When the Ephesians believed on Christ, they examined the moral nature of each aspect of their lives. This led them to burn their curious arts books.
God expects His people to avoid unholy practices (i.e., divination, observing of times, witchcraft, wizardry, necromancing) that ensnare the world.
Seeking counsel or instruction from spirits or from the deceased is a wicked practice and demands God's righteous judgment.
It is not a common practice for people to desire or pray for confusion. Yet, there are times in the word of God when believers pleaded with the Lord in hopes that He might send confusion to their enemies. For instance, David entreated the Lord to send confusion to those who devised (Psalm 35:4), desired (Psalm 70:2), and rejoiced at his hurt (Psalm 35:26). Perhaps those chasing David would be led by the Lord in the wrong direction. Perhaps the Lord would allow David’s enemies to turn against each other rather than being united together in killing David. Regardless, David knew there would be times when his enemies would have the ability to overtake him. In those times, he asked the Lord to intervene on his behalf by confusing them.
Josiah was a godly king who began his reign at the age of eight years old. Because of his genuine appreciation for the Lord, he would later commission the people to work upon the house of God. It was during this work that the high priest found the book of the law of the Lord. As the scripture was read before Josiah, he rent his clothes recognizing God’s wrath was about to come upon His people. Josiah could have become hardened in heart against the Lord; however, he chose not to allow this to happen. Unlike many of his counterparts, Josiah humbled himself. What made Josiah different? His tender heart made all the difference (2 Kings 22:19). Josiah’s humility was not feigned; it was the natural outpouring of a heart tender toward the things of God.
