Famine is a theme found throughout the Bible, often tied to God’s provision and judgment. Today, we’ll look at what Scripture teaches about famine and trusting God in times of lack.
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What Does The Bible Say About Famine
Genesis 41:30
“And there will arise after them seven years of famine, and all the plenty will be forgotten in the land of Egypt. The famine will consume the land.”
This verse speaks of a prophetic warning from Joseph to Pharaoh about a coming famine in the land of Egypt. It reminds us that circumstances can change drastically, and seasons of abundance can be followed by times of scarcity. The famine serves as a reminder of the importance of preparation, wise stewardship, and reliance on God during difficult times.
Leviticus 26:26
“When I cut off your supply of bread, ten women will be able to bake your bread in one oven, and they will dole out the bread by weight. You will eat, but you will not be satisfied.”
This verse is a warning from God to the Israelites about the consequences of disobedience. It portrays a severe famine where the available food will not be enough to satisfy their hunger. It teaches us the importance of obedience and the consequences of turning away from God’s instructions.
1 Kings 18:5
“And Ahab said to Obadiah, ‘Go through the land to all the springs of water and to all the valleys. Perhaps we may find grass and save the horses and mules alive, and not lose some of the animals.’”
This verse depicts a time of drought and scarcity of water, where King Ahab sends Obadiah to search for any remaining sources of sustenance for their animals. It illustrates the desperate measures people may take during a famine and the importance of seeking out alternative solutions and resources in times of crisis.
2 Kings 6:25
“And there was a great famine in Samaria, as they besieged it, until a donkey’s head was sold for eighty shekels of silver, and the fourth part of a kab of dove’s dung for five shekels of silver.”
This verse describes an extreme famine in Samaria during a time of siege. It portrays the severity of the situation where people were reduced to consuming unclean and undesirable food. It serves as a reminder of the devastating consequences of famine and the desperation it can provoke.
2 Chronicles 6:28
“If there is famine in the land, if there is pestilence or blight or mildew or locust or caterpillar, if their enemies besiege them in the land at their gates, whatever plague, whatever sickness there is…”
This verse highlights the potential causes of famine, such as natural disasters, pests, and attacks from enemies. It acknowledges that famine can be a result of various circumstances and encourages us to seek God’s help and protection in times of crisis.
Job 5:20
“In famine he will redeem you from death, and in war from the power of the sword.”
This verse speaks of God’s faithfulness and his ability to protect and deliver his people even in the midst of famine. It reminds us of the hope we can find in God’s promises and his provision in times of scarcity and danger.
Psalm 33:19
“To deliver their soul from death and to keep them alive in famine.”
This verse reassures us of God’s ability to rescue and sustain us during times of famine. It serves as a reminder of the hope we have in God’s divine protection and provision, even in the face of desperate circumstances.
Psalm 37:19
“They shall not be ashamed in the evil time, and in the days of famine they shall be satisfied.”
This verse affirms that those who trust in the Lord will not be left to suffer in times of famine. It promises that God will provide and satisfy the needs of his faithful followers, even when resources are scarce.
Psalm 105:16
“When he summoned a famine on the land and broke all supply of bread…”
This verse recalls a time when God brought a famine on the land as part of his divine plan. It reminds us of God’s sovereignty and his ability to use even difficult circumstances for his purposes.
Proverbs 10:3
“The LORD does not let the righteous go hungry, but he thwarts the craving of the wicked.”
This verse assures us that God will provide for the righteous even in times of famine, protecting them from hunger. It also serves as a reminder that those who choose to live in disobedience will face the consequences of their actions.
Isaiah 41:17
“The poor and needy seek water, but there is none, their tongues are parched with thirst. I the LORD will answer them; I, the God of Israel, will not forsake them.”
This verse emphasizes God’s compassion and faithfulness to those who are suffering during a time of famine. It assures the poor and needy that God hears their cries and will not abandon them in their time of need.
Jeremiah 14:1
“The word of the LORD that came to Jeremiah concerning the drought…”
This verse highlights the divine message God gave to Jeremiah about a severe drought and impending famine. It reminds us that God communicates with his people and warns them of impending hardships, urging them to seek his guidance and intervention.
