Famine is one of the many signs that the Bible mentions when discussing the end times, but what exactly does scripture say about it? Is there a specific meaning to the mention of famine in the last days? Let’s take a closer look at this topic and what the Bible reveals about it.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About Taking Care Of Your Body
What Does The Bible Say About Famine In The Last Days
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 in Matthew 24 is part of Jesus’ response to His disciples’ question about the signs of the end times. It reveals that famines will be one of the significant events preceding His return.
In the last days, we can expect an increase in widespread hunger and scarcity of food. This verse serves as a reminder for believers to be vigilant and compassionate, not only spiritually but also to care for those who are suffering during times of famine.
2 Chronicles 7:13-14
“When I shut up the heavens so that there is no rain, or command locusts to devour the land or send a plague among my people, if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”
This passage highlights the relationship between human behavior and the occurrence of famine. God addresses His people, offering a solution to the devastating effects of drought, locust infestations, and plagues that can lead to famine.
It encourages believers to humble themselves, pray earnestly, seek God’s face, and turn away from sinful ways. In response to genuine repentance, God promises to forgive and bring healing to both the people and the land, alleviating the effects of famine.
Isaiah 58:10
“And if you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, then your light will rise in the darkness, and your night will become like the noonday.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of caring for those experiencing famine and oppression. It encourages believers to be selfless in meeting the needs of the hungry and marginalized.
In doing so, God promises blessings and restoration. By shining a light in the darkness and providing for others, believers can experience the transformation of their own circumstances and bring hope and relief to those affected by famine.
Amos 8:11
“Behold, the days are coming,” declares the Lord God, “when I will send a famine on the land— not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the Lord.”
This verse speaks to a different kind of famine – a spiritual famine. It warns of a time when people will lack access to the Word of God and His teachings.
It serves as a reminder to cherish the availability of God’s Word and to seek the nourishment and guidance it provides. In times when the world is facing physical famines, it is crucial for believers to share the timeless truths of God’s Word with those who hunger for spiritual sustenance.
Jeremiah 14:12
“Although they fast, I will not listen to their cry; though they offer burnt offerings and grain offerings, I will not accept them. Instead, I will destroy them with the sword, famine, and plague.”
This verse reveals that external religious practices, such as fasting and offering sacrifices, without genuine repentance and obedience, are futile in the eyes of God.
It warns against self-righteousness and highlights the importance of a sincere relationship with God. In the face of famine, it is crucial for believers to turn to God wholeheartedly and seek His mercy and guidance rather than relying on religious rituals alone.
Proverbs 10:3
“The Lord does not let the righteous go hungry, but he thwarts the craving of the wicked.”
This verse provides comfort and assurance to the righteous in times of famine. It affirms that God will not allow His faithful followers to suffer from hunger.
It reminds believers that even in the midst of scarcity, God remains their ultimate provider and protector. The verse also highlights the consequences that await the wicked, whose cravings will ultimately be thwarted by God.
Ezekiel 36:29
“I will save you from all your uncleanness. I will call for the grain and make it plentiful and will not bring famine upon you.”
In this verse from Ezekiel, God promises deliverance to His people, assuring them that He will save them from the contamination of sin and the devastating effects of famine.
It reveals God’s redemptive nature and His desire to abundantly provide for His people. It serves as a reminder that God’s faithfulness extends beyond physical provision, encompassing the restoration of spiritual and emotional well-being.
Psalm 37:19
“In times of disaster they will not wither; in days of famine, they will enjoy plenty.”
This verse speaks about the steadfastness and faithfulness of the righteous during times of calamity and famine.
It assures believers that, despite the challenges faced, their trust in God will lead to their sustenance and abundance. It instills hope and encourages believers to remain steadfast in their faith, knowing that God’s provision is not limited by external circumstances.
Proverbs 28:19
“Whoever works his land will have plenty of bread, but he who follows worthless pursuits will have plenty of poverty.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of diligence and hard work in times of famine. It highlights the correlation between working the land and reaping the benefits of provision, specifically in the form of bread.
It serves as a reminder for believers to be responsible stewards of the resources entrusted to them and to pursue worthwhile endeavors that align with God’s purposes. By doing so, they can experience God’s blessings and avoid the consequences of idleness and futile pursuits.
Genesis 41:53-54
“The seven years of abundance in Egypt came to an end, and the seven years of famine began, just as Joseph had said. There was famine in all the other lands, but in the whole land of Egypt, there was food.”
This passage recounts the historical account of Joseph’s interpretation of Pharaoh’s dream, which warned of the impending years of abundance followed by famine.
It reveals God’s providence and wisdom in preparing ahead for the challenging times, as Joseph’s leadership in storing food in Egypt allowed the nation to survive the famine while surrounding lands suffered.
Deuteronomy 8:3
“He humbled you, causing you to hunger and then feeding you with manna, which neither you nor your ancestors had known, to teach you that man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord.”
This verse refers to the journey of the Israelites in the wilderness. God humbled them through hunger and then provided manna, a miraculous sustenance, to teach them the lesson of dependence on Him.
