4823 famine, physical

A serious shortage of food caused by drought, war or natural disasters. Famine is seen as a sign of God’s judgment on Israel.

Examples of famines

In the days of Abraham Ge 12:10 See also Ge 26:1

In the days of Joseph Ge 41:53-57; Ac 7:11

In the days of Ruth Ru 1:1

In the days of David 2Sa 21:1

In the days of Elijah 1Ki 18:1-5; Lk 4:25

In the days of Elisha 2Ki 4:38; 2Ki 6:25

In the days of the prophets Isa 51:19; Jer 44:13; Eze 7:15; Joel 1:10-12

In the days of Claudius Ac 11:28

In the last days Mt 24:7 pp Mk 13:8 pp Lk 21:11

Natural causes of famine

Spiritual causes of famine

The disobedience of God’s people Dt 28:15-18 See also Dt 28:22-24,38-40,42,51,53; Dt 32:24; Jdg 6:1-5; 2Sa 21:1; 2Sa 24:13 pp 1Ch 21:11-12; Isa 51:19-20; Jer 5:17; Jer 11:22; Jer 14:11-18; Jer 18:21; Jer 29:17-18; Jer 32:24; Eze 5:16-17; Eze 6:11-12; Eze 14:13

God’s judgment on the ungodly Ge 41:28-30; Isa 14:29-30; Rev 6:8; Rev 18:8

The effects of famine

Desperation and death La 4:9 See also Ge 47:13,20; Dt 28:53; 2Ki 7:3-4; Ne 5:3; Jer 52:6; Lk 15:14-16; Lk 23:28-29

God’s people seek him and return to him Jdg 6:6 See also 2Sa 21:1; Lk 15:17-18

God’s provision in famine

He gives warnings beforehand Ge 41:25-27; 1Ki 17:1; 2Ki 8:1; Ac 11:28

He gives wisdom to men Ge 41:33-36; Ge 42:1-2; Ge 45:11; Ge 47:4; Ps 105:16-22; Ac 7:10-11

He provides for his people Job 5:20 See also Ge 26:1-3; 1Ki 17:2-16 Sometimes he provides miraculously; Ps 33:18-19; Ps 37:19; Eze 34:29; Eze 36:29-30

He sends deliverance 2Ki 7:1-9,16; Jer 32:36-37

Responses to famine

Accepting God’s chastisements Jer 27:12-13; Jer 38:2-3; Jer 42:13-17; Jer 44:27

Caring for one’s family Ge 45:11; Ru 1:1; 2Ki 8:1-2

Helping those in need Ac 11:29-30

Praying 1Ki 8:35-40 pp 2Ch 6:26-31

Trusting in the Lord Ro 8:35-37

See also