Topical Bible: Famine in Canaan

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The occurrence of famine in Canaan is a significant theme in the biblical narrative, illustrating both divine providence and testing of faith. Famines in the ancient Near East were often severe, leading to migration, economic hardship, and social upheaval. In the biblical context, famines are sometimes depicted as instruments of God's judgment or as trials to refine and redirect His people.

Abram's Journey to Egypt (Genesis 12:10-20): The first mention of famine in Canaan occurs during the time of Abram (later Abraham). "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" (Genesis 12:10). This event marks a pivotal moment in Abram's journey of faith, as he temporarily leaves the Promised Land due to the scarcity of resources. The sojourn in Egypt, while providing relief, also brings challenges, including Abram's deception regarding Sarai, his wife.

Isaac's Encounter with Famine (Genesis 26:1-6): Another famine occurs during the time of Isaac, Abram's son. "Now there was another famine in the land, subsequent to the one that had occurred in the days of Abraham. So Isaac went to Abimelech king of the Philistines at Gerar" (Genesis 26:1). Unlike his father, Isaac is instructed by God not to go down to Egypt but to remain in Gerar. This directive underscores God's promise and faithfulness, as He assures Isaac of His continued blessing and presence.

Joseph and the Famine in Egypt (Genesis 41-47): Perhaps the most detailed account of famine is found in the account of Joseph. Pharaoh's dreams, interpreted by Joseph, foretell seven years of abundance followed by seven years of severe famine. "The seven years of abundance in the land of Egypt came to an end, and the seven years of famine began, just as Joseph had said" (Genesis 41:53-54). Joseph's rise to power and his strategic management of resources not only save Egypt but also provide a means of survival for his family in Canaan. This famine ultimately leads to the migration of Jacob's family to Egypt, setting the stage for the Israelites' eventual enslavement and subsequent Exodus.

Famine as a Divine Instrument: In the biblical narrative, famine is often portrayed as a tool used by God to fulfill His purposes. It serves as a catalyst for movement, as seen in the patriarchs' journeys, and as a means of testing and refining faith. The famines in Canaan highlight the dependency of God's people on His provision and guidance, reminding them of the covenant promises and the necessity of obedience and trust in His plan.

Prophetic and Eschatological References: Beyond the historical accounts, famine is also mentioned in prophetic and eschatological contexts. In the warnings of the prophets, famine is sometimes depicted as a consequence of Israel's disobedience and idolatry. In the New Testament, Jesus refers to famines as part of the signs of the end times (Matthew 24:7), indicating their continued significance in God's redemptive history.

Throughout the biblical narrative, famine in Canaan serves as a backdrop for God's unfolding plan, demonstrating His sovereignty, faithfulness, and the importance of reliance on Him in times of scarcity and need.

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Genesis 12:10
And there was a famine in the land: and Abram went down into Egypt to sojourn there; for the famine was grievous in the land.
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Genesis 26:1
And there was a famine in the land, beside the first famine that was in the days of Abraham. And Isaac went to Abimelech king of the Philistines to Gerar.
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2 Samuel 21:1
Then there was a famine in the days of David three years, year after year; and David inquired of the LORD. And the LORD answered, It is for Saul, and for his bloody house, because he slew the Gibeonites.
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1 Kings 17:1
And Elijah the Tishbite, who was of the inhabitants of Gilead, said to Ahab, As the LORD God of Israel lives, before whom I stand, there shall not be dew nor rain these years, but according to my word.
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1 Kings 18:1
And it came to pass after many days, that the word of the LORD came to Elijah in the third year, saying, Go, show yourself to Ahab; and I will send rain on the earth.
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2 Kings 6:25-29
And there was a great famine in Samaria: and, behold, they besieged it, until an ass's head was sold for fourscore pieces of silver, and the fourth part of a cab of dove's dung for five pieces of silver.
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2 Kings 7:4
If we say, We will enter into the city, then the famine is in the city, and we shall die there: and if we sit still here, we die also. Now therefore come, and let us fall to the host of the Syrians: if they save us alive, we shall live; and if they kill us, we shall but die.
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Library

That when There was a Famine in Canaan, Abram Went Thence into ...
... CHAPTER 8. That When There Was A Famine In Canaan, Abram Went Thence Into Egypt;
And After He Had Continued There A While He Returned Back Again. ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 8 that when there.htm

Ruth and Naomi.
... Naomi was the wife of a Jew named Elimelech, who left his own city of Bethlehem
to go into the land of Moab, because there was a famine in Canaan. ...
/.../anonymous/mother stories from the old testament/ruth and naomi.htm

A vindication of the Prophecy in Isa. vii. 14 against the ...
... His Son, and has preserved to us the unadulterated Scriptures in Egypt, where the
house of Jacob flourished, fleeing from the famine in Canaan; where also our ...
/.../irenaeus/against heresies/chapter xxi a vindication of the.htm

The Israelites
... overflow of its river. It was a famine in Canaan, produced by the absence of
rain, which made Jacob and his sons "go down into Egypt.". ...
/.../sayce/early israel and the surrounding nations/chapter i the israelites.htm

The Importance of a Choice
... He had been commanded to go to Canaan; should he not have stopped there"famine or
no famine"till the same authority commanded him to leave the land? ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/the importance of a choice.htm

The Removal of Joseph's Father with all his Family, to Him, on ...
... in it, and no more think of removing into the land of Canaan, and possessing ... 7. However,
the famine increased among the Egyptians, and this heavy judgment grew ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 7 the removal of.htm

His Name --The Counsellor
... Ah! Jacob, the Lord is about to provide for thee in Egypt, when there is a famine
in Canaan, and he is about to make thy son Joseph great and mighty. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 4 1858/his namethe counsellor.htm

The Antiquities of the Jews
... CHAPTER 8. That When There Was A Famine In Canaan, Abram Went Thence Into Egypt;
And After He Had Continued There A While He Returned Back Again. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/josephus/the antiquities of the jews/

Chapter xlvii
... of Canaan." This reference to Canaan may merely have been due to the fact that the
two lands primarily affected by this famine actually were Egypt and Canaan. ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xlvii.htm

Joseph's Loyalty to his Family
... both we and our fathers." They also said to Pharaoh, "We have come to live in your
country; because the famine is severe in the land of Canaan, and there is no ...
/.../sherman/the childrens bible/josephs loyalty to his family.htm