and unto wizards that peep, and that mutter: should not a people seek unto their God? for the living to the dead?

KJV (with Strong's)

And when they shall say {H559} unto you, Seek {H1875} unto them that have familiar spirits {H178}, and unto wizards {H3049} that peep {H6850}, and that mutter {H1897}: should not a people {H5971} seek {H1875} unto their God {H430}? for the living {H2416} to the dead {H4191}?

Complete Jewish Bible

So when they tell you to consult those squeaking, squawking mediums and fortune-tellers; [you are to answer], "Shouldn't a people seek their God? Must the living ask the dead

Berean Standard Bible

When men tell you to consult the spirits of the dead and the spiritists who whisper and mutter, shouldn’t a people consult their God instead? Why consult the dead on behalf of the living?

American Standard Version

And when they shall say unto you, Seek unto them that have familiar spirits and unto the wizards, that chirp and that mutter: should not a people seek unto their God? on behalf of the living should they seek unto the dead?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 8:19 delivers a sharp prophetic rebuke to Judah, challenging the prevalent practice of consulting mediums and wizards, and emphatically reasserting that a people's true allegiance and source of guidance should be their God, not the realm of the dead. The verse serves as a powerful rhetorical question, exposing the absurdity and spiritual danger of seeking counsel from forbidden, deceptive sources when the living God is available and desires to communicate with His people. It underscores the fundamental choice between divine revelation and occult deception, highlighting where true wisdom and life are found.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 8:19 is nestled within a section of Isaiah (chapters 7-12) known as the "Book of Immanuel," which addresses the Syro-Ephraimitic War and Judah's crisis of faith under King Ahaz. The preceding verses in chapter 8 detail the prophet's own experiences, the birth of his son Maher-Shalal-Hash-Baz as a sign of impending judgment, and warnings against fear of human powers rather than the Lord of Hosts ([Isaiah 8:12-13](/isaiah/8-12 "Isaiah 8:12-13 - Fear God, Not Man")). The immediate context (e.g., [Isaiah 8:16-18](/isaiah/8-16 "Isaiah 8:16-18 - Sealing the Testimony and Waiting on God")) shows Isaiah sealing up his testimony and waiting on the Lord, contrasting his faithfulness with the nation's apostasy. Verse 19 directly confronts the spiritual deviation of the people, setting the stage for the call back to God's law and testimony in [Isaiah 8:20](/isaiah/8-20 "Isaiah 8:20 - To the Law and the Testimony").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** During the reign of King Ahaz (735-715 BC), Judah faced immense political pressure from the Assyrian Empire and its regional proxies, Aram (Syria) and Israel (Ephraim). In their desperation, many in Judah, including King Ahaz himself ([2 Kings 16:3-4](/2_kings/16-3 "2 Kings 16:3-4 - Ahaz's Idolatry")), turned to pagan practices, including divination, child sacrifice, and necromancy, which were common among surrounding nations. These practices were explicitly forbidden by Mosaic Law ([Deuteronomy 18:9-12](/deuteronomy/18-9 "Deuteronomy 18:9-12 - Abominable Practices")). Consulting "familiar spirits" and "wizards" was a widespread form of seeking knowledge or control over the future, often involving attempts to communicate with the dead, reflecting a deep-seated spiritual rebellion against the covenant God who had promised to reveal His will directly to His people.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Isaiah and the broader Old Testament. It highlights the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Exclusive Worship**, underscoring that God alone is the legitimate source of truth and guidance, in stark contrast to the futility of human or demonic sources ([Isaiah 44:24-25](/isaiah/44-24 "Isaiah 44:24-25 - God Alone is Creator and Discredits Diviners")). The theme of **Spiritual Discernment** is also prominent, calling the people to distinguish between genuine divine revelation and deceptive occult practices. Furthermore, the rhetorical question "for the living to the dead?" introduces the profound theme of **Life versus Death**, emphasizing that the God of Israel is the living God, the source of all life, and that seeking counsel from the realm of the dead is not only forbidden but utterly illogical and spiritually barren, echoing similar warnings found in [Leviticus 19:31](/leviticus/19-31 "Leviticus 19:31 - Do Not Turn to Mediums").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **familiar spirits (Hebrew, _ʼôwb'_):** Properly, a mumble, referring to the hollow sound often associated with necromancers or ventriloquists who claimed to conjure spirits from the dead. It denotes a medium or one who consults the dead, often through a guttural or whispering sound, as if the voice emanated from the ground or a jar. The term encapsulates the forbidden practice of necromancy.
* **seek (Hebrew, _dârash'_):** A primitive root meaning to tread or frequent, but more commonly to follow for pursuit or search, to inquire, or specifically to worship. In this context, it highlights the act of turning to, consulting, or earnestly searching for guidance from these forbidden sources, implying a misplaced devotion or trust.
* **living (Hebrew, _chay'_):** From a root meaning "alive," referring to that which possesses life. In this context, it contrasts sharply with the "dead," emphasizing the vibrant, active state of the people who are seeking counsel, and implicitly, the nature of God as the "living God" who is the source and sustainer of life.
* **dead (Hebrew, _mûwth'_):** A primitive root meaning "to die" (literally or figuratively), or causatively, "to kill." Here, it refers to those who have passed away, the deceased. The juxtaposition of "living" to "dead" underscores the profound absurdity and spiritual danger of seeking life's answers and guidance from those who are devoid of life and power.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And when they shall say unto you, Seek unto them that have familiar spirits, and unto wizards that peep, and that mutter:"** This opening clause sets the scene, describing the common temptation or societal pressure to consult forbidden spiritualists. "Familiar spirits" (necromancers) and "wizards" (conjurers) were practitioners of divination who claimed to communicate with the dead or possess secret knowledge. Their methods, described as "peeping" (making a chirping or whispering sound) and "muttering" (a low, guttural sound), were often designed to mimic disembodied voices or to create an eerie, mysterious atmosphere, further emphasizing the deceptive nature of their craft.
* **"should not a people seek unto their God?"** This is the core rhetorical question of the verse, serving as a powerful rebuke and a call to spiritual sanity. It directly challenges the logic and spiritual integrity of turning to occult practices. The implied answer is a resounding "Yes!" – a people's natural and righteous inclination, especially a covenant people, should be to seek their own God, the one true and living God, who has revealed Himself and His will. This question highlights the absurdity of forsaking the divine, legitimate source of truth for deceptive alternatives.
* **"for the living to the dead?"** This final, poignant rhetorical question amplifies the absurdity and profound spiritual error. It contrasts the "living" (the people who are alive and seeking guidance, and by extension, the living God) with the "dead" (the deceased, and by extension, the powerless, lifeless realm of the occult). The question underscores the illogical nature of seeking life, wisdom, and guidance from those who are themselves in the realm of death, rather than from the God who is the ultimate source of life and truth.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 8:19 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message. The most prominent is **Rhetorical Question**, used twice ("should not a people seek unto their God? for the living to the dead?"). These questions are not posed for information but to provoke thought, emphasize the obvious, and highlight the illogical and morally reprehensible nature of the people's actions. The implied answer is a forceful "yes" to seeking God and a resounding "no" to consulting the dead. **Antithesis** or **Contrast** is also central, starkly juxtaposing "their God" (the living, true source of wisdom) with "familiar spirits" and "wizards" (false, deceptive sources), and most powerfully, "the living" with "the dead." This contrast underscores the fundamental spiritual choice facing Judah. Furthermore, the description of the wizards who "peep, and that mutter" uses **Onomatopoeia** and **Imagery** to vividly portray the eerie, low, and often unintelligible sounds associated with necromancy, further emphasizing its deceptive and unholy nature.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 8:19 is a profound theological statement on the nature of divine revelation and the dangers of spiritual apostasy. It unequivocally asserts that God alone is the legitimate source of wisdom, guidance, and power, and that any turning to forbidden practices like necromancy or divination constitutes a grave betrayal of covenant loyalty. The verse highlights God's jealousy for His people's exclusive devotion and His desire for them to rely solely on His revealed word and direct communication. It underscores that seeking answers from the dead or from deceptive spirits is not only an act of rebellion but also a futile endeavor, as true life and truth reside only in the living God. This principle is foundational to biblical faith, demanding a singular trust in God's provision and guidance over all human or demonic alternatives.

