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?
English Standard Version (ESV)
The verse directly contrasts seeking guidance from mediums and necromancers with inquiring of God. The key insight lies in the subtle yet profound rhetorical question that follows: "Should not a people inquire of their God?" This isn't just asking if they can, but if it's right and proper for them to do so, highlighting the inherent absurdity of seeking life's answers from the dead instead of the living God.
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?
English Standard Version (ESV)
The prophet Isaiah is addressing his disciples, who are facing pressure to consult mediums and sorcerers for guidance. This happens in the context of impending judgment upon Judah, a time when many are turning away from God and seeking illicit spiritual help. Isaiah insists that the true path is to seek God directly, rather than resorting to those who commune with the dead.
Imagine asking a deceased relative for stock market tips or relationship advice. Sounds strange, right? Isaiah points out the even greater absurdity of seeking guidance from the dead when the living God is available.
The people Isaiah was addressing were tempted to consult mediums and necromancers—those who claimed to commune with the dead. The prophet highlights the utter folly of this practice.
A Futile Pursuit
Isaiah’s question, 'Should not a people inquire of their God? Should they inquire of the dead on behalf of the living?' is a rhetorical challenge exposing the irrationality of their chosen path.
The descriptions of mediums and wizards 'chirping' and 'muttering' aren't just spooky atmospherics; they reveal the shallow, deceptive nature of their pronouncements.
Isaiah vividly portrays the methods of the false counselors. The terms 'chirp' and 'mutter' describe a low, indistinct, perhaps even eerie way of speaking, often associated with ventriloquism or attempting to mimic spirits.
Deceptive Sounds
Ask a follow-up
The emphasis on these strange vocalizations highlights how these practices were designed to impress and deceive, rather than to genuinely enlighten.
When facing the noise of the world and the temptation to seek answers elsewhere, where should we turn? Isaiah directs us to the ultimate, reliable source of all wisdom.
The core of Isaiah’s message is a powerful contrast: the futility of consulting the dead versus the absolute necessity and sufficiency of consulting the living God.
God is the Answer
When we turn to God, we are turning to the ultimate 'living' source, one who can truly speak into our lives and guide us through whatever circumstances we face.
Understand the original words
ob / yidd'oni · Hebrew Noun
Individuals who claim to communicate with spirits, demonic entities, or the dead, strictly forbidden in Scripture as they represent an attempt to bypass God’s revealed truth.
In a time of intense political and military pressure from the Assyrian Empire, when surrounding nations were falling and Jerusalem itself was under siege, people were tempted to seek guidance from forbidden sources like mediums and spiritists, rather than trusting in God alone.
Late 8th century BC
Assyrian Expansion Threatens Region
The Neo-Assyrian Empire is a major power, expanding its influence and military campaigns across the Near East. This creates regional instability and fear among smaller kingdoms like Judah and Israel.
c. 734-732 BC
Syro-Ephraimite War Begins
The kings of Aram (Syria) and Israel attempt to force Judah into an anti-Assyrian alliance. When Judah refuses, they invade.
c. 734 BC
Isaiah's Son Given Symbolic Name
Prophet Isaiah is told by God to name his son Maher-shalal-hash-baz ('Swift is the Plunder, Speedy is the Prey') as a sign of the impending destruction of Damascus and Samaria by Assyria.
c. 732 BC
Fall of Damascus
The Assyrian king Tiglath-Pileser III captures Damascus, the capital of Aram, fulfilling part of Isaiah's prophecy.
c. 722 BC
Fall of Samaria and Israel's Exile
The Northern Kingdom of Israel falls to the Assyrians. Its people are exiled, and the land is resettled by foreigners.
c. 701 BC— this verse
Assyrian Siege of Jerusalem
King Sennacherib of Assyria invades Judah and besieges Jerusalem. This is a period of immense national crisis for Judah.
This passage explicitly forbids consulting mediums and familiar spirits, directly reinforcing the warning in Isaiah against seeking such illicit sources of guidance.
Deuteronomy 18:10-12This text further details the forbidden practices, listing 'mediums, and those who practice divination, and sorcerers, and charmers, and mediums, and spiritists, and those who consult the dead.' It underscores that these practices are detestable to the Lord, aligning with Isaiah's condemnation.
1 Samuel 28:3-10This narrative shows King Saul, in desperation, consulting the witch of Endor, despite previous prohibitions. His ultimate downfall and fear highlight the perilous and disastrous consequences of seeking counsel from the dead, mirroring the situation Isaiah addresses.
1 Corinthians 10:21Paul's admonition not to serve both the Lord and 'demons' (which can encompass idolatrous and spiritist practices) provides a New Testament parallel to Isaiah's warning against seeking guidance from forbidden sources, emphasizing allegiance to God alone.
Acts 16:16-18The account of Paul casting out a spirit of divination from a slave girl shows the disruptive and exploitative nature of such practices, which are ultimately powerless against the authority of Christ and his apostles, reinforcing the idea that true spiritual guidance comes only from God.
barnesIsaiah 8:19: "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?"
And when they shall say - When the people, instead of putting confidence in God, shall propose to apply to necromancers. In the time of Ahaz the people were, as they were often, much inclined to idolatry; 2 Kings 16:10 . In their troubles and embarrassments, instead of looking to Yahweh, they…
pooleIsaiah 8:19: "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?"
When they, the Israelites, to whom I and my children are signs and wonders, who are fallen from God, and his true religion and worship, into superstition and idolatry, and will endeavour to seduce you into the same impiety, shall say unto you, my children, whom the prophet here arms against t…
The verse directly contrasts seeking guidance from mediums and necromancers with inquiring of God. The key insight lies in the subtle yet profound rhetorical question that follows: "Should not a people inquire of their God?" This isn't just asking if they can, but if it's right and proper for them to do so, highlighting the inherent absurdity of seeking life's answers from the dead instead of the living God.
The prophet Isaiah is addressing his disciples, who are facing pressure to consult mediums and sorcerers for guidance. This happens in the context of impending judgment upon Judah, a time when many are turning away from God and seeking illicit spiritual help. Isaiah insists that the true path is to seek God directly, rather than resorting to those who commune with the dead.
The prophet Isaiah is addressing his disciples, who are facing pressure to consult mediums and sorcerers for guidance. This happens in the context of impending judgment upon Judah, a time when many are turning away from God and seeking illicit spiritual help. Isaiah insists that the true path is to seek God directly, rather than resorting to those who commune with the dead.
"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?" — The verse directly contrasts seeking guidance from mediums and necromancers with inquiring of God. The key insight lies in the subtle yet profound rhetorical question that follows: "Should not a peop…
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Last reviewed October 2026