Topical Bible: Famine: Provisions Sold by Weight During

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In biblical times, famine was a severe and recurring hardship that affected the people of Israel and surrounding nations. The scarcity of food during these periods often led to desperate measures, including the selling of provisions by weight. This practice is documented in several instances throughout the Scriptures, highlighting the severity of the conditions and the impact on society.

One of the most notable accounts of famine is found in the account of Joseph in Egypt. After interpreting Pharaoh's dreams, Joseph predicted seven years of abundance followed by seven years of severe famine (Genesis 41:29-30). During the years of plenty, Joseph, under Pharaoh's authority, stored up vast quantities of grain. When the famine struck, the Egyptians and people from surrounding lands came to Egypt to buy grain. The Bible records, "When the famine had spread over all the land, Joseph opened all the storehouses and sold grain to the Egyptians, for the famine was severe in the land of Egypt" (Genesis 41:56). The selling of grain by weight ensured that the provisions were distributed fairly and efficiently during this time of crisis.

Another significant mention of famine and the selling of provisions by weight is found in the account of the siege of Samaria. In 2 Kings 6:24-25, the Arameans besieged Samaria, leading to a great famine in the city. The scarcity of food was 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 of silver. This passage illustrates the extreme conditions and the high value placed on even the most unpalatable food items during a famine.

The prophet Ezekiel also references the selling of provisions by weight during a time of judgment and famine. In Ezekiel 4:16, God declares, "I will cut off the supply of bread in Jerusalem. They will anxiously eat rationed food in despair and drink rationed water in dismay" . This prophetic act symbolized the severe rationing and careful measurement of food that would occur during the impending siege and famine.

The practice of selling provisions by weight during famine underscores the dire circumstances faced by those in biblical times. It reflects the broader themes of reliance on God's provision, the consequences of disobedience, and the need for wise stewardship during times of scarcity. Throughout these accounts, the Bible emphasizes the importance of faith and trust in God's sovereignty, even amidst the harshest of conditions.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Ezekiel 4:16
Moreover he said to me, Son of man, behold, I will break the staff of bread in Jerusalem: and they shall eat bread by weight, and with care; and they shall drink water by measure, and with astonishment:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Chapter xlii
... For, as we are again reminded, "the famine was in the ... the governor," and also the
one who "sold grain to ... money to his sack and gave them provisions for their ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xlii.htm

The Unjust Steward - Dives and Lazarus - Jewish Agricultural Notes ...
... to it, [4579] but there are special provisions in regard ... at their door to the dogs
and to famine, not bestowing ... 4619] wool of violet-purple was sold about that ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter xviii the unjust steward.htm

The Transformation of Rome from a Pagan into a Christian City.
... disappeared; they were given away or sold thirty years ... advised either to distribute
their provisions to the ... to meet emergencies of scarcity or famine, and the ...
/.../lanciani/pagan and christian rome/chapter i the transformation of.htm

The Power of Assyria at Its Zenith; Esarhaddon and Assur-Bani-Pal
... Lydia having been laid waste by a famine, the oracle ... widow of his victim, and learning
that during her flight ... that there is reason to give weight to Herodotus ...
/.../chapter iithe power of assyria 2.htm

The Close of the Theban Empire --(Continued)
... the canopio jars, the caskets, the provisions, the furniture ... of wheat were given
to us daily." Famine was not ... prepared copies of these were sold by unscrupulous ...
/.../chapter ithe close of the.htm

Chaldaean Civilization
... from every emergency, except that of treason or famine. ... the cattle off them, or levy
provisions upon them ... such as foundlings, women and children sold by husband ...
/.../chapter iiichaldaean civilization.htm

The Sixth vision "On Earth"
... says that stones of a talent's weight were thrown by ... In 1843, during one of these
storms, there was ... of abominations, and having the unclean provisions for her ...
/.../bullinger/commentary on revelation/the sixth vision on earth.htm

The Political Constitution of Egypt
... the neck appears too slender to support the weight of the ... vessels, however, of coarse
pottery contained the provisions left to nourish him during the period ...
/.../chapter ithe political constitution of.htm

Doctrinal and Moral Treatises. Index of Subjects.
... apparently an exception), [858]296; of withdrawing from, during service; by ... Councils,
weight of, against heretics, [984]365. ... Famine, provided against, [1266]471 ...
/.../on care to be had for the dead /doctrinal and moral treatises index.htm

the Legendary History of Egypt
... of the legends concerning them"The famine stela"The ... himself at pleasure with all
the provisions that he ... of Osiris; for the figures were sold so cheaply ...
/.../chapter iii -the legendary history of.htm