Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical narrative, famine is often depicted as a divine instrument used to bring about repentance and the destruction of idols. Throughout Scripture, God uses famine as a means to draw His people back to Himself, highlighting the futility of relying on false gods and idols for provision and security.One of the most illustrative examples of famine leading to the destruction of idols is found in the account of Elijah and the prophets of Baal. In 1 Kings 17, Elijah proclaims a drought in Israel, a direct challenge to Baal, the Canaanite god of rain and fertility. The famine that ensues is a powerful demonstration of the impotence of Baal and the sovereignty of the God of Israel. As the drought persists, it becomes evident that the idols worshiped by the Israelites are powerless to provide relief. This culminates in the dramatic confrontation on Mount Carmel, where Elijah calls down fire from heaven, leading to the destruction of the prophets of Baal and a return to the worship of Yahweh (1 Kings 18:20-40). The theme of famine as a tool for the destruction of idols is also evident in the account of Joseph in Egypt. In Genesis 41, Pharaoh's dreams foretell a coming famine, which Joseph interprets as a divine message. The subsequent seven years of famine not only elevate Joseph to a position of power but also serve to demonstrate the futility of Egypt's pantheon of gods. The Egyptians, known for their reliance on a multitude of deities, find themselves dependent on the wisdom given by the God of Israel to Joseph. This event underscores the supremacy of the God of Israel over the gods of Egypt and leads to a significant shift in the spiritual landscape of the region. In the prophetic literature, famine is frequently mentioned as a consequence of idolatry and a call to repentance. The prophet Jeremiah warns of famine as a judgment against those who have turned to idols: "They have sown wheat but harvested thorns; they have exhausted themselves to no avail. They will be ashamed of your harvest because of the fierce anger of the LORD" (Jeremiah 12:13). Here, the failure of the harvest is directly linked to the people's idolatrous practices, serving as a divine rebuke and an invitation to return to the worship of the one true God. The New Testament also reflects on the theme of famine in the context of idolatry. In Acts 11:28, a prophet named Agabus predicts a severe famine that would spread across the Roman world. This famine, occurring during the reign of Claudius, serves as a backdrop for the early Christian community to demonstrate their reliance on God rather than the Roman pantheon. The response of the believers, who provide aid to those affected, highlights the contrast between the self-sufficiency promoted by idolatry and the communal care encouraged by faith in Christ. Throughout Scripture, famine is a recurring motif that underscores the futility of idolatry and the necessity of reliance on God. It serves as a divine tool to dismantle the false security offered by idols and to call God's people back to a covenant relationship with Him. In this way, famine is not merely a physical hardship but a spiritual catalyst for the destruction of idols and the restoration of true worship. Torrey's Topical Textbook Zephaniah 2:11The LORD will be terrible to them: for he will famish all the gods of the earth; and men shall worship him, every one from his place, even all the isles of the heathen. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library The Misfortunes which Happened in Connection with These Things, in ... Desolation of the Earth. Desolation of the Earth Reformation Lessons Acts of Sharbil, who was a Priest of Idols, and was Converted to ... The Doom of the Antichrist Covenanting According to the Purposes of God. The Sibylline Oracles. A Portrait Gallery Of the First Prophecy, which is that of the Seals; and in the ... 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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