Topical Bible: Famine: Expressed by The Arrows of Famine

◄ Famine: Expressed by The Arrows of Famine ►

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In the biblical context, famine is often depicted as a divine instrument of judgment and a means of testing faith. The phrase "arrows of famine" metaphorically illustrates the severity and targeted nature of this calamity. Famine is not merely a natural disaster but is frequently portrayed as a consequence of disobedience to God's commandments, serving as a call to repentance and reliance on divine provision.

Biblical Instances and Symbolism

The concept of famine as an "arrow" is rooted in the imagery of divine retribution. In Leviticus 26:25-26, God warns the Israelites of the consequences of breaking His covenant: "I will bring a sword against you to execute the vengeance of the covenant. Though you withdraw into your cities, I will send a plague among you, and you will be delivered into the hand of the enemy. 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." Here, famine is depicted as a precise and devastating tool of judgment, akin to an arrow striking its target.

The imagery of arrows is further expanded in Ezekiel 5:16, where God declares, "When I send against them the deadly arrows of famine to destroy you, I will intensify the famine and cut off your supply of bread." This passage underscores the intentionality and severity of famine as a divine act, emphasizing its role in bringing about repentance and acknowledgment of God's sovereignty.

Historical Contexts

Throughout the Bible, famines serve as pivotal events that shape the narrative and spiritual journey of God's people. In Genesis 41, the famine in Egypt during Joseph's time is a significant event that leads to the preservation of Jacob's family and the eventual settlement of the Israelites in Egypt. Joseph's interpretation of Pharaoh's dreams and his subsequent management of the famine demonstrate God's providence and the importance of obedience and wisdom.

Similarly, the famine during the time of Elijah, as recorded in 1 Kings 17, serves as a backdrop for the prophet's ministry and God's miraculous provision for Elijah, the widow of Zarephath, and her son. This event highlights the theme of reliance on God amidst scarcity and the power of faith to overcome dire circumstances.

Theological Implications

From a theological perspective, famine is a multifaceted phenomenon that serves as both a judgment and a test. It calls individuals and nations to examine their relationship with God and to turn back to Him in humility and repentance. The "arrows of famine" are not random acts of nature but are depicted as purposeful and redemptive, intended to draw people closer to God and to remind them of their dependence on His provision.

In the New Testament, Jesus alludes to famine as one of the signs of the end times, as seen in Matthew 24:7: "Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places." This eschatological perspective reinforces the idea that famine, while a temporal hardship, is part of a larger divine narrative leading to the fulfillment of God's ultimate plan.

Practical Reflections

For believers, the biblical portrayal of famine as "arrows" serves as a reminder of the importance of spiritual vigilance and obedience. It encourages a posture of trust in God's provision and a commitment to living in accordance with His will. In times of physical or spiritual famine, the faithful are called to seek God's guidance, to support one another, and to remain steadfast in their faith, trusting that God will provide and sustain them through all trials.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Ezekiel 5:16
When I shall send on them the evil arrows of famine, which shall be for their destruction, and which I will send to destroy you: and I will increase the famine on you, and will break your staff of bread:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The visit and Homage of the Magi, and the Flight into Egypt
... [1051] But it was a principle strongly expressed, and frequently ... will not be sufficient
nourishment; in the second year the arrows of famine are launched ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter viii the visit and.htm

Severinus in Germany.
... able, in a devastated, impoverished, and famine-stricken land ... When the prince expressed
his regret that Severinus ... these people snatched by your arrows or swords ...
/.../neander/light in the dark places/severinus in germany.htm

'Deliver us from Evil'
... the sadder the want which is expressed, the fuller ... It is evil to have the arrows
of calumny or ... all evil and mischief"plague, pestilence, and famine, as well ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture a/deliver us from evil.htm

The Preacher as a Christian.
... He expressed this in the characteristic saying, "To me ... tribulation or distress or
persecution, or famine or nakedness ... do with any shafts but the arrows of the ...
/.../stalker/the preacher and his models/lecture vii the preacher as.htm

Letter cxxx. To Demetrias.
... example, she was discouraged by their expressed wish and ... belonged to another, through
fear of famine which true ... men their teeth are spears and arrows and their ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/letter cxxx to demetrias.htm

Scriptures Showing the Sin and Danger of Joining with Wicked and ...
... the practices and designs of wicked men expressed in their ... nest: the young starve
for cold or famine, or are ... whose teeth are as spears and arrows, and their ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/section v scriptures showing the.htm

A Treatise of the Fear of God;
... Mr. Mason, on reading this treatise, thus expressed his feelings""When the fear
of the Lord is a permanent principle, inwrought in the soul by the Divine ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a treatise of the fear.htm

Ancient Chaldaea
... seed of the sesame an oil was expressed which served ... herd of onagers pursued by dogs
and wounded by arrows.]. ... Famine had only to present itself to desolate the ...
/.../chapter iancient chaldaea.htm

Faustus Denies that the Prophets Predicted Christ. Augustin Proves ...
... its anointing the very name of Christ is expressed, for, as ... In the time of famine,
Elijah is fed by ravens ... of men, their teeth are spears and arrows, and their ...
/.../faustus denies that the prophets.htm

The Eighteenth Theban Dynasty
... thrown out to the front began the action by letting fly volleys of arrows and stones ...
ran to meet the new-comers, headed by their sheikh, and expressed a natural ...
/.../chapter iiithe eighteenth theban dynasty.htm