Ezekiel 14:13
“Son of man, when a land sins against me by acting faithlessly, and I stretch out my hand against it and break its supply of bread and send famine upon it, and cut off from it man and beast…”
This verse illustrates that famine can be a consequence of a land’s sin and faithlessness towards God. It serves as a reminder of the importance of righteousness and obedience, and the potential consequences that can result from turning away from God.
Matthew 24:7
“For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and there will be famines and earthquakes in various places.”
This verse is part of Jesus’ description of the signs of the end times. It warns of the occurrence of famines in various places alongside other calamities. It reminds us to be vigilant and spiritually prepared for the events preceding the second coming of Christ.
Luke 21:11
“There will be great earthquakes, and in various places famines and pestilences. And there will be terrors and great signs from heaven.”
This verse also refers to the signs of the end times and the occurrence of famines in different places. It serves as a reminder that these events are part of God’s plan and should lead us to seek a deeper relationship with Him and prepare ourselves spiritually.
Acts 7:11
“Now there came a famine throughout all Egypt and Canaan, and great affliction, and our fathers could find no food.”
This verse recounts the time of famine that affected Egypt and Canaan, leading to great suffering and affliction. It serves as a reminder of the historical reality of famines and the lasting impact they can have on societies and individuals.
Romans 8:35
“Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword?”
This verse affirms that nothing, including famine, can separate us from the love and provision of Christ. It reminds us of our security and comfort in God’s unfailing love, even in the midst of hardships and turmoil.
2 Corinthians 11:27
“In toil and hardship, through many a sleepless night, in hunger and thirst, often without food, in cold and exposure.”
This verse speaks of the physical sufferings endured by the apostle Paul in his ministry, including hunger and thirst. It serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by those who proclaim the Gospel and the perseverance required in the face of challenging circumstances.
Revelation 6:5-6
“When he opened the third seal, I heard the third living creature say, ‘Come!’ And I looked, and behold, a black horse! And its rider had a pair of scales in his hand. And I heard what seemed to be a voice in the midst of the four living creatures, saying, ‘A quart of wheat for a denarius, and three quarts of barley for a denarius, and do not harm the oil and wine!’”
This verse portrays a vision of a time of scarcity and famine during the end times. It speaks of the high cost of basic food staples, highlighting the severity of the scarcity and the economic impact it will have on the world. It serves as a reminder of the judgments that will come upon the earth and the need for repentance and faith.
Revelation 18:8
“Therefore her plagues will come in a single day, death and mourning and famine, and she will be burned up with fire; for mighty is the Lord God who has judged her.”
This verse describes the judgment and destruction that will come upon Babylon, including famine. It underscores the sovereignty and power of God as the ultimate judge and highlights the consequences that will befall those who oppose His righteousness.
Revelation 19:17
“Then I saw an angel standing in the sun, and with a loud voice he called to all the birds that fly directly overhead, ‘Come, gather for the great supper of God, to eat the flesh of kings, the flesh of captains, the flesh of mighty men, the flesh of horses and their riders, and the flesh of all men, both free and slave, both small and great.’”
This verse portrays a vivid scene of God’s judgment upon the wicked, depicting an abundant feast for the birds to consume the flesh of those who have opposed God. It serves as a reminder of the consequences that await those who reject God’s mercy and choose to live in opposition to His will.
Revelation 21:4
“He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.”
This verse describes the future hope of the New Jerusalem, where all pain, sorrow, and suffering, including famine, will be eradicated. It serves as a reminder of the ultimate fulfillment of God’s promises and the eternal joy that awaits His faithful followers.
Revelation 22:1-2
“Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, bright as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb through the middle of the street of the city; also, on either side of the river, the tree of life with its twelve kinds of fruit, yielding its fruit each month. The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.”
This verse portrays the vision of the New Jerusalem, where there will be an abundance of provision and sustenance. It symbolizes the eternal life and nourishment that God’s presence brings, offering hope and restoration for all nations and peoples.