Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical narrative, famines are often depicted as periods of severe scarcity of food, which can be seen as both natural occurrences and divine judgments. During the time of the prophet Elisha, several instances of famine are recorded, highlighting both the challenges faced by the people of Israel and the miraculous interventions by God through His prophet.1. The Famine in Samaria (2 Kings 6:24-7:20): One of the most severe famines during Elisha's time occurred in Samaria, the capital of the Northern Kingdom of Israel. This famine was exacerbated by the siege laid by Ben-Hadad, king of Aram. The situation became so dire that a donkey's head was sold for eighty shekels of silver, and a quarter of a cab of dove's dung for five shekels (2 Kings 6:25). The desperation led to horrific acts, including cannibalism, as described in 2 Kings 6:28-29. In response to the king's distress, Elisha prophesied the end of the famine, declaring that within a day, food would be plentiful and affordable (2 Kings 7:1). This prophecy was fulfilled when the Arameans fled their camp, leaving behind abundant supplies, which the Israelites plundered (2 Kings 7:16). 2. The Seven-Year Famine (2 Kings 8:1-6): Elisha also foretold a seven-year famine, advising the Shunammite woman, whose son he had previously raised from the dead, to leave the land to avoid its effects. "Now Elisha had said to the woman whose son he had restored to life, 'Arise, and go with your household and stay wherever you can, for the LORD has decreed a famine in the land that will last seven years'" (2 Kings 8:1). The woman heeded Elisha's warning and sojourned in the land of the Philistines for seven years. Upon her return, she appealed to the king for the restoration of her property. The king, having just heard of Elisha's miracles from Gehazi, granted her request, restoring all that was hers (2 Kings 8:5-6). These instances of famine during Elisha's ministry illustrate the interplay between divine prophecy and human action. They underscore the role of Elisha as a conduit of God's will, providing guidance and miraculous relief in times of extreme hardship. The narratives also reflect the broader theological themes of reliance on God, the consequences of disobedience, and the hope of divine deliverance. Torrey's Topical Textbook 2 Kings 4:38And Elisha came again to Gilgal: and there was a dearth in the land; and the sons of the prophets were sitting before him: and he said to his servant, Set on the great pot, and seethe pottage for the sons of the prophets. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library The First Galilean Ministry. The Sin of Unbelief Works and Letters of St. Ambrose Letter xxii. To Eustochium. Questions. Book ii. Jerome Answers the Second, Third, and Fourth Propositions ... A Clearing-Up Storm in the Realm The Letter of the Church of Rome Funeral Oration on the Great S. Basil, Bishop of C??sarea in ... Against Jovinianus. 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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