Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical context, famine is often depicted as a severe trial or judgment from God, serving as a means to bring His people back to righteousness or to fulfill His divine purposes. Among the various causes of famine mentioned in the Scriptures, burning and fever are highlighted as specific divine judgments that lead to scarcity and suffering.Biblical References: 1. Deuteronomy 28:22 : "The LORD will strike you with wasting disease, with fever and inflammation, with scorching heat and drought, with blight and mildew, which will plague you until you perish." This verse is part of the curses pronounced upon Israel for disobedience to God's commandments. Here, fever and burning heat are directly linked to the onset of famine, as they contribute to the destruction of crops and the land's productivity. 2. Leviticus 26:16 : "then I will do this to you: I will bring upon you sudden terror, wasting disease, and fever that will destroy your sight and drain your life. You will sow your seed in vain, because your enemies will eat it." This passage underscores the connection between fever and the resulting famine, as the physical afflictions lead to an inability to harvest crops, leaving the land vulnerable to enemy plunder. Theological Implications: In these passages, burning and fever are not merely natural phenomena but are portrayed as instruments of divine judgment. They serve as a reminder of the covenant relationship between God and His people, where blessings are contingent upon obedience, and curses follow disobedience. The use of fever and burning as causes of famine emphasizes the seriousness of turning away from God's statutes and the comprehensive nature of His judgments, affecting both health and sustenance. Historical and Cultural Context: In the ancient Near East, where agriculture was the backbone of society, any disruption to the growing season could lead to catastrophic famine. The biblical authors, inspired by the Holy Spirit, used familiar elements such as disease and extreme weather to communicate the consequences of sin and the need for repentance. The imagery of burning and fever would have resonated deeply with an agrarian society that understood the fragility of their food supply. Spiritual Lessons: The mention of burning and fever as causes of famine serves as a call to spiritual vigilance. It reminds believers of the importance of faithfulness to God's commands and the need for communal and individual repentance. These passages encourage a reliance on God's mercy and a recognition of His sovereignty over all aspects of life, including health and provision. In summary, the biblical portrayal of famine caused by burning and fever is a multifaceted concept that encompasses divine judgment, covenantal faithfulness, and the call to repentance. It serves as a powerful reminder of the consequences of disobedience and the enduring need for a right relationship with God. Torrey's Topical Textbook Deuteronomy 32:24They shall be burnt with hunger, and devoured with burning heat, and with bitter destruction: I will also send the teeth of beasts on them, with the poison of serpents of the dust. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library The Programme of the Society The City of Gold India as Carey Found It An Exhortation to Theodore after his Fall. Letter I. The Transformation of Rome from a Pagan into a Christian City. the Legendary History of Egypt Funeral Oration on the Great S. Basil, Bishop of C??sarea in ... The First Chaldaean Empire and the Hyksos in Egypt Letter xxii. To Eustochium. Book ii. Jerome Answers the Second, Third, and Fourth Propositions ... 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 |