Famine is a recurring theme in the Bible, often depicted as a divine judgment or a consequence of human sin. In extreme cases, famine led to acts of cannibalism, highlighting the severity of the situation and the depths of human desperation. The Bible records several instances where famine-induced cannibalism occurred, serving as a stark reminder of the consequences of turning away from God.

One of the most harrowing accounts of cannibalism during a famine is found in the siege of Samaria, as recorded in 2 Kings 6:24-30. The Arameans besieged Samaria, leading to a severe famine in the city. The situation became so dire that two women made a pact to eat their children. When one woman reneged on the agreement, the other sought justice from King Jehoram. The king's response was one of horror and grief, as he tore his clothes in despair. This account underscores the extreme conditions and moral decay that can result from prolonged famine.

Another instance is mentioned in the book of Lamentations, which reflects on the destruction of Jerusalem and the resulting famine. Lamentations 4:10 states, "The hands of compassionate women have cooked their own children, who became their food in the destruction of the daughter of my people." This verse poignantly captures the unimaginable suffering and desperation experienced by the inhabitants of Jerusalem during the Babylonian siege.

The Mosaic Law warned of such dire consequences as a result of disobedience to God's commandments. In Leviticus 26:29, God warns the Israelites, "You will eat the flesh of your sons and the flesh of your daughters." Similarly, Deuteronomy 28:53-57 describes the horrors that would befall the people if they turned away from God, including cannibalism during a siege. These warnings were intended to serve as a deterrent, emphasizing the importance of faithfulness to God.

The prophetic literature also contains references to cannibalism as a consequence of judgment. In Ezekiel 5:10, God declares, "Therefore, fathers will eat their sons in your midst, and sons will eat their fathers. I will execute judgments against you and scatter all your remnant to every wind." This prophecy was directed at Jerusalem, foretelling the severe judgment that would come upon the city due to its rebellion against God.

These biblical accounts of cannibalism during famine serve as a sobering reminder of the physical and spiritual devastation that can result from turning away from God. They illustrate the extreme conditions that can arise when a society is under divine judgment and highlight the importance of obedience and faithfulness to God's commandments.Deuteronomy 28:53
And you shall eat the fruit of your own body, the flesh of your sons and of your daughters, which the LORD your God has given you, in the siege, and in the narrow place, with which your enemies shall distress you:
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2 Kings 6:28
And the king said to her, What ails you? And she answered, This woman said to me, Give your son, that we may eat him to day, and we will eat my son to morrow.
Nave's Topical Index

the Legendary History of Egypt
... Character and, origin of the legends concerning them"The famine stela"The ... Isis weaned
them from cannibalism, healed their diseases by means of medicine or ...
/.../chapter iii -the legendary history of.htm

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