MacBeth

One of Shakespeare’s four great tragedies

Movie Recap

In Shakespeare’s famous tragedy Macbeth, the main character, Macbeth, is a powerful Scottish general. One day, he encounters a trio of witches who prophesy that he will become king. At first, Macbeth is loyal and doesn’t dwell much on the prophecy. But when his ambitious wife hears about it, she pressures him relentlessly to kill the king and seize the throne. Eventually, Macbeth gives in—to her urging and to his own ambition. He murders the good and just king and takes the crown by force. The rest of the play follows Macbeth and his wife—now queen—as they live in constant fear and paranoia, committing more murders to cover up the first, until both of them are destroyed.

Propercy in Bible

The Bible also contains accounts of prophecy—some that might seem similar at first glance.

When Rebekah was pregnant with twins, God told her, “The older will serve the younger.” She later gave birth to Esau and Jacob. Favoring Jacob, Rebekah helped him deceive his father and take the blessing meant for Esau. As a result, Jacob had to flee for his life.

God also revealed to Joseph that he would one day rise to a position of great authority, even over his family. But when his brothers heard about that, they were furious and plotted to get rid of him. Through God’s hidden protection, Joseph wasn’t killed—but he was sold into slavery in Egypt. There, he went from being his father’s favorite son to a servant, then a prisoner, and even forgotten…

The Key Difference Between Fortune-Telling and Divine Prophecy

Macbeth was seduced by the witches’ prophecy and stepped onto a path of self-destruction. Rebekah and Joseph’s brothers, when faced with God’s prophecy, also failed to respond rightly. Yet unlike Macbeth, Jacob and Joseph were protected by God. In fact, their stories witnessed that despite human weakness, God’s plan was not thwarted.

This reveals a fundamental difference between fortune-telling and God’s prophecy:

The witches Macbeth encountered—and the spirits behind so-called fortune-tellers—aim to stir up our pride and selfish desires, sow doubt, and fill us with fear and anxiety. Their intent is to corrupt and destroy us.

God’s prophecy, by contrast, is always meant to bless. Though our selfish desires or fears may be triggered by His prophecy, God remains faithful—teaching, protecting, and correcting us throughout the process. He not only fulfills His plans, but also uses the journey to shape our lives, build our character, and lead us into greater freedom and abundance.

As Scripture says:

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord,
“plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a future and a hope.”
—Jeremiah 29:11

God warns us not to seek fortune-telling—not only to keep us from deception or spiritual danger, but because He desires to protect us from harm and lead us into His blessing.