* [Leviticus 19:31](/leviticus/19-31 "Leviticus 19:31 - Do Not Turn to Mediums")
* [Deuteronomy 18:10-12](/deuteronomy/18-10 "Deuteronomy 18:10-12 - Abominable Practices")
* [1 Samuel 28:7-20](/1_samuel/28-7 "1 Samuel 28:7-20 - Saul and the Medium of Endor")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 8:19 serves as a timeless and urgent warning for believers in every age, especially in a contemporary world increasingly fascinated by spiritualism, occult practices, and various forms of divination. The temptation to seek guidance from sources other than God remains pervasive, whether through astrology, psychic readings, New Age philosophies, or even subtle forms of superstition. This verse calls us to a radical commitment to God's exclusive authority and sufficiency. When faced with uncertainty, fear, or difficult decisions, our first and only recourse must be to the living God, through His inspired Word and fervent prayer. It challenges us to cultivate spiritual discernment, recognizing that any spiritual counsel or practice that deviates from biblical truth is a dangerous path leading away from the abundant life and true wisdom found in Christ. Our devotion must be singular, our trust unwavering, and our pursuit of truth anchored firmly in the divine revelation.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might we, in contemporary society, be tempted to "seek unto them that have familiar spirits" or other forbidden sources for guidance, even subtly?**
* **How does our reliance on God's Word and prayer demonstrate our trust in the "living God" over "the dead" (i.e., human wisdom, worldly systems, or occult practices)?**
* **What practical steps can we take to cultivate greater spiritual discernment in an age saturated with diverse spiritual claims?**

