Topical Encyclopedia Definition and Occurrence in Scripture: Famines are periods of severe scarcity of food, often resulting in widespread hunger and distress. In the Bible, famines are depicted as significant events that impact nations and individuals, often serving as instruments of divine judgment or as tests of faith. They are mentioned numerous times throughout the Old and New Testaments, highlighting their importance in biblical history and theology. Old Testament Instances: 1. Famine in the Time of Abraham: The first recorded famine in the Bible occurs during the time of Abraham. In Genesis 12:10, it is written, "Now there was a famine in the land, so Abram went down to Egypt to live there for a while, because the famine was severe." This event led Abraham to Egypt, where he faced challenges that tested his faith and reliance on God. 2. Famine in the Time of Isaac: Another famine is recorded during the life of Isaac. Genesis 26:1 states, "Now there was another famine in the land, subsequent to the one that had occurred in the days of Abraham." Isaac was instructed by God not to go to Egypt but to stay in Gerar, where God blessed him despite the famine. 3. Joseph and the Egyptian Famine: One of the most notable famines is the seven-year famine during Joseph's time in Egypt. Genesis 41:54-57 describes how Joseph, through divine revelation, prepared Egypt for the famine by storing grain during seven years of plenty. This event not only saved Egypt but also brought Joseph's family to Egypt, setting the stage for future events in Israel's history. 4. Famine in the Time of Ruth: The Book of Ruth begins with a famine in the land of Judah, prompting Elimelech and his family to move to Moab (Ruth 1:1). This famine sets the backdrop for the account of Ruth and Naomi, highlighting themes of loyalty, providence, and redemption. 5. Famine as Judgment: Famines are sometimes depicted as divine judgment for sin. In 2 Samuel 21:1, a famine during King David's reign is attributed to Saul's actions against the Gibeonites, leading David to seek God's guidance for resolution. New Testament References: 1. Famine Predicted by Agabus: In the New Testament, the prophet Agabus predicts a famine in Acts 11:28: "One of them, named Agabus, stood up and predicted by the Spirit that a great famine would sweep across the whole world. This happened during the reign of Claudius." The early church responded by providing aid to those affected, demonstrating Christian charity and unity. 2. Famines as Signs of the End Times: Jesus mentions famines as one of the signs of the end times in the Olivet Discourse. In Matthew 24:7, He states, "Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places." These events are part of the birth pains leading up to His return. Theological Significance: Famines in the Bible often serve as a backdrop for God's intervention and provision. They are occasions for demonstrating faith, obedience, and reliance on God's promises. Famines also highlight the themes of divine sovereignty and judgment, as God uses natural events to accomplish His purposes and to call His people to repentance and trust. Practical Implications for Believers: Believers are encouraged to respond to famines and other crises with faith and compassion, trusting in God's provision and sovereignty. The biblical accounts of famines remind Christians of the importance of preparedness, generosity, and reliance on God's guidance in times of need. Greek 3042. limos -- hunger, famine ... Word Origin a prim. word Definition hunger, famine NASB Word Usage famine (7), famines (3), hunger (2). dearth, famine, hunger. ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3042.htm - 6k Library The Famine which Took Place in the Reign of Claudius. From the Sixth Chapter. Withholding Corn Corn in Egypt The Destruction of Jerusalem and the Coming of Christ. Ch. 21:5-38 Destruction of Jerusalem Foretold. Rom. viii. 28 Matt. xxiv. 1, 2 Acts ii. 14 The First vision "On Earth" Thesaurus Famines (3 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance Famines (3 Occurrences). ... There will be earthquakes in various places. There will be famines and troubles. ... /f/famines.htm - 7k Various (52 Occurrences) Earthquakes (3 Occurrences) Divers (36 Occurrences) Nile (37 Occurrences) Places (610 Occurrences) Nation (192 Occurrences) Pestilences (2 Occurrences) Famine (99 Occurrences) Famish (2 Occurrences) Resources What does the Bible say about famine? | GotQuestions.orgWhat signs indicate that the end times are approaching? | GotQuestions.org Have any aspects of end times prophecy been fulfilled? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Famines (3 Occurrences)Matthew 24:7 Mark 13:8 Luke 21:11 Subtopics Related Terms |
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