Topical Encyclopedia Famine is frequently depicted in the Bible as one of the severe judgments that God uses to discipline nations and individuals. It is often listed alongside sword, pestilence, and wild beasts as a means of divine correction and a call to repentance. The concept of famine as a divine judgment underscores the sovereignty of God over creation and His ability to withhold sustenance as a form of chastisement.Biblical Instances of Famine The Bible records numerous instances of famine, each serving a distinct purpose in God's redemptive plan. One of the earliest mentions is in Genesis 12:10, where a famine in the land prompts Abram to journey to Egypt. This event sets the stage for God's unfolding covenantal relationship with Abram and his descendants. In Genesis 41, the account of Joseph in Egypt illustrates how God uses famine to fulfill His purposes. Joseph, through divine revelation, interprets Pharaoh's dreams, predicting seven years of abundance followed by seven years of severe famine. This event not only elevates Joseph to a position of power but also preserves the lineage of Israel, as his family relocates to Egypt for sustenance. The Book of Ruth opens with a famine in the land of Judah, prompting Elimelech and his family to move to Moab. This narrative highlights God's providence and the eventual restoration and blessing that come through Ruth, a Moabite woman who becomes an ancestor of King David and, ultimately, Jesus Christ. Famine as Divine Judgment Famine is explicitly mentioned as a form of divine judgment in several prophetic books. In Ezekiel 14:21, the Lord declares, "For this is what the Lord GOD says: How much worse will it be when I send against Jerusalem My four dreadful judgments—sword and famine and wild beasts and plague—to cut off both man and beast from it!" Here, famine is part of a quartet of judgments intended to bring about repentance and acknowledgment of God's sovereignty. In the Book of Amos, God uses famine as a means to draw His people back to Himself. Amos 4:6 states, "I gave you cleanness of teeth in all your cities and lack of bread in all your places, yet you did not return to Me," declares the LORD. This passage emphasizes the purpose of famine as a wake-up call for spiritual renewal and repentance. Spiritual Lessons from Famine Famine serves as a powerful metaphor for spiritual hunger and the need for reliance on God. In Deuteronomy 8:3, Moses reminds the Israelites, "He humbled you, causing you to hunger and then feeding you with manna, which neither you nor your fathers had known, to teach you that man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the LORD." This verse underscores the lesson that physical sustenance is secondary to spiritual nourishment. The New Testament also reflects on the theme of famine in a spiritual context. In the parable of the prodigal son (Luke 15:11-32), a severe famine in the land becomes a catalyst for the son's return to his father, symbolizing repentance and reconciliation with God. Conclusion Throughout Scripture, famine is portrayed as both a literal and metaphorical tool used by God to achieve His divine purposes. It serves as a reminder of human dependence on God for both physical and spiritual sustenance, calling individuals and nations to repentance and faithfulness. Torrey's Topical Textbook Ezekiel 14:21For thus said the Lord GOD; How much more when I send my four sore judgments on Jerusalem, the sword, and the famine, and the noisome beast, and the pestilence, to cut off from it man and beast? Torrey's Topical Textbook Library The First vision "On Earth" God's People Delivered. God's People Delivered One Thing is Needful; The Scope of the Apocalypse is Indicated by Its Place in the ... The Loved Ones Chastened Elisha's Closing Ministry The Sixth vision "On Earth" Letter xxxix. To Paula. General Principles of Interpretation. 1 Since the Bible Addresses ... 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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