Famine: Often on Account of Sin
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Famine, a severe shortage of food resulting in widespread hunger, is a recurring theme in the Bible and is often depicted as a consequence of sin and disobedience to God. Throughout the Scriptures, famines serve as both a literal and symbolic representation of divine judgment and a call to repentance.

Biblical Instances of Famine

1. The Famine in Egypt (Genesis 41-47): One of the most notable famines in the Bible occurred during the time of Joseph. Pharaoh's dreams, interpreted by Joseph, foretold seven years of abundance followed by seven years of severe famine. This event was not directly attributed to sin but served as a backdrop for God's providential care and the preservation of Jacob's family. Joseph's rise to power and the subsequent migration of his family to Egypt highlight God's sovereignty and the fulfillment of His promises.

2. The Famine in the Time of the Judges (Ruth 1:1): "In the days when the judges ruled, there was a famine in the land" . This period was marked by Israel's cyclical pattern of sin, oppression, repentance, and deliverance. The famine led Elimelech and his family to Moab, setting the stage for the account of Ruth. The narrative underscores the consequences of Israel's disobedience and the faithfulness of God in providing redemption.

3. The Famine during David's Reign (2 Samuel 21:1): "During the reign of David, there was a famine for three successive years, and David sought the face of the LORD" . The famine was revealed to be a result of Saul's bloodshed against the Gibeonites, breaking Israel's covenant with them. This incident illustrates the principle that sin, even from previous generations, can have lasting repercussions, necessitating atonement and reconciliation.

4. The Famine in the Time of Elijah (1 Kings 17-18): A severe drought and famine struck Israel during the reign of Ahab, a king who led the nation into idolatry. Elijah declared, "As the LORD, the God of Israel, lives, before whom I stand, there will be neither dew nor rain in these years except at my word" (1 Kings 17:1). This famine was a direct judgment against the worship of Baal and a call for Israel to return to the LORD.

5. The Famine in Samaria (2 Kings 6:24-7:20): During the siege of Samaria by the Arameans, a great famine ensued, leading to desperate conditions. The king of Israel blamed the prophet Elisha, but the famine was a consequence of the nation's persistent idolatry and rebellion. God's miraculous provision and deliverance through the prophecy of Elisha demonstrated His power and mercy.

Theological Implications

Famine in the Bible is often portrayed as a divine response to sin, serving as a tool for correction and a catalyst for repentance. It underscores the covenant relationship between God and His people, where obedience brings blessing and disobedience results in discipline. The recurring theme of famine as a consequence of sin highlights the seriousness with which God views idolatry, injustice, and covenant unfaithfulness.

Prophetic Warnings and Promises

The prophets frequently warned of impending famine as a result of Israel's sin. For instance, in Amos 8:11, the LORD declares, "Behold, the days are coming...when I will send a famine on the land—not a famine of bread or a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the LORD" . This spiritual famine emphasizes the dire consequences of ignoring God's word and the need for spiritual renewal.

Conversely, the promise of restoration and abundance is often linked to repentance and a return to God. In Joel 2:25-26, the LORD promises, "I will repay you for the years eaten by locusts...You will have plenty to eat, until you are satisfied, and you will praise the name of the LORD your God" . This assurance of provision reflects God's desire to bless His people when they turn back to Him.

Conclusion

While famine is a manifestation of divine judgment, it also serves as an opportunity for reflection, repentance, and renewal. The biblical narrative consistently points to God's sovereignty, justice, and mercy, inviting His people to trust in His provision and align their lives with His will.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Leviticus 26:21,26
And if you walk contrary to me, and will not listen to me; I will bring seven times more plagues on you according to your sins.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Lamentations 4:4-6
The tongue of the sucking child sticks to the roof of his mouth for thirst: the young children ask bread, and no man breaks it to them.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Sin and Grace
... have known no war, nor pestilence, nor famine, nor would ... It was the justice of God
on account of sin ... So does it often happen mentally, morally, and spiritually. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 54 1908/sin and grace.htm

Against those who Say that Demons Govern Human Affairs, and who ...
... they provide gifts alone, but they also often correct ... which the executioner is to
the judges, famine is to ... Dost thou see how those perished on account of their ...
/.../chrysostom/on the priesthood/homily i against those who.htm

The Prodigal's Return
... and I have so often deceived him; I have promised I ... stood out with fatness, have
now become hollow with famine. ... that are groaning and moaning on account of sin ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 4 1858/the prodigals return.htm

The Former Subject of the Sedition Continued; Also of Fasting...
... which he did not deserve; or famine, or pestilence ... a burdened conscience light: consider
how often women, when ... But if thou hast grieved on account of sin, thou ...
/.../chrysostom/on the priesthood/homily xviii the former subject.htm

Sad Fasts Changed to Glad Feasts
... On account of sin, Jerusalem became desolate. ... become poor, and were half-starved
with famine, God tells ... heavens shall give their dew." God often changes men's ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 38 1892/sad fasts changed to glad.htm

