Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical narrative, famine is a recurring theme that often serves as a divine instrument for judgment, testing, or redirection. The ancient Near Eastern context, with its reliance on agriculture, made cities particularly vulnerable to the devastating effects of famine. The Bible records several instances where cities and their inhabitants faced severe food shortages, leading to social, economic, and spiritual crises.Famine as Divine Judgment Famine is frequently depicted as a consequence of disobedience to God's commandments. In Leviticus 26:19-20, God warns the Israelites that if they turn away from Him, He will "break the pride of your power, and I will make your heavens like iron and your earth like bronze. Your strength will be spent in vain, for your land will not yield its produce, and the trees of the land will not bear their fruit." This passage underscores the belief that famine can be a direct result of divine displeasure. Historical Instances of Famine One of the earliest recorded famines in the Bible occurs during the time of Abraham. Genesis 12:10 states, "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 not only highlights the severity of the famine but also sets the stage for significant developments in Abraham's journey and God's covenantal promises. Another notable famine occurs during the time of Joseph, as recorded in Genesis 41. Pharaoh's dreams, interpreted by Joseph, foretell seven years of abundance followed by seven years of severe famine. Joseph's strategic planning and God-given wisdom lead to the preservation of Egypt and surrounding nations, including his own family, who come to Egypt seeking sustenance. Famine as a Test of Faith The account of Elijah and the widow of Zarephath in 1 Kings 17 illustrates how famine can serve as a test of faith. During a time of drought and famine, God sends Elijah to a widow who is preparing to eat her last meal with her son before they die. Elijah's request for bread and the subsequent miracle of the never-emptying jar of flour and jug of oil demonstrate God's provision and the importance of faith and obedience. Prophetic Warnings and Famine The prophets frequently warned of impending famine as a result of Israel's unfaithfulness. In Jeremiah 14:12, God declares, "Although they fast, I will not hear their cry; although they offer burnt offerings and grain offerings, I will not accept them. Instead, I will finish them off by sword and famine and plague." Such warnings were intended to call the people to repentance and a return to covenant faithfulness. Famine in the New Testament The New Testament also references famine, notably in Acts 11:28, where the prophet Agabus predicts a severe famine that would spread over the entire Roman world. This prophecy prompts the early Christian community to take action, demonstrating their unity and compassion by sending relief to the believers in Judea. Spiritual Implications of Famine Beyond the physical and economic hardships, famine often carried spiritual implications. It served as a reminder of human dependence on God for sustenance and the futility of relying solely on human strength and wisdom. In times of famine, individuals and communities were called to examine their relationship with God, repent of their sins, and seek His mercy and provision. In summary, the biblical accounts of famine reveal a multifaceted phenomenon that affected cities in profound ways. Whether as a tool of divine judgment, a test of faith, or a catalyst for prophetic action, famine played a significant role in shaping the spiritual and historical landscape of the biblical world. Torrey's Topical Textbook Jeremiah 52:6And in the fourth month, in the ninth day of the month, the famine was sore in the city, so that there was no bread for the people of the land. Torrey's Topical Textbook Amos 4:6 Library The Eighteenth Theban Dynasty Chapter xli The Seventh Book Introductory Notice Respecting Tauler's Life and Times The Rise of the Assyrian Empire Treatise v. An Address to Demetrianus. On the Sunday Called "Episozomenes," to those who had Come to ... "Thou Shalt Honor Thy Father and Thy Mother. " The Last Days of the Old Eastern World Letter cxxx. To Demetrias. Resources What was the sin of Sodom and Gomorrah? | GotQuestions.orgWhy did Abraham bargain with God in regard to Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis 18)? | GotQuestions.org Who were the Kohathites, Gershonites, and Merarites? | GotQuestions.org Cities: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Cities of Refuge of the Hope of the Gospel Cities of Refuge: (The Way To) Christ Cities of Refuge: Afforded No Asylum to Murderers Cities of Refuge: Required to Be: Easy of Access Cities of Refuge: Required to Be: Open to all Manslayers Cities of Refuge: Strangers Might Take Advantage of Cities of Refuge: Those Admitted to not Protected Outside of Cities of Refuge: Those Admitted to Obliged to Remain In, Until the High Priest's Death Cities of Refuge: Those Admitted to Were Put on Their Trial Cities were Called For: The Country in Which Built Cities were Called For: The Family of the Founder Cities were Called For: The Proprietor of the Land Cities were Frequently: Besieged Cities were Frequently: Burned Cities were Frequently: Depopulated Cities were Frequently: Made Heaps of Ruins Cities were Frequently: Pillaged Cities were Frequently: Razed and Sown With Salt Cities were Frequently: Stormed Cities were Frequently: Wasted by Famine Cities were Frequently: Wasted by Pestilence Cities: A Great Defence to a Country Cities: Afforded Refuge in Times of Danger Cities: Arranged in Streets and Lanes Cities: Artificial Mode of Supplying Water To Cities: Built in Desert Places Cities: Built in Pleasant Situations Cities: Built of Brick and Mortar Cities: Built of Brick and Slime Cities: Built of Stone and Wood Cities: Built with Compactness Cities: Built: Often of a Square Form Cities: Built: On Solid Foundations Cities: Designated as Merchant Cities: Designated as Treasure Cities: Designed for Habitations Cities: Different Kinds of Chariot Cities: Different Kinds of Commercial Cities: Different Kinds of Fenced Cities: Different Kinds of Levitical Cities: Different Kinds of Refuge Cities: Different Kinds of Royal Cities: Different Kinds of Store Cities: Different Kinds of Treasure Cities: Difficulty of Taking, Alluded To Cities: Government of, by Rulers Cities: Inhabitants of, Called Citizens Cities: Often Built to Perpetuate a Name Cities: Often Deserted on the Approach of an Enemy Cities: Often Fortified by Art Cities: Often Fortified by Nature Cities: Often Founded and Enlarged by Blood and Rapine Cities: Often Great and Goodly Cities: Often of Great Antiquity Cities: Prosperity of, Increased by Commerce Cities: Protected at Night by Watchmen Related Terms Chariot-cities (3 Occurrences) Treasure-cities (1 Occurrence) Kiriath-jearim (17 Occurrences) Kir'iath-je'arim (18 Occurrences) Kirjath-jearim (17 Occurrences) Kirjathjearim (17 Occurrences) |
    |