Topical Encyclopedia Famine, a severe shortage of food resulting in widespread hunger, is a recurring theme in the Bible, often depicted as a consequence of God's blessing being withheld due to the disobedience and sin of His people. Throughout Scripture, famine serves as both a physical and spiritual symbol, illustrating the dire consequences of turning away from God's commandments and the necessity of repentance and reliance on divine provision.Biblical Instances of Famine One of the earliest mentions of famine is found in the account of Abram (later Abraham) in Genesis 12:10: "Now there was a famine in the land, and Abram went down to Egypt to live there for a while, because the famine was severe." This event sets a precedent for how God's people often respond to famine by seeking refuge and sustenance elsewhere, sometimes leading to further trials and lessons in faith. In the time of Joseph, famine plays a pivotal role in God's plan for the Israelites. Genesis 41 recounts Pharaoh's dreams, which Joseph interprets as seven years of abundance followed by seven years of severe famine. Joseph's God-given wisdom in storing grain during the years of plenty not only saves Egypt but also provides for his family, who come to Egypt seeking food. This narrative highlights God's sovereignty and provision even amidst famine, using it to fulfill His promises and purposes. Famine as a Consequence of Disobedience The Bible frequently links famine to the spiritual state of the people. In Deuteronomy 28, God outlines the blessings for obedience and the curses for disobedience. Verses 23-24 warn, "The sky over your head will be bronze, and the earth beneath you iron. The LORD will turn the rain of your land into dust and powder; it will descend on you from the sky until you are destroyed." Here, famine is depicted as a direct result of Israel's failure to adhere to God's laws, serving as a divine chastisement intended to bring about repentance. The book of 1 Kings 17-18 provides a vivid example of famine as a divine response to idolatry. During the reign of King Ahab, Elijah the prophet declares a drought, saying, "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" (1 Kings 17:1). This famine lasts until the people turn back to God, culminating in the dramatic confrontation on Mount Carmel where Elijah calls down fire from heaven, leading to the people's acknowledgment of the LORD as the true God. Prophetic Warnings and Calls to Repentance The prophets frequently warned of famine as a consequence of national sin and a call to repentance. In Jeremiah 14:1-4, the prophet laments the drought in Judah, describing the people's suffering and the land's desolation. Similarly, in Amos 4:6-8, God recounts sending famine as a means to draw Israel back to Himself: "I gave you empty stomachs in every city and lack of bread in every town, yet you have not returned to Me," declares the LORD. Joel 1:14-15 calls for a sacred assembly and fasting in response to a devastating locust plague, which is likened to a famine: "Declare a holy fast; call a sacred assembly. Summon the elders and all who live in the land to the house of the LORD your God, and cry out to the LORD. Alas for the day! For the day of the LORD is near; it will come like destruction from the Almighty." This passage underscores the importance of communal repentance and seeking God's mercy in times of crisis. Spiritual Lessons from Famine Famine in the Bible is not merely a physical phenomenon but a spiritual metaphor for the absence of God's word and presence. Amos 8:11 warns of a "famine of hearing the words of the LORD," emphasizing the dire consequences of spiritual neglect. In times of famine, both physical and spiritual, the Bible calls believers to return to God, seek His face, and trust in His provision. Throughout Scripture, famine serves as a reminder of humanity's dependence on God for sustenance and the importance of obedience to His will. It is a call to recognize the spiritual dimensions of physical hardships and to respond with faith, repentance, and a renewed commitment to God's covenant. Torrey's Topical Textbook Hosea 2:8,9For she did not know that I gave her corn, and wine, and oil, and multiplied her silver and gold, which they prepared for Baal. Torrey's Topical Textbook Haggai 1:6 Library Abraham's Four Surrenders Christian Sympathy The World, Created by God, Still Cherished and Protected by Him. ... Hearken and Look; Or, Encouragement for Believers Homilies on the Statues. Scriptural Poems; Being Several Portions of Scripture Digested ... A Treatise of the Fear of God; The Sixth vision "On Earth" An Essay on the Scriptural Doctrine of Immortality. A Traveler's Note-Book 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 |
    |