Topical Encyclopedia Famine, a severe shortage of food resulting in widespread hunger, is a recurring theme in the Bible, often depicted as a divine judgment or a consequence of human sin. The Bible records several instances where famine leads to death, serving as a somber reminder of the fragility of human life and the sovereignty of God over creation.In the Old Testament, famine is frequently portrayed as a tool of divine discipline. One of the earliest mentions is found in the account of Abraham, where a famine in the land prompts him to go down to Egypt (Genesis 12:10). This event foreshadows future famines that would have significant impacts on the people of Israel. The most notable famine in the Bible is the one that occurred during the time of Joseph. Pharaoh's dreams, interpreted by Joseph, foretold seven years of abundance followed by seven years of severe famine (Genesis 41:29-30). This famine affected not only Egypt but also the surrounding nations, leading to widespread suffering and death. Joseph's wise administration, however, mitigated the impact by storing grain during the years of plenty, thus saving many lives (Genesis 41:48-49). In the book of Ruth, famine drives Elimelech and his family from Bethlehem to Moab, setting the stage for the account of Ruth and Naomi (Ruth 1:1). The famine results in the death of Elimelech and his sons, leaving Naomi and her daughters-in-law in a precarious situation. This narrative highlights the personal tragedies that can accompany widespread hunger. The prophetic literature also speaks of famine as a consequence of disobedience to God. In the book of Jeremiah, God warns of famine as part of the judgment against Judah for their idolatry and rebellion (Jeremiah 14:12). Similarly, Ezekiel prophesies about the severe famine that will come upon Jerusalem as a result of their sins (Ezekiel 5:16-17). In the New Testament, famine is mentioned in the context of the early church. Agabus, a prophet, predicts a severe famine that would spread over the entire Roman world during the reign of Claudius (Acts 11:28). The church in Antioch responds by sending relief to the believers in Judea, demonstrating the Christian principle of caring for one another in times of need. Theologically, famine is often understood as a manifestation of the curse on the ground due to human sin (Genesis 3:17-19). It serves as a reminder of humanity's dependence on God for sustenance and the need for repentance and faithfulness. While famine can lead to physical death, it also calls attention to the spiritual death that results from separation from God. Throughout Scripture, famine is a powerful symbol of both judgment and redemption. It underscores the reality of human vulnerability and the hope of divine provision, pointing ultimately to the spiritual nourishment found in Christ, the Bread of Life (John 6:35). Torrey's Topical Textbook 2 Kings 7:4If 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. Torrey's Topical Textbook Jeremiah 11:22 Library How the Hebrews were Delivered from a Famine when the Gibeonites ... The Last Siege of the Jews after Christ. Affairs in the West Justinus' Triad of Principles; his Angelography Founded on this ... Index of Subjects. Rhapsody Death Women who Witnessed the Fall of Rome The Progress of the Gospel from the Death of Christ to the Death ... Cholera, 1866 Resources What is the significance of Egypt in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWho was Agabus in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org What is the story of Joseph and his brothers? | 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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