Topical Bible: Famine: Suffering of Brute Creation From

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Famine, a severe shortage of food resulting in widespread hunger, is a recurring theme in the Bible, affecting not only humans but also the brute creation—animals and the natural world. The Scriptures provide numerous accounts and teachings that illustrate the impact of famine on all living creatures, reflecting the interconnectedness of God's creation and the consequences of human sin and disobedience.

Biblical Accounts of Famine Affecting Animals

The Bible records several instances where famine leads to the suffering of animals alongside humans. In Genesis 41, during the time of Joseph, a severe famine struck Egypt and the surrounding regions. Pharaoh's dream, interpreted by Joseph, foretold seven years of abundance followed by seven years of famine. As the famine spread, it affected "all the land of Egypt" (Genesis 41:54), implying that the scarcity of food impacted both people and livestock.

In the book of Joel, a prophetic description of a devastating locust plague serves as a metaphor for famine and divine judgment. The locusts consume everything in their path, leaving the land desolate. Joel 1:18 laments, "How the cattle moan! The herds wander in confusion because they have no pasture; even the flocks of sheep are suffering." This vivid imagery highlights the distress of animals during times of famine, as they too face the consequences of a barren land.

Theological Implications

From a theological perspective, the suffering of brute creation during famine underscores the fallen state of the world due to sin. Romans 8:20-22 speaks to this condition: "For the creation was subjected to futility, not by its own will, but because of the One who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God. We know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until the present time."

This passage suggests that the natural world, including animals, experiences the repercussions of humanity's fall and eagerly awaits redemption. Famine, as a manifestation of this futility, serves as a reminder of the brokenness of creation and the need for divine restoration.

Divine Provision and Care

Despite the harsh realities of famine, the Bible also emphasizes God's provision and care for all His creation. In Psalm 104, the psalmist praises God for His sustenance of the earth and its creatures: "He makes the grass grow for the livestock and provides crops for man to cultivate, bringing forth food from the earth" (Psalm 104:14). This assurance of divine care extends to animals, as seen in Matthew 6:26 , where Jesus teaches, "Look at the birds of the air: They do not sow or reap or gather into barns, and yet your Heavenly Father feeds them."

These passages affirm that, even in times of famine, God's providence remains steadfast. The suffering of brute creation is not overlooked by the Creator, who sustains life and promises eventual renewal and restoration.

Human Responsibility

The Bible also calls for human responsibility in caring for creation, especially during times of famine. Proverbs 12:10 states, "A righteous man regards the life of his animal, but the tender mercies of the wicked are only cruelty." This verse highlights the moral obligation to tend to the needs of animals, reflecting God's compassion and stewardship.

In the narrative of Jonah, God expresses concern for the city of Nineveh, including its animals. Jonah 4:11 records God's words: "And should I not care about Nineveh, that great city, which has more than 120,000 people who cannot tell their right hand from their left, and many cattle as well?" This divine concern for animals reinforces the biblical mandate for humans to act as caretakers of God's creation, ensuring the welfare of all living beings, especially in times of crisis.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Jeremiah 14:5,6
Yes, the hind also calved in the field, and forsook it, because there was no grass.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Homilies on the Statues.
... Famine, relieved by the people of Antioch, [1040]456 ... glorified man in the works of
creation, [1199]405 ... of cheerfulness, [1210]460; ordains suffering first, [1211 ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/chrysostom/on the priesthood/homilies on the statues.htm

The Holy See and the Wandering of the Nations.
... entered Rome, consumed at once by famine, pestilence, and ... Augustine, had been suffering
a persecution so severe that ... had borne was crushed down by brute force. ...
/.../allies/the formation of christendom volume vi/chapter i the holy see.htm

Morality and Doctrine
... insects, calves, serpents, fever, pestilence, war, famine, vices, adultery ... grace
he is like unto the brute beasts ... and by following Him through suffering and the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pascal/pensees/section vii morality and doctrine.htm

Humbly Inscribed to his Grace the Duke of Newcastle, one of his ...
... When Heaven's inferior instruments of wrath,. War, famine, pestilence, are found
too weak. ... Might teem with new creation; reinflamed. ... The brute, indeed,. ...
/.../young/youngs night thoughts/humbly inscribed to his grace.htm

A Discourse
... These are promises to the church for her suffering of affliction, and they are made
unto her as she bears the name of Lebanon, who or which was her type in ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a discourse.htm

The Iranian Conquest
... lead poured into his entrails without his suffering any pain ... His creation, however,
can only exist by the free ... fire, nor man, nor demons, nor brute beasts, nor ...
/.../chapter ithe iranian conquest.htm

A Treatise of the Fear of God;
... is his name" (Psalm 111:9). And again, he proclaimed the name of the Lord, "The
Lord, the Lord God, merciful and gracious, long-suffering, and abundant in ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a treatise of the fear.htm

Come and Welcome to Jesus Christ;
... if he had not in that thing done that which was right, even in suffering of Judas
so ... The famine in those days was sore in the land, there was no bread for the ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/come and welcome to jesus.htm

Life and Works of Rufinus with Jerome's Apology Against Rufinus.
... own doctrine, you introduced another interpretation, namely, that at that time when
every knee shall bow to Jesus as Lord, the universal creation, of things ...
/.../various/life and works of rufinus with jeromes apology against rufinus /