After the death of Solomon (ca. 930 B.C.), the nation was split into two kingdoms, Israel in the north (ten tribes) and Judah and Benjamin in the south. The northern kingdom only had evil kings who led the nation into idolatry and occultism until its destruction in 722 B.C. by the Assyrians (cf.1 Ki. 12:26-33; etc.). The southern kingdom had eight good kings throughout its history that led the people to worship God (cf. 1 Ki. 15:9-14; 23:24; etc.), and twelve evil kings who led the nation into idolatry and occultism until its destruction in 586 B.C. by Nebuchadnezzar (2 Ki. 21:1-9; 24:8-9; etc.). Most of Israel's history was marked by occult practices. God's prophets were opposed to the pagan religions that contradicted God's Word and they repeatedly called God's people back to serve Him.

Deuteronomy 18:9-14 reveals that God opposed occult practices in Israel. The occult practices of the surrounding pagan nations often resulted in degradation of human life, even child sacrifice. The appeal of the occult is to have power to live as one pleases, the freedom and ability to manipulate people and circumstances for one's own selfish purposes, and the rationale that there are no consequences to one's thoughts or actions. However, Scripture reveals the occult to be a demonic trap—freedom from God is slavery to Satan.