Topical Encyclopedia Famine is a recurring theme in the Bible, often serving as a backdrop for significant events and divine interventions. In the days of Abraham, famine played a crucial role in shaping the patriarch's journey and the unfolding of God's covenant promises.Famine in the Land of Canaan The first mention of famine during Abraham's time occurs in Genesis 12:10: "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 famine struck the land of Canaan shortly after Abram's arrival, following God's call to leave his homeland and journey to a land that He would show him (Genesis 12:1-3). The severity of the famine compelled Abram to seek refuge in Egypt, a decision that would have significant implications for his family and future. Abram's Sojourn in Egypt Abram's journey to Egypt during the famine is a pivotal moment in his life. While in Egypt, Abram faced challenges that tested his faith and character. Fearing for his life due to Sarai's beauty, Abram instructed her to say she was his sister, which led to her being taken into Pharaoh's palace (Genesis 12:11-15). This deception brought plagues upon Pharaoh's household, prompting Pharaoh to return Sarai to Abram and send them away with great wealth (Genesis 12:17-20). This episode highlights God's protection and provision for Abram, even amidst human failings and difficult circumstances. Divine Purpose and Provision The famine in Abram's time serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty and faithfulness. Despite the challenges posed by the famine, God's promises to Abram remained steadfast. The journey to Egypt, though fraught with difficulties, resulted in Abram's increased wealth and the reaffirmation of God's covenant. This period of testing ultimately strengthened Abram's faith and reliance on God. Theological Implications From a theological perspective, the famine during Abram's time underscores the theme of divine testing and provision. It illustrates how God uses natural events to accomplish His purposes and refine His chosen servants. The famine also foreshadows future events in the lives of Abram's descendants, such as the famines experienced by Isaac and Jacob, and the eventual sojourn of the Israelites in Egypt. In summary, the instance of famine in the days of Abraham is a significant event that demonstrates God's providential care and the unfolding of His redemptive plan. Through the challenges of famine, Abram's faith was tested and strengthened, setting the stage for the fulfillment of God's promises to him and his descendants. Torrey's Topical Textbook Genesis 12:10And there was a famine in the land: and Abram went down into Egypt to sojourn there; for the famine was grievous in the land. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Chapter xxvi Chapter xx Book ii. Jerome Answers the Second, Third, and Fourth Propositions ... Give us Today Our Needful Bread Letter xxii. To Eustochium. The Letter of the Church of Rome Chapter xii The Book of Jubilees Rom. I. 1, 2 The Cause and Cure of Earthquakes Resources What is the significance of Egypt in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWho was Agabus in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org What is the story of Joseph and his brothers? | 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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