Leviticus 19:31Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Ventriloquism can be viewed as a form of sorcery, a means through which demons communicate. In Syria, these practitioners are referred to as Zahur. Demons may infiltrate the bodies of unfortunate women, utilizing their stomachs and sides or other parts to produce a feeble, child-like voice that sounds divine, thus misleading those who listen into believing they are revealing secrets and foretelling the future. This phenomenon is illustrated in the account of Saul, as mentioned in Scripture; he was similarly deceived by such sorcery.

What is a ventriloquist? Some individuals, influenced by evil spirits, deceived numerous gullible people with their claims of predicting the future. The Greeks referred to them as ventriloquists, as it appeared that the demons were speaking from within their bodies.