Should we pray to “Saints”? (revisited)

I came across this verse today in my Old Testament Studies class (the second half of the OT). I thought it was an interesting verse to look at in regard to the debate about whether or not Christians should pray to “Saints” or even to Mary. There is a slight translation issue in this verse – but when I have more time, I’ll go into that (only to say now, given the placement of the ’athnach, I think the NASB and ESV got it right).

(Isaiah 8:19)

וְכִֽי־יֹאמְר֣וּ אֲלֵיכֶ֗ם דִּרְשׁ֤וּ אֶל־הָאֹבוֹת֙ וְאֶל־הַיִּדְּעֹנִ֔ים הַֽמְצַפְצְפִ֖ים וְהַמַּהְגִּ֑ים הֲלוֹא־עַם֙ אֶל־אֱלֹהָ֣יו יִדְרֹ֔שׁ בְּעַ֥ד הַחַיִּ֖ים אֶל־הַמֵּתִֽים׃

“When they say to you, “Consult the mediums and the spiritists who whisper and mutter,” should not a people consult their God? Should they consult the dead on behalf of the living?” (Isaiah 8:19, NASB)