### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **qeçem**, represented by `{{H7081}}`, refers to **divination**, **witchcraft**, and the casting of a **lot**. It appears **11 times** in **11 unique verses** and is derived from the root `{{H7080}}`, which means to divine. While it can occasionally refer to an oracle or a divine sentence, it is most frequently used to describe forbidden practices for seeking supernatural knowledge.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In biblical narratives, `{{H7081}}` is almost always associated with condemned activities. It is listed among the pagan practices forbidden to Israel, alongside making a child pass through the fire, observing times, and being an enchanter ([[Deuteronomy 18:10]]; [[2 Kings 17:17]]). The prophets link **divination** directly to falsehood; the LORD states that false prophets speak a "false vision and **divination**" that comes from the deceit of their own hearts, not from Him ([[Jeremiah 14:14]]; [[Ezekiel 13:6]]). The severity of the practice is underscored when rebellion is equated with the "sin of **witchcraft**" [[1 Samuel 15:23]]. In a rare positive context, the term is used to describe the righteous judgment of a king, where a "**divine sentence**" is on his lips [[Proverbs 16:10]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the scope of `{{H7081}}` within the context of supernatural revelation and forbidden arts:
* `{{H7080}}` **qâçam** (to divine): This is the root verb from which **qeçem** is derived. It describes the act of divination itself, a practice forbidden to Israel but employed by figures like the king of Babylon [[Ezekiel 21:21]] and the false prophets of Israel [[Ezekiel 13:23]].
* `{{H2377}}` **châzôwn** (vision): This term for a revelation or oracle is often contrasted with **qeçem**. False prophets are accused of prophesying a "false **vision** and **divination**" [[Jeremiah 14:14]], distinguishing between legitimate, God-given revelation and forbidden, human-initiated practices.
* `{{H8655}}` **tᵉrâphîym** (images, a family idol): These idols were sometimes used in divination. Stubbornness is compared to iniquity and **idolatry**{H8655} in the same verse where rebellion is likened to **witchcraft**{H7081} [[1 Samuel 15:23]]. The king of Babylon also consulted with **images**{H8655} while using **divination**{H7081} [[Ezekiel 21:21]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H7081}}` is primarily negative, serving as a foil to true faith and prophecy.
* **Forbidden Practice:** The use of **divination** is explicitly condemned as a pagan abomination that Israel must reject. It represents an attempt to manipulate or discover the divine will through illicit means, rather than trusting in God's revealed word [[Deuteronomy 18:10]].
* **Mark of Falsehood:** The word is a hallmark of false prophets. Those who engage in **divination** are said to see vanity and lying oracles, claiming the LORD has spoken when He has not sent them ([[Ezekiel 13:6]]; [[Jeremiah 14:14]]).
* **Symbol of Rebellion:** By comparing rebellion directly to **witchcraft**{H7081}, scripture elevates disobedience to God's command to the level of practicing a forbidden occult art [[1 Samuel 15:23]]. Both acts represent a rejection of God's authority.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H7081}}` **qeçem** is a critical term for understanding the biblical prohibition against seeking knowledge through occult means. It is overwhelmingly presented as a forbidden and deceitful practice, characteristic of pagan nations and false prophets. From the "rewards of **divination**" sought by Balak [[Numbers 22:7]] to the methods used by the king of Babylon [[Ezekiel 21:21]], **qeçem** stands in stark opposition to true revelation from God. The rare positive use of a "**divine sentence**" [[Proverbs 16:10]] only reinforces this contrast, highlighting that while human attempts at divination are sinful, true, authoritative judgment comes only from the LORD.
TRV