Topical Encyclopedia
Introduction:Famine is a recurring theme in the Bible, often serving as a backdrop for significant events and divine interventions. It is depicted as both a natural disaster and a tool used by God to fulfill His purposes. The Bible records several famines that affected the people of Israel and surrounding nations, each with its own context and implications.
Famine in the Patriarchal Period:The first notable famine in the Bible occurs during the time of Abraham. In
Genesis 12:10, "Now there was a famine in the land, so Abram went down to Egypt to live there for a while, because the famine was severe." This event led Abram to Egypt, where he faced challenges that tested his faith and integrity.
Another significant famine occurred during the time of Isaac.
Genesis 26:1 states, "Now there was another famine in the land, subsequent to the one that had occurred in the days of Abraham." Isaac was instructed by God not to go to Egypt but to stay in Gerar, where God reaffirmed His covenant with him.
The most famous famine in the patriarchal narratives is the one during Joseph's time.
Genesis 41:54-57 describes how Joseph, through divine revelation, prepared Egypt for seven years of famine following seven years of abundance. "The famine was severe in all the lands, but in all the land of Egypt there was food." This famine led to the migration of Jacob and his family to Egypt, setting the stage for the Israelites' eventual enslavement and exodus.
Famine in the Time of the Judges and Kings:The period of the Judges also saw famines, such as the one that drove Elimelech and Naomi to Moab, as recorded in the Book of Ruth.
Ruth 1:1 states, "In the days when the judges ruled, there was a famine in the land." This famine indirectly led to Ruth's integration into the lineage of David and ultimately, the Messiah.
During the reign of King David, a three-year famine occurred as a result of Saul's actions against the Gibeonites.
2 Samuel 21:1 records, "During the reign of David, there was a famine for three successive years; so David sought the face of the LORD." This famine was resolved through David's atonement for Saul's sin.
The reign of King Ahab witnessed a severe famine, orchestrated by the prophet Elijah as a judgment against Israel's idolatry.
1 Kings 17:1 records Elijah's declaration, "As the LORD, the God of Israel, lives, before whom I stand, there will be neither dew nor rain in the next few years except at my word." This famine lasted three and a half years and culminated in the dramatic confrontation on Mount Carmel.
Famine in the Prophetic Literature:The prophets frequently mention famine as a consequence of Israel's disobedience. In
Amos 8:11, the prophet warns of a different kind of famine: "Behold, the days are coming, declares the Lord GOD, 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 underscores the importance of God's word and the dire consequences of its absence.
Jeremiah and Ezekiel also speak of famine as part of the judgments that would befall Jerusalem and Judah due to their unfaithfulness.
Jeremiah 14:12 states, "Although they fast, I will not hear their cry; although they offer burnt offerings and grain offerings, I will not accept them. Instead, I will finish them off by sword and famine and plague."
Famine in the New Testament:In the New Testament, famine is mentioned in the context of prophecy and early church history.
Acts 11:28 records a prophecy by Agabus: "One of them, named Agabus, stood up and predicted by the Spirit that a great famine would sweep across the whole world. (This happened during the reign of Claudius.)" The early church responded to this famine by sending relief to the believers in Judea, demonstrating the unity and compassion of the Christian community.
Theological Implications:Famine in the Bible often serves as a reminder of human dependence on God for sustenance and survival. It is portrayed as a means by which God tests, disciplines, and ultimately delivers His people. The biblical narrative consistently points to God's sovereignty over creation and His ability to provide for His people even in times of scarcity.
