Famine is a recurring theme in the Bible, often serving as a divine instrument for judgment, a test of faith, or a catalyst for significant events in the history of God's people. Before the destruction of Jerusalem, several instances of famine are recorded in Scripture, each with its own context and implications.

1. Famine in the Time of Abraham
In Genesis 12:10, a famine in the land prompts Abram to journey to Egypt: "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 is significant as it sets the stage for Abram's experiences in Egypt, including his interactions with Pharaoh, which have lasting implications for his family and future descendants.

2. Famine in the Days of Isaac
Genesis 26:1 records another famine during the time of Isaac: "Now there was another famine in the land, subsequent to the one that had occurred in the days of Abraham." This famine leads Isaac to seek refuge in Gerar, where God reaffirms His covenant with him, promising blessings and prosperity despite the scarcity.

3. Famine in the Time of Jacob
The famine during Jacob's lifetime is one of the most detailed accounts, found in Genesis 41-47. This famine affects the entire region, including Egypt and Canaan. Joseph, having risen to power in Egypt, interprets Pharaoh's dreams and implements a plan to store grain, ultimately saving many lives. Genesis 41:54 states, "And the seven years of famine began, just as Joseph had said. There was famine in all the other lands, but in the whole land of Egypt there was food." This famine leads Jacob's family to migrate to Egypt, setting the stage for the Israelites' eventual enslavement and subsequent Exodus.

4. Famine in the Time of the Judges
The Book of Ruth opens with a famine in the land of Judah, prompting Elimelech and his family to move to Moab (Ruth 1:1). This famine serves as the backdrop for the account of Ruth, whose loyalty and faithfulness lead to her becoming the great-grandmother of King David, thus integrating her into the lineage of Christ.

5. Famine during the Reign of David
In 2 Samuel 21:1, a three-year famine occurs during the reign of King David: "During the reign of David, there was a famine for three successive years; so David sought the face of the LORD." This famine is attributed to Saul's bloodguilt against the Gibeonites, and it is resolved through David's actions to make amends, highlighting the importance of justice and reconciliation.

6. Famine in the Time of Elijah
A notable famine occurs during the ministry of the prophet Elijah, as recorded in 1 Kings 17-18. This famine lasts for three and a half years and is a direct result of Israel's idolatry under King Ahab and Queen Jezebel. Elijah's confrontation with the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel and the subsequent end of the drought demonstrate God's power and sovereignty. 1 Kings 18:2 states, "So Elijah went to present himself to Ahab. Now the famine was severe in Samaria."

These instances of famine before the destruction of Jerusalem illustrate the multifaceted role of famine in biblical narratives, serving as both a physical and spiritual trial for God's people. Each occurrence is intricately woven into the larger tapestry of God's redemptive plan, revealing His providence, justice, and mercy.Matthew 24:7
For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

In the House of his Heavenly, and in the Home of his Earthly ...
... that when, in the straits of famine during the ... Jewish tradition gives other instances
of precocious and strangely ... the Messianic bearing of all Scripture to its ...
/.../edersheim/the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter x in the house.htm

The Book of Jubilees
... from his native land.2. The famine which occasioned ... number, our author sometimes
introduces it where Scripture is silent ... but there are many other instances of a ...
//christianbookshelf.org/deane/pseudepigrapha/the book of jubilees.htm

The Sin of Unbelief
... at the prospects of so speedy a release from famine. ... of course." "Then," said he,
"does not the Scripture say, of ... Not to multiply instances, recollect Zechariah ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 1 1855/the sin of unbelief.htm

The Jerusalem Sinner Saved;
... Scripture says so. ... they were Jerusalem sinners. These were the men that, but a little
before, had killed the Prince of life; and those to whom he did, that ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the jerusalem sinner saved.htm

Works and Letters of St. Ambrose
... never be expelled the city in a time of famine.? ... Ambrose shows by instances that
the places in which ... of God is answered from several passages of Scripture? ...
//christianbookshelf.org/ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/

Preface.
... which God forbid"unless we look at them as instances of laws of ... There is premature
death, pestilence, famine. ... For Scripture has taken count of them already. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/westminster sermons/preface.htm

A Clearing-Up Storm in the Realm
... In these instances the fulfilment follows soon after the event is ... on earth a time
of war, famine, death, and ... by God is commonly spoken of in Scripture in this ...
/.../vi a clearing-up storm in the.htm

Beginning at Jerusalem. --Luke xxiv. 47.
... Scripture says so: "To whom much is forgiven, the same loveth much ... they were Jerusalem
sinners ... These were the men that but a little before had killed the Prince ...
/.../bunyan/jerusalem sinner saved/beginning at jerusalem luke xxiv 47.htm

Questions.
... What was Simon's work with regard to the Holy Scripture? 15. ... 22. How had the dreadful
famine been foretold?"Luke, xix.43. ... 5. What were the instances of St. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/yonge/the chosen people/questions.htm

Book ii. Jerome Answers the Second, Third, and Fourth Propositions ...
... are among the heathen (7) many instances of abstinence ... I have quoted these few passages
of Scripture to show ... crucify those whom they have loved before when they ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/book ii jerome answers the.htm

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Famine: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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