Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical narrative, the terms "sword," "famine," and "plague" frequently appear together as instruments of divine judgment and are often used to describe the consequences of disobedience to God. These elements serve as both literal and symbolic representations of God's wrath and the severe repercussions of sin.Sword The "sword" in the Bible is often a metaphor for war and conflict. It signifies the physical violence and destruction that can befall nations and individuals as a result of divine judgment. In the Old Testament, the sword is frequently mentioned as a tool of God's retribution against Israel and other nations for their idolatry and rebellion. For instance, in Jeremiah 14:12 , God declares, "Although they fast, I will not hear their cry, and 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." The sword is also a symbol of authority and justice. In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul refers to the governing authorities as bearers of the sword, indicating their role in maintaining order and executing justice (Romans 13:4). The imagery of the sword is further extended in the Book of Revelation, where it represents the power and judgment of Christ (Revelation 19:15). Famine Famine is depicted in the Bible as a severe shortage of food, often resulting from drought, pestilence, or war. It is portrayed as a direct consequence of disobedience and a tool of divine discipline. In Leviticus 26:26 , God warns Israel of the consequences of breaking His covenant: "When I cut off your supply of bread, ten women will bake your bread in a single oven and dole out your bread by weight, so that you will eat but not be satisfied." Famine serves as a test of faith and reliance on God. The account of Joseph in Genesis illustrates how God can use famine to fulfill His purposes, as Joseph's rise to power in Egypt ultimately saves many from starvation (Genesis 41:54-57). In the New Testament, Jesus uses the imagery of famine to describe the spiritual hunger that only He can satisfy (John 6:35). Plague Plagues in the Bible are often depicted as widespread diseases or calamities sent by God as a form of punishment or warning. The plagues of Egypt, as described in the Book of Exodus, are among the most well-known examples, where God sends ten plagues upon Egypt to compel Pharaoh to release the Israelites from bondage (Exodus 7-12). Plagues serve as a demonstration of God's power and sovereignty over creation. They are also a call to repentance, as seen in 2 Chronicles 7:13-14 , where God says, "If I shut the sky so there is no rain, or if I command the locust to devour the land, or if I send a plague among My people, and My people who are called by My name humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, forgive their sin, and heal their land." In the prophetic literature, plagues are often associated with the end times and the final judgment. The Book of Revelation describes a series of plagues that will befall the earth as part of God's ultimate plan to bring about the new creation (Revelation 15-16). Together, the sword, famine, and plague serve as sobering reminders of the seriousness of sin and the necessity of obedience to God's commands. They underscore the biblical theme of divine justice and the hope of redemption for those who turn to God in repentance and faith. Subtopics Sword: David's Army Equipped With Sword: To be Beaten Into Plowshares The Sword in Time of Peace Made Into Plough Shares The Sword in Time of War, Plough Shares Made Into The Sword of Deep Mental Affliction The Sword of Judicial Authority The Sword of Persecuting Spirit of the Wicked The Sword of Severe and Heavy Calamities The Sword of the End of the Wicked The Sword of the Justice of God The Sword of the Protection of God The Sword of the Tongue of the Wicked The Sword of the Word of Christ The Sword of War and Contention The Sword was Brandished Over the Head The Sword was One of God's Four Sore Judgments The Sword was Thrust Through Enemies The Sword was Used by Heathen Nations The Sword was Used by the Jews The Sword was Used by the Patriarchs The Sword was Used for Destruction of Enemies The Sword was Used for Punishing Criminals The Sword was Used for Self-Defence The Sword was Used: Sometimes for Self-Destruction The Sword: (Drawing of) of War and Destruction The Sword: (Living By) of Rapine The Sword: (Not Departing from One's House) of Perpetual Calamity The Sword: (Putting, Into Its Sheath) Peace and Friendship The Sword: Carried in a Sheath or Scabbard The Sword: Frequently had Two Edges The Sword: Hebrews Early Acquainted With Making of The Sword: Often Sent As a Punishment The Sword: Often Threatened As a Punishment The Sword: Sharpened and Furbished Before Going to War The Sword: Suspended from the Girdle The Sword: Those Slain By, Communicated Ceremonial Uncleanness Related Terms The-not-beloved (1 Occurrence) Kir'iath-je'arim (18 Occurrences) Kirjathjearim (17 Occurrences) Vine-dressers (18 Occurrences) Kirjath-jearim (17 Occurrences) Kibroth-hattaavah (5 Occurrences) |