Famines

In the Bible, famines are often depicted as significant events that serve as instruments of divine judgment or as tests of faith. Famines are mentioned throughout the Scriptures, affecting both the righteous and the wicked. One of the earliest recorded famines occurs in the time of Abraham: "Now there was a famine in the land, and Abram went down to Egypt to live there for a while, because the famine was severe" (Genesis 12:10). This event set a precedent for God's people seeking refuge during times of scarcity.

Famines also played a crucial role in the narrative of Joseph, whose interpretation of Pharaoh's dreams led to the preparation for seven years of famine in Egypt (Genesis 41:25-30). This event not only saved Egypt but also brought Jacob's family to Egypt, setting the stage for the Exodus.

In the New Testament, Jesus mentions famines as part of the signs of the end times: "Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places" (Matthew 24:7). This indicates that famines, along with other calamities, are to be expected as part of the unfolding of God's plan for the world.

Earthquakes

Earthquakes in the Bible are often associated with the power and majesty of God. They serve as manifestations of His presence and as signs of significant divine activity. One of the most dramatic instances of an earthquake occurs at Mount Sinai when God gives the Law to Moses: "The whole mountain trembled violently" (Exodus 19:18). This event underscores the awe-inspiring nature of God's revelation.

In the New Testament, an earthquake accompanies the resurrection of Jesus: "Suddenly there was a great earthquake, for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven, rolled away the stone, and sat on it" (Matthew 28:2). This earthquake signifies the monumental nature of Christ's victory over death.

Earthquakes are also mentioned in eschatological contexts. In the Book of Revelation, earthquakes are part of the apocalyptic imagery that describes the end times: "Then there came flashes of lightning, rumblings, and peals of thunder, and a great earthquake" (Revelation 8:5). These events highlight the cosmic upheaval that accompanies God's final judgment.

Pestilences

Pestilences, or plagues, are frequently depicted in the Bible as instruments of divine judgment and as calls to repentance. The plagues of Egypt are among the most well-known examples, where God sends a series of devastating plagues to compel Pharaoh to release the Israelites: "If you refuse to let them go, I will plague your whole country with frogs" (Exodus 8:2). These plagues demonstrate God's sovereignty and His power to deliver His people.

In the prophetic literature, pestilences are often listed among the judgments that God will bring upon nations for their disobedience. For instance, in Ezekiel, God warns of sending "sword, famine, wild beasts, and plague" against Jerusalem (Ezekiel 14:21).

In the New Testament, pestilences are again mentioned as signs of the end times. Jesus warns of "famines and pestilences and earthquakes in various places" as part of the birth pains that precede His return (Matthew 24:7). These events serve as reminders of the fallen state of the world and the need for humanity to turn to God in repentance and faith.