Topical Encyclopedia Famine, a severe shortage of food resulting in widespread hunger, is a recurring theme in the Bible. Throughout Scripture, famines serve as both a test of faith and an opportunity for God to demonstrate His providence and care for His people. The Bible records several instances where God provided for His people during times of famine, showcasing His sovereignty and faithfulness.Joseph and the Egyptian Famine One of the most notable accounts of famine in the Bible is found in the account of Joseph, as recorded in the Book of Genesis. Joseph, sold into slavery by his brothers, eventually rose to a position of power in Egypt. Through divine revelation, he interpreted Pharaoh's dreams, which foretold seven years of abundance followed by seven years of severe famine (Genesis 41:25-30). Under Joseph's leadership, Egypt stored surplus grain during the years of plenty, ensuring that there was enough food during the years of scarcity. This not only saved Egypt but also provided for Joseph's family, who came to Egypt seeking food (Genesis 42:1-3). Joseph's account illustrates God's provision and His ability to use difficult circumstances for the greater good. Elijah and the Widow of Zarephath During the reign of King Ahab, a severe drought and famine struck the land as a consequence of Israel's idolatry (1 Kings 17:1). God instructed the prophet Elijah to go to Zarephath, where a widow would provide for him. Despite her dire circumstances, the widow obeyed Elijah's request for food, and God miraculously provided for her household. The jar of flour and the jug of oil did not run dry until the Lord sent rain upon the land (1 Kings 17:14-16). This account highlights God's miraculous provision and His care for those who trust in Him. The Famine in Samaria In 2 Kings 6-7, Samaria experienced a severe famine during a siege by the Arameans. The situation was dire, leading to desperate measures among the people. However, God intervened through the prophet Elisha, who prophesied that the famine would end and food would become plentiful (2 Kings 7:1). That night, the Lord caused the Aramean army to hear the sound of a great army, prompting them to flee and leave their supplies behind. The people of Samaria plundered the camp and were saved from starvation, demonstrating God's power to deliver His people in seemingly hopeless situations. The Early Church and Famine Relief In the New Testament, the early church also faced times of famine. Acts 11:27-30 records a prophecy by Agabus, who foretold a great famine that would spread over the entire Roman world. In response, the disciples in Antioch decided to provide help for the brothers living in Judea. They sent their gifts to the elders by Barnabas and Saul, exemplifying the Christian community's commitment to caring for one another during times of need. This account underscores the importance of communal support and the role of the church in providing for those affected by famine. Throughout the Bible, famines serve as a backdrop for God's provision and faithfulness. Whether through miraculous means or the generosity of His people, God consistently demonstrates His care for those who trust in Him, even in the most challenging circumstances. Torrey's Topical Textbook 1 Kings 17:4,9And it shall be, that you shall drink of the brook; and I have commanded the ravens to feed you there. Torrey's Topical Textbook Job 5:20 Psalm 33:19 Psalm 37:19 Library On the Holy Ghost and his Descent Upon the Apostles Concerning the Famine that Happened in Judea and Syria; and How ... Gallus, Apostle of Switzerland. Covenanting According to the Purposes of God. Waiting Only Upon God Chapter xlvii Severinus in Germany. And After. (xxx, xxxi, xxxix-Xliv. ) The Voice of Stern Rebuke Corn in Egypt 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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