Topical Encyclopedia Famine is a recurring theme in the Bible, often depicted as a consequence of disobedience to God or as a tool for divine judgment. In the time of the prophet Jeremiah, famine is notably present as a significant element of the prophetic warnings and historical events surrounding the fall of Jerusalem and the Babylonian exile.Jeremiah's Prophecies of Famine Jeremiah, a major prophet during the final years of the Kingdom of Judah, frequently warned of impending famine as part of God's judgment against the nation for its persistent idolatry and rebellion. In Jeremiah 14:12, the prophet conveys God's message: "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." This passage highlights the severity of the coming judgment, where famine is one of the threefold calamities—alongside sword and plague—that God would use to discipline His people. Historical Context of Famine in Jeremiah's Time The historical backdrop of Jeremiah's ministry includes the Babylonian siege of Jerusalem, which led to severe famine conditions. In Jeremiah 52:6, the dire situation is described: "By the ninth day of the fourth month, the famine in the city was so severe that the people of the land had no food." This famine was a direct result of the prolonged siege by Nebuchadnezzar's army, which cut off supplies and led to extreme scarcity within the city walls. Famine as a Symbol of Judgment Throughout the book of Jeremiah, famine serves as a symbol of divine judgment and a call to repentance. In Jeremiah 24:10, God declares, "I will send the sword, famine, and plague against them until they are destroyed from the land I gave to them and their fathers." This reiterates the theme that famine is not merely a natural disaster but a manifestation of God's righteous anger against sin. Theological Implications From a theological perspective, the instances of famine during Jeremiah's time underscore the covenantal relationship between God and Israel. The Deuteronomic covenant warned of curses, including famine, for disobedience (Deuteronomy 28:23-24). Jeremiah's prophecies and the historical famines experienced by Judah serve as a fulfillment of these covenantal warnings, emphasizing the seriousness of turning away from God. Famine and the Hope of Restoration Despite the grim reality of famine, Jeremiah's prophecies also contain messages of hope and restoration. In Jeremiah 31:12, the promise of future abundance is given: "They will come and shout for joy on the heights of Zion; they will be radiant with joy over the bounty of the LORD—the grain, the new wine, the oil, the young of the flocks and herds. Their life will be like a well-watered garden, and they will never languish again." This vision of restoration contrasts with the earlier depictions of famine, offering hope for a future where God's people are restored and blessed with abundance. In summary, the instances of famine during the time of Jeremiah are deeply intertwined with the themes of judgment, covenant, and eventual restoration. They serve as a powerful reminder of the consequences of disobedience and the enduring hope found in God's promises. Torrey's Topical Textbook Jeremiah 14:1The word of the LORD that came to Jeremiah concerning the dearth. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Questions. Rom. I. 1, 2 1 Thessalonians iv. 15-17 Salvation Published from the Mountains A Clearing-Up Storm in the Realm Commendation of those who had Laid Aside the Practice of Swearing. ... Letter xxii. To Eustochium. Letter cxxiii. To Ageruchia. Letter Liii. To Paulinus. Book ii. Jerome Answers the Second, Third, and Fourth Propositions ... Resources What does the Bible say about famine? | GotQuestions.orgWas Joseph the same person as Imhotep in Egyptian history? | GotQuestions.org Who was Rizpah in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Famine: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Famine in Jerusalem, from Siege Famine: A Dearth of the Means of Grace Famine: Caused by Blasting and Mildew Famine: Caused by Devastation by Enemies Famine: Caused by God's Blessing Withheld Famine: Caused by Rotting of the Seed in the Ground Famine: Caused by Swarms of Insects Famine: Caused by Want of Seasonable Rain Famine: Caused: Blackness of the Skin Famine: Caused: Burning and Fever Famine: Caused: Grief and Mourning Famine: Caused: Wasting of the Body Famine: Expressed by Cleanness of Teeth Famine: Expressed by Taking Away the