Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical narrative, famine is often depicted as a severe trial that tests the faith and resilience of God's people. However, Scripture consistently illustrates that the righteous are delivered from famine through divine intervention and providence. This theme underscores God's faithfulness and His ability to provide for those who trust in Him, even in the most desperate circumstances.Joseph and the Egyptian Famine One of the most prominent examples of deliverance from famine is found in the account of Joseph. In Genesis 41, Joseph, through God's revelation, interprets Pharaoh's dreams, predicting seven years of abundance followed by seven years of severe famine. Joseph is appointed to oversee the storage of grain during the years of plenty, ensuring that Egypt and surrounding nations, including his own family, are sustained during the famine. Genesis 41:54-57 states, "When the seven years of famine came, just as Joseph had said, there was famine in all the other lands, but in the whole land of Egypt there was food. When all the land of Egypt began to feel the famine, the people cried out to Pharaoh for food. Then Pharaoh told all the Egyptians, 'Go to Joseph and do what he tells you.'" Elijah and the Widow of Zarephath In 1 Kings 17, during a time of drought and famine, God sends the prophet Elijah to a widow in Zarephath. Despite her dire circumstances, the widow obeys Elijah's request to first make a small cake for him from her last handful of flour and a little oil. As a result of her faith and obedience, God miraculously provides for her household. 1 Kings 17:15-16 records, "So she went and did according to the word of Elijah, and she and he and her household ate for many days. The jar of flour was not exhausted and the jug of oil did not run dry, according to the word of the LORD which He spoke through Elijah." Elisha and the Siege of Samaria Another instance of divine deliverance from famine is found in 2 Kings 6-7, during the siege of Samaria by the Arameans. The city experiences extreme famine, leading to desperate conditions. However, the prophet Elisha prophesies that the famine will end abruptly. In 2 Kings 7:1 , Elisha declares, "Hear the word of the LORD. This is what the LORD says: 'About this time tomorrow at the gate of Samaria, six quarts of fine flour will sell for a shekel, and twelve quarts of barley will sell for a shekel.'" The prophecy is fulfilled when the Arameans flee, leaving behind provisions that end the famine. Psalmic Assurance The Psalms also reflect the assurance that the righteous will be delivered from famine. Psalm 33:18-19 states, "Surely the eyes of the LORD are on those who fear Him, on those whose hope is in His loving devotion to deliver them from death and keep them alive in famine." This passage emphasizes God's protective care over those who revere Him, promising sustenance even in times of scarcity. Conclusion Throughout Scripture, the deliverance of the righteous from famine serves as a testament to God's unwavering provision and faithfulness. These accounts encourage believers to trust in God's sovereignty and His ability to provide, regardless of the circumstances. Nave's Topical Index Job 5:20In famine he shall redeem you from death: and in war from the power of the sword. Nave's Topical Index Psalm 33:19 Psalm 37:19 Library That the King of Babylon Repented of Making Jehoiachin King, and ... God's People Delivered. God's People Delivered The Desire of the Righteous Granted; Treatise viii. On Works and Alms. An Exhortation to virtue -- and Particularly Upon the Passage... Letter vii. --For 335. Easter-Day iv Pharmuthi, iii Kal. April; xx ... Saul's Expedition against the Nation of the Ammonites and victory ... The Character of the Persons for whom this Rest is Designed. Scriptures Showing the Sin and Danger of Joining with Wicked and ... Resources What is the significance of Egypt in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWho was Agabus in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org What is the story of Joseph and his brothers? | GotQuestions.org Famine: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Famine in Jerusalem, from Siege Famine: A Dearth of the Means of Grace Famine: Caused by Blasting and Mildew Famine: Caused by Devastation by Enemies Famine: Caused by God's Blessing Withheld Famine: Caused by Rotting of the Seed in the Ground Famine: Caused by Swarms of Insects Famine: Caused by Want of Seasonable Rain Famine: Caused: Blackness of the Skin Famine: Caused: Burning and Fever Famine: Caused: Grief and Mourning Famine: Caused: Wasting of the Body Famine: Expressed by Cleanness of Teeth Famine: Expressed by Taking Away the Stay of Bread Famine: Expressed by The Arrows of Famine Famine: God Provided for his People During Famine: Instances of, in Scripture in the Day of the Judges Famine: Instances of, in Scripture in the Days of Abraham Famine: Instances of, in Scripture in the Days of Isaac Famine: Instances of, in Scripture in the Days of Joseph Famine: Instances of, in Scripture in the Reign of Ahab Famine: Instances of, in Scripture in the Reign of Claudius Caesar Famine: Instances of, in Scripture in the Reign of David Famine: Instances of, in Scripture in the Time of Elisha Famine: Instances of, in Scripture in the Time of Jeremiah Famine: Instances of, in Scripture of Seven Years Foretold by Elisha Famine: Instances of, in Scripture: After the Captivity Famine: Instances of, in Scripture: Before Destruction of Jerusalem Famine: Instances of, in Scripture: During the Siege of Jerusalem Famine: Instances of, in Scripture: During the Siege of Samaria Famine: Often Accompanied by War Famine: Often Followed by Pestilence Famine: Often on Account of Sin Famine: One of God's Four Sore Judgments Famine: Pharaoh Forewarned of, in Dreams Famine: Provisions Sold by Weight During Famine: Righteous Delivered From Famine: Suffering of Brute Creation From Famine: The Jews in Their Restored State not to be Afflicted By Famine: Things Eaten During: Donkey's Flesh Famine: Things Eaten During: Dung Famine: Things Eaten During: Human Flesh Famine: Things Eaten During: Wild Herbs Related Terms |
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