Topical Bible: Israel: Famine Prevails During the Reign of Ahab

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During the reign of Ahab, the seventh king of Israel, a severe famine struck the land, as recorded in the biblical narrative. Ahab, who ruled from approximately 874 to 853 BC, is often remembered for his marriage to Jezebel, a Phoenician princess, and for leading Israel into idolatry, particularly the worship of Baal. This period of famine is intricately linked to the spiritual and moral decline of Israel under Ahab's leadership.

The famine is prominently featured in the account of the prophet Elijah, who plays a central role in confronting Ahab and the false prophets of Baal. According to 1 Kings 17:1 , Elijah declares to Ahab, "As the LORD, the God of Israel, lives, before whom I stand, there will be neither dew nor rain in the next few years except at my word." This pronouncement marks the beginning of a drought that leads to widespread famine, a divine judgment on the nation for its apostasy.

The famine serves as a backdrop for several key events in the biblical narrative. Elijah, guided by God, first seeks refuge by the Brook Cherith, where he is miraculously fed by ravens (1 Kings 17:2-6). As the drought persists and the brook dries up, God instructs Elijah to go to Zarephath, where a widow provides for him. This encounter further demonstrates God's provision and power, as the widow's jar of flour and jug of oil do not run dry throughout the famine (1 Kings 17:8-16).

The severity of the famine is underscored in 1 Kings 18:2 , which states, "So Elijah went to present himself to Ahab. Now the famine was severe in Samaria." This meeting sets the stage for the dramatic confrontation on Mount Carmel, where Elijah challenges the prophets of Baal to a contest to demonstrate the true God of Israel. The outcome is a decisive victory for Elijah and a powerful demonstration of God's sovereignty, as fire from heaven consumes Elijah's sacrifice, leading the people to proclaim, "The LORD, He is God!" (1 Kings 18:39).

The famine ends when Elijah prays for rain, and God responds by sending a heavy downpour, as described in 1 Kings 18:45 : "Meanwhile, the sky grew dark with clouds, and the wind rose, and a heavy rain began to fall." This event not only marks the end of the physical drought but also symbolizes the potential for spiritual renewal in Israel.

The famine during Ahab's reign serves as a poignant reminder of the consequences of turning away from God and the importance of faithfulness to His covenant. It highlights the role of the prophet Elijah as a messenger of God's truth and a catalyst for repentance and revival in a time of national crisis.

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1 Kings 18:1-6
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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Book ii. Jerome Answers the Second, Third, and Fourth Propositions ...
... not glad to hear them say: "Let us eat and drink, and reign for ever ... The people of
Israel cast out from Egypt and on their way to the land ... [4796] Ahab, the most ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/book ii jerome answers the.htm