It highlights the spiritual significance of relying on God’s Word and presence for sustenance and fulfillment – a truth that remains relevant even in times of physical famine. It reminds believers that our ultimate source of nourishment and satisfaction is found in God’s eternal truths.
Joel 1:11
“Despair, you farmers, wail, you vine growers; grieve for the wheat and the barley, because the harvest of the field is destroyed.”
This verse serves as a lamentation over the destruction of crops and the resulting famine. It expresses the sorrow and grief of those heavily reliant on agricultural produce.
It reminds us of the devastating impact famine can have on individuals and communities, both emotionally and economically. It compels believers to empathize with those affected by famine and take action to alleviate their suffering, showing compassion and offering support.
Isaiah 49:10
“They will neither hunger nor thirst, nor will the desert heat or the sun beat down on them. He who has compassion on them will guide them and lead them beside springs of water.”
This verse speaks of God’s promise to provide for His people, even in the harshest environments.
It assures believers that, despite the challenges posed by famine and drought, God’s compassion will guide and lead them to sources of refreshment and sustenance. It reminds us of God’s faithfulness in meeting our physical and spiritual needs, even in the most barren of circumstances.
Ruth 1:1
“In the days when the judges ruled, there was a famine in the land. So, a man from Bethlehem in Judah, together with his wife and two sons, went to live for a while in the country of Moab.”
This verse describes a historical account of a famine in the land during the time of the judges. It sets the backdrop for the story of Ruth, highlighting the circumstances that led Naomi and her family to leave their homeland.
It serves as a reminder that famine can disrupt lives and families, forcing people to make difficult decisions. In times of famine, believers are called to support and care for those who are displaced or affected, extending a helping hand and offering hope in the midst of adversity.
Lamentations 4:9
“Those killed by the sword are better off than those who die of famine; racked with hunger, they waste away for lack of food from the field.”
This verse paints a grim picture of the suffering and devastation caused by famine. It compares death by the sword to death by starvation, indicating the prolonged agony experienced by those who waste away due to the scarcity of food.
It serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need to address famine and alleviate the suffering it brings. Believers are called to seek solutions, provide aid, and advocate for justice in order to prevent such catastrophic outcomes.
Acts 11:27-28
“During this time some prophets came down from Jerusalem to Antioch. One of them, named Agabus, stood up and through the Spirit predicted that a severe famine would spread over the entire Roman world. (This happened during the reign of Claudius.)”
This passage recounts the prophetic warning of Agabus regarding a severe famine that would affect the Roman world during the reign of Claudius.
It reveals God’s foreknowledge and the involvement of the Holy Spirit in proclaiming future events. It encourages believers to be attentive to prophetic messages and to respond with compassion and preparedness when crises like famine are foretold.
Psalm 33:18-19
“But the eyes of the Lord are on those who fear him, on those whose hope is in his unfailing love, to deliver them from death and keep them alive in famine.”
This verse assures believers of God’s watchful care and protection, even in times of famine and impending death.
It encourages a reverent fear of God and an unwavering hope in His steadfast love. When faced with the threat of famine, believers can find comfort in knowing that God will deliver them and sustain their lives. It serves as a reminder of the faithfulness and life-giving nature of our Heavenly Father.
1 Kings 17:8-9
“And the word of the Lord came to him: “Go at once to Zarephath in the region of Sidon and stay there. I have directed a widow there to supply you with food.”
This passage tells the story of Elijah, who was directed by God to go to Zarephath during a time of severe famine.
It reveals God’s miraculous provision through a widow whom He had instructed to supply food for His servant, despite the scarcity of resources. This account reminds believers of God’s ability to orchestrate encounters and miracles even amidst famine, encouraging them to trust in His divine guidance and provision.
Psalm 105:16-17
“He called down famine on the land and destroyed all their supplies of food; and he sent a man before them— Joseph, sold as a slave.”
This verse refers to the historical account of Joseph being sold into slavery and eventually rising to a position of power in Egypt. It highlights the role God played in allowing a famine in the land, which led to Joseph’s journey and purpose in preserving the lives of many.
It serves as a reminder that God can work through dire circumstances, such as famine, to bring about His plans and purposes. It teaches us to trust in God’s sovereignty even in the face of trials and to recognize His redemptive hand at work.
2 Kings 8:1
“Now Elisha had said to the woman whose son he had restored to life, “Arise, and depart with your household, and sojourn wherever you can, for the Lord has called for a famine, and it will come upon the land for seven years.”
This verse reveals a prophetic declaration by Elisha, forewarning the coming of a seven-year famine in the land.
It emphasizes the importance of obeying God’s guidance in times of impending disaster. Believers are reminded through this verse to heed God’s instructions and make necessary preparations, both physically and spiritually, when faced with the threat of famine.
Zechariah 14:14
“Judah also will fight at Jerusalem. The wealth of all the surrounding nations will be collected— great quantities of gold and silver and clothing.”
Although this verse does not directly speak of famine, it presents an important aspect to consider during times of food scarcity.
It reveals that in times of crisis, God has the power to turn the situation around. By His providence and intervention, He can provide resources and prosperity amidst hardship and deprivation. This verse reminds believers to trust in God’s ability to bring forth abundance even in times of famine.