Background of the Passage Many people are fascinated, even obsessed, with the future. They faithfully read their horoscopes, seek out Tarot card readers, have their palms read, feed on futuristic scientific material, or call one of the many “psychic hot lines” advertised on TV. Some people delve more deeply into the occult, seeking out mediums (as did King Saul), futilely and sinfully attempting to obtain information about what is to come by “consulting the dead on behalf of the living” (Isa. 8:19).