Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical narrative, famines are significant events that often serve as a backdrop for divine intervention and the unfolding of God's covenantal promises. One notable instance of famine occurs during the days of Isaac, the son of Abraham, as recorded in the Book of Genesis.Genesis 26:1-6 : "Now there was a famine in the land, besides the earlier famine of Abraham’s time, and Isaac went to Abimelech king of the Philistines in Gerar. The LORD appeared to Isaac and said, 'Do not go down to Egypt. Settle in the land where I tell you. Stay in this land as a foreigner, and I will be with you and bless you. For to you and your descendants I will give all these lands, and I will confirm the oath I swore to your father Abraham. I will make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and will give them all these lands, and through your offspring all nations of the earth will be blessed, because Abraham listened to My voice and kept My charge, My commandments, My statutes, and My laws.' So Isaac settled in Gerar." Context and Significance: 1. Historical Context: The famine during Isaac's time is noted as distinct from the earlier famine that occurred during the days of Abraham (Genesis 12:10). This distinction highlights the recurring nature of famines in the ancient Near East, which were often caused by droughts or other environmental factors. 2. Divine Instruction: In response to the famine, Isaac initially considers going to Egypt, a land known for its relative abundance due to the Nile River. However, God instructs him to remain in Gerar, a region within the land of Canaan. This directive underscores God's sovereignty and His ability to provide for His people even in times of scarcity. 3. Covenantal Promises: The famine narrative is interwoven with the reaffirmation of God's covenant with Abraham, now extended to Isaac. God's promise to bless Isaac and his descendants, to give them the land, and to make them a blessing to all nations, is reiterated. This emphasizes the continuity of God's plan and His faithfulness to His covenant, despite external circumstances like famine. 4. Isaac's Obedience: Isaac's decision to obey God's command and remain in Gerar is a testament to his faith and trust in God's provision. His obedience is rewarded with divine blessing, as seen later in the chapter where Isaac prospers greatly, even in the midst of famine (Genesis 26:12-14). 5. Theological Implications: The account of the famine in Isaac's time serves as a reminder of God's providence and the importance of reliance on His guidance. It illustrates the principle that God's promises are not hindered by adverse conditions and that His people are called to trust in His provision and timing. The famine during Isaac's days is a pivotal moment that reinforces the themes of faith, obedience, and divine faithfulness, which are central to the biblical narrative and the unfolding of God's redemptive plan. Torrey's Topical Textbook Genesis 26:1And there was a famine in the land, beside the first famine that was in the days of Abraham. And Isaac went to Abimelech king of the Philistines to Gerar. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Chapter xxvi Chapter xii The Book of Jubilees Book ii. Jerome Answers the Second, Third, and Fourth Propositions ... Rom. I. 1, 2 Letter cxxiii. To Ageruchia. Treatise ix. On the Advantage of Patience. What are the Clouds? Commendation of those who had Laid Aside the Practice of Swearing. ... Election. 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 |
    |