### FAQ
**Why was seeking "familiar spirits" and "wizards" so strictly forbidden in ancient Israel?**

Answer: Seeking "familiar spirits" (necromancers) and "wizards" was strictly forbidden because it constituted a direct violation of God's covenant with Israel and an act of spiritual adultery. The Mosaic Law explicitly prohibited such practices (e.g., [Deuteronomy 18:9-12](/deuteronomy/18-9 "Deuteronomy 18:9-12 - Abominable Practices")), viewing them as abominations. This prohibition was rooted in several theological principles: it denied God's sole sovereignty as the source of all knowledge and power; it involved communication with demonic entities or deceptive spirits, rather than the Holy Spirit; it undermined the authority of God's prophets and His revealed Word; and it led people away from true worship into idolatry and superstition. God desired His people to seek Him directly for guidance, not to turn to the dark and deceptive realm of the occult.

**Does this verse have relevance for Christians today, given that we are under the New Covenant?**

Answer: Absolutely. While the specific practices of ancient necromancy may seem distant, the underlying principle of Isaiah 8:19 remains profoundly relevant. The verse warns against seeking spiritual guidance or power from any source other than the one true God. In the New Covenant, believers are called to seek truth and guidance through Christ, who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus is the Way, Truth, Life")), and through the Holy Spirit who guides us into all truth ([John 16:13](/john/16-13 "John 16:13 - The Spirit of Truth")). Modern equivalents of "familiar spirits" and "wizards" can include astrology, psychics, New Age spiritualism, certain forms of alternative healing that involve occultic elements, or even an over-reliance on human wisdom or worldly philosophies that contradict God's Word. The call to spiritual discernment and singular devotion to God's revealed truth is timeless.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 8:19, with its stark warning against turning to the dead for guidance, finds its ultimate fulfillment and resolution in Jesus Christ, the living Word of God. In the Old Testament, the people were exhorted to seek their God, the source of life, rather than the deceptive whispers of familiar spirits. Christ embodies this ultimate "seeking unto God," for He is God incarnate, the perfect revelation of the Father ([John 1:18](/john/1-18 "John 1:18 - No One Has Seen God Except Jesus")). He is the true prophet, priest, and king, through whom all genuine divine communication flows. Unlike the "peeping" and "muttering" of false mediums, Jesus speaks with divine authority, bringing life and truth ([John 6:63](/john/6-63 "John 6:63 - Words of Spirit and Life")). Furthermore, the contrast between "the living to the dead" is powerfully resolved in Christ's victory over death. He is the Resurrection and the Life ([John 11:25](/john/11-25 "John 11:25 - Jesus is the Resurrection and the Life")), who, though He died, rose again, conquering the power of death and the grave. Believers are no longer called to seek answers from the powerless realm of the dead, but from the resurrected Christ, who holds the keys of death and Hades ([Revelation 1:18](/revelation/1-18 "Revelation 1:18 - Christ Holds the Keys of Death and Hades")). He is the ultimate, living source of wisdom, guidance, and eternal life, making all other sources, especially those associated with death and deception, utterly obsolete and spiritually dangerous. To seek Christ is to seek the living God Himself.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

1 Chronicles 10:13

So Saul died for his transgression which he committed against the LORD, [even] against the word of the LORD, which he kept not, and also for asking [counsel] of [one that had] a familiar spirit, to enquire [of it];

Leviticus 20:6

And the soul that turneth after such as have familiar spirits, and after wizards, to go a whoring after them, I will even set my face against that soul, and will cut him off from among his people.

2 Chronicles 33:6

And he caused his children to pass through the fire in the valley of the son of Hinnom: also he observed times, and used enchantments, and used witchcraft, and dealt with a familiar spirit, and with wizards: he wrought much evil in the sight of the LORD, to provoke him to anger.

Psalms 106:28

They joined themselves also unto Baalpeor, and ate the sacrifices of the dead.

Leviticus 19:31

Regard not them that have familiar spirits, neither seek after wizards, to be defiled by them: I [am] the LORD your God.

Isaiah 29:4

And thou shalt be brought down, [and] shalt speak out of the ground, and thy speech shall be low out of the dust, and thy voice shall be, as of one that hath a familiar spirit, out of the ground, and thy speech shall whisper out of the dust.

1 Samuel 28:8

And Saul disguised himself, and put on other raiment, and he went, and two men with him, and they came to the woman by night: and he said, I pray thee, divine unto me by the familiar spirit, and bring me [him] up, whom I shall name unto thee.