Topical Encyclopedia Famine, in the biblical context, often refers to a severe shortage of food that leads to widespread hunger and distress. However, beyond the physical implications, famine can also symbolize a spiritual dearth—a lack of the means of grace necessary for spiritual nourishment and growth. This entry explores both the literal and metaphorical dimensions of famine as presented in the Scriptures.Physical Famine in the Bible The Bible records numerous instances of physical famine, often as a consequence of divine judgment or as a test of faith. One of the earliest accounts is found in Genesis 12:10, where Abram journeys to Egypt due to a severe famine in the land of Canaan. Similarly, the account of Joseph in Genesis 41-47 describes a divinely foretold famine that leads to the migration of Jacob's family to Egypt, setting the stage for the Israelites' eventual bondage and deliverance. In the time of the Judges, famine drives Elimelech and Naomi to Moab (Ruth 1:1), and during the reign of King David, a three-year famine prompts him to seek the LORD's guidance (2 Samuel 21:1). The prophet Elijah also encounters famine, which God uses to demonstrate His power and provision through the miraculous supply of food to the widow of Zarephath (1 Kings 17:8-16). Spiritual Famine: A Lack of the Means of Grace Beyond the physical, the Bible speaks of a spiritual famine—a scarcity of the Word of God and the means of grace. Amos 8:11-12 warns of a time when there will be "a famine of hearing the words of the LORD." This spiritual famine is characterized by a lack of access to God's truth, resulting in spiritual starvation and moral decay. The means of grace, such as Scripture, prayer, and the sacraments, are essential for spiritual vitality. When these are neglected or absent, believers may experience a famine of the soul. The psalmist expresses a deep longing for God's presence and Word, akin to a thirst in a dry and weary land (Psalm 63:1). Divine Purpose and Provision Famine, whether physical or spiritual, often serves a divine purpose. It can be a call to repentance, a test of faith, or a means to demonstrate God's sovereignty and provision. In times of physical famine, God frequently provides for His people in miraculous ways, as seen in the provision of manna in the wilderness (Exodus 16) and the multiplication of loaves and fishes by Jesus (Matthew 14:13-21). Spiritually, God promises to satisfy the hungry soul. Jesus declares Himself the "bread of life" (John 6:35), offering sustenance that leads to eternal life. The Holy Spirit, as the Comforter, provides the living water that quenches spiritual thirst (John 7:37-39). Warnings and Encouragements The Bible warns against the complacency that can lead to spiritual famine. In Revelation 3:17, the church of Laodicea is admonished for its lukewarmness, a condition that can result from a lack of spiritual nourishment. Believers are encouraged to seek the Lord diligently, to immerse themselves in His Word, and to remain steadfast in prayer and fellowship. In summary, famine in the biblical narrative serves as both a literal and metaphorical reminder of humanity's dependence on God for sustenance. Whether facing physical scarcity or spiritual drought, the faithful are called to trust in God's provision and to seek the means of grace that sustain and enrich the soul. Torrey's Topical Textbook Amos 8:11,12Behold, the days come, said the Lord GOD, that I will send a famine in the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the LORD: Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Plenty in a Time of Dearth. Gen 41:56:00 Olney Hymns Acts xi. 19 Book iii. --Of the Harmony of the Fathers of the Old and New ... A Treatise to Prove that no one Can Harm the Man who Does not ... The Life, as Amplified by Mediaeval Biographers. The World, Created by God, Still Cherished and Protected by Him. ... Funeral Oration on the Great S. Basil, Bishop of C??sarea in ... Scriptural Poems; Being Several Portions of Scripture Digested ... The Power of Assyria at Its Zenith; Esarhaddon and Assur-Bani-Pal Resources What are some biblical examples of dream interpretation? | GotQuestions.orgWho was Joseph in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Was the killing of Saul's descendants a just response to Saul's killing of the Gibeonites? | 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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