Topical Encyclopedia In biblical terms, "dearth" refers to a period of scarcity or famine, often seen as a divine judgment or a test of faith. The concept of dearth is significant in the Bible, as it highlights both the physical and spiritual challenges faced by God's people and underscores the importance of reliance on divine providence.Old Testament Instances 1. Genesis 41:54-57: One of the most notable instances of dearth is the seven-year famine during the time of Joseph in Egypt. As interpreted from Pharaoh's dreams, Joseph, through divine wisdom, advised the storage of surplus grain during seven years of plenty to prepare for the impending dearth. "When the famine had spread over all the land, Joseph opened up all the storehouses and sold grain to the Egyptians, for the famine was severe in the land of Egypt" (Genesis 41:56). This event not only saved Egypt but also brought Joseph's family to Egypt, setting the stage for future developments in Israel's history. 2. Ruth 1:1: The Book of Ruth begins with a dearth in the land of Judah, prompting Elimelech and his family to move to Moab. "In the days when the judges ruled, there was a famine in the land, and a man of Bethlehem in Judah went to dwell in the land of Moab with his wife and two sons" (Ruth 1:1). This narrative sets the backdrop for the account of Ruth, highlighting themes of loyalty, redemption, and divine provision. 3. 2 Kings 6:25: During the siege of Samaria by the Arameans, a severe famine occurred, leading to desperate conditions. "So there was a great famine in Samaria, and they besieged it until a donkey’s head sold for eighty shekels of silver, and a quarter cab of dove’s dung for five shekels of silver" (2 Kings 6:25). This dearth illustrates the dire consequences of disobedience and the need for repentance and reliance on God. New Testament References 1. Acts 11:28: In the New Testament, the prophet Agabus predicts a great dearth that would affect the entire Roman world. "One of them, named Agabus, stood up and predicted through the Spirit that a great famine would sweep across the entire Roman world. (This happened during the reign of Claudius.)" (Acts 11:28). The early church responded by providing aid to the believers in Judea, demonstrating the communal support and love that characterized the early Christian community. Theological Significance Dearths in the Bible often serve as a backdrop for demonstrating God's sovereignty and faithfulness. They are occasions for God to reveal His power and provision, as seen in the miraculous feeding of Elijah by ravens during a drought (1 Kings 17:6) and the provision of manna for the Israelites in the wilderness (Exodus 16:35). These events remind believers of the importance of trusting in God's provision, even in times of scarcity. Moreover, dearths are frequently associated with calls to repentance and spiritual renewal. The prophets often linked physical famines with spiritual famine, urging the people to return to God and His commandments. As Amos 8:11 warns, "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 a famine of hearing the words of the LORD" . In summary, dearths in the Bible are multifaceted events that test faith, prompt reliance on God, and call for spiritual introspection. They serve as reminders of the transient nature of earthly provisions and the enduring faithfulness of God. Library The Sixt Part. Thesaurus Dearths (1 Occurrence)...Dearths (1 Occurrence). Jeremiah 14:1 That which hath been the word of Jehovah unto Jeremiah concerning the matters of the dearths: (YLT). ... /d/dearths.htm - 6k Dearth (11 Occurrences) Death (1610 Occurrences) Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible ThesuarusConcordance Dearths (1 Occurrence)Jeremiah 14:1 Subtopics Related Terms |
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