Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical context, famine is often depicted as a severe trial or judgment from God, characterized by the scarcity of food and the removal of sustenance, symbolically referred to as the "stay of bread." This expression underscores the dependency of humanity on God's provision and the vulnerability of life when that provision is withdrawn.The concept of famine as a divine judgment is vividly illustrated in the book of Isaiah. Isaiah 3:1 states, "For behold, the Lord GOD of Hosts is about to remove from Jerusalem and Judah both supply and support, the whole supply of bread and water." Here, the "stay of bread" signifies the essential sustenance that God provides, and its removal indicates a period of divine chastisement and testing. Throughout the Old Testament, famines are often linked to the covenant relationship between God and His people. In Leviticus 26:26 , God warns the Israelites of the consequences of disobedience: "When I cut off your supply of bread, ten women will bake your bread in a single oven and dole out your bread by weight, so that you will eat but not be satisfied." This passage highlights the direct correlation between the people's faithfulness to God and the abundance or scarcity of their resources. The narrative of Joseph in Genesis provides a profound example of famine used by God to fulfill His purposes. In Genesis 41, Pharaoh's dreams, interpreted by Joseph, foretell seven years of abundance followed by seven years of severe famine. Joseph's rise to power and his strategic management of resources not only save Egypt but also preserve the lineage of Israel. This account demonstrates God's sovereignty in using famine to orchestrate His divine plan and to test and refine His people. In the New Testament, famine is mentioned as part of the eschatological discourse. In Matthew 24:7 , Jesus warns, "Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places." Here, famine is one of the signs of the end times, serving as a reminder of the transient nature of earthly sustenance and the ultimate reliance on God's eternal provision. Theologically, famine serves as a call to repentance and a reminder of human dependence on God. It challenges believers to trust in God's provision and to seek spiritual sustenance in His Word. Amos 8:11 speaks of a different kind of famine: "Behold, the days are coming, declares the Lord GOD, when I will send a famine on the land—not a famine of bread or a thirst for water, but a famine of hearing the words of the LORD." This spiritual famine emphasizes the necessity of God's Word as the true sustenance for the soul. In summary, famine in the Bible is a multifaceted concept that serves as both a literal and symbolic expression of God's judgment, a test of faith, and a call to spiritual renewal. It underscores the essential truth that all provision comes from God, and without His blessing, even the most basic necessities can be withheld. Torrey's Topical Textbook Isaiah 3:1For, behold, the Lord, the LORD of hosts, does take away from Jerusalem and from Judah the stay and the staff, the whole stay of bread, and the whole stay of water. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Interpretation of Prophecy. Silent Christians Christ Teaching Liberality Acts xx. 32 Scriptures Showing the Sin and Danger of Joining with Wicked and ... Christ a Complete Saviour: Israel's Hope Encouraged; The Work of Jesus Christ as an Advocate, Introduction to Oration ii. A Traveler's Note-Book Resources What does the Bible say about famine? | GotQuestions.orgWas Joseph the same person as Imhotep in Egyptian history? | GotQuestions.org Who was Rizpah in the Bible? | 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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