The Doctrines of Grace do not Lead to Sin
... will ever argue against any doctrine on account of the ... The gracious are often afraid
to put one foot ... whole world, may be preserved alive when famine had broken ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 29 1883/the doctrines of grace do.htm

The Blood
... Plague, famine, war, tempest,"all these have received commandment of ... feelings, not
in thy pangs on account of sin. ... you may have rejected him as often as you ...
//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/the blood.htm

The Seventh Book
... So whatever is done on account of sin is not to ... Hence, as I have often said before,
it should cause no ... had been almost at the point of surrender due to famine. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/salvian/on the government of god/the seventh book.htm

Scriptures Showing the Sin and Danger of Joining with Wicked and ...
... of their ordinary speaking, and does not account a coined ... to be with them." Godly
men's hearts are often tickled to ... the young starve for cold or famine, or are ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/section v scriptures showing the.htm

1 Cor. Iv. 3, 4
... and Matthew, even so ought we also to take account of Judas ... sleep after all, with
pangs of the belly, restless famine besetting him, and that often while it ...
/.../homilies on the epistles of paul to the corinthians/homily xi 1 cor iv.htm

Resources
What does the Bible say about famine? | GotQuestions.org

Was 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 ConcordanceBible DictionaryBible EncyclopediaTopical BibleBible Thesuarus
Subtopics

Famine

Famine in Canaan

Famine in Egypt

Famine in Jerusalem, from Siege

Famine: A Dearth of the Means of Grace

Famine: Cannibalism In

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: Death

Famine: Caused: Faintness

Famine: Caused: Grief and Mourning

Famine: Caused: Wasting of the Body

Famine: Described

Famine: Destruction of Idols

Famine: Expressed by Cleanness of Teeth

Famine: Expressed by Taking Away the Stay of Bread

Famine: Expressed by The Arrows of Famine

Famine: Figurative

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 Long Continued

Famine: Often on Account of Sin

Famine: Often Severe

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: Sent As a Judgment

Famine: Sent by God

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

Famine: Universal

Related Terms

Severe (53 Occurrences)

Pestilence (57 Occurrences)

Reside (17 Occurrences)

Agabus (2 Occurrences)

Sojourn (51 Occurrences)

Grievous (73 Occurrences)

Dearth (11 Occurrences)

Plenty (43 Occurrences)

Occurred (23 Occurrences)

Lands (226 Occurrences)

Rizpah (4 Occurrences)

Exhausted (26 Occurrences)

Execration (9 Occurrences)

Egyptians (108 Occurrences)

Distressing (8 Occurrences)

Besiege (17 Occurrences)

Abundance (194 Occurrences)

Store (134 Occurrences)

Horror (51 Occurrences)

Deadly (31 Occurrences)

Throughout (291 Occurrences)

Babylonians (48 Occurrences)

Sore (156 Occurrences)

Astonishment (51 Occurrences)

Abimelech (63 Occurrences)

Prevailed (46 Occurrences)

Prophesying (58 Occurrences)

Chalde'ans (74 Occurrences)

Prophesy (96 Occurrences)

Victims (12 Occurrences)

Openeth (48 Occurrences)

Occur (13 Occurrences)

Languished (10 Occurrences)

Grasshopper (12 Occurrences)

Gerar (10 Occurrences)

Grasshoppers (11 Occurrences)

Waxed (57 Occurrences)

Imprecation (2 Occurrences)

Intensify (1 Occurrence)

Impoverished (4 Occurrences)

Famish (2 Occurrences)

Forgotten (69 Occurrences)

Fainted (12 Occurrences)

Foreigner (99 Occurrences)

Tossed (19 Occurrences)

Ravage (9 Occurrences)

Reserve (15 Occurrences)

Ruth (19 Occurrences)

Ruined (65 Occurrences)

Earlier (48 Occurrences)

Destructive (14 Occurrences)

Dove's (1 Occurrence)

Previous (5 Occurrences)

Provision (50 Occurrences)

Befall (25 Occurrences)

Bereaved (20 Occurrences)

Blight (5 Occurrences)

Caterpillar (6 Occurrences)

Abhorrent (9 Occurrences)

Abim'elech (58 Occurrences)

Advise (10 Occurrences)

Arisen (24 Occurrences)

Abram (48 Occurrences)

Starving (5 Occurrences)

Store-houses (32 Occurrences)

Selleth (17 Occurrences)

Starve (3 Occurrences)

Survive (20 Occurrences)

Starvation (1 Occurrence)

Storehouses (23 Occurrences)

Childless (25 Occurrences)

Adding (20 Occurrences)

Grievously (17 Occurrences)

Stays (21 Occurrences)

Destined (25 Occurrences)

Months (65 Occurrences)

Thirst (40 Occurrences)

Consuming (26 Occurrences)

Famine: Often Long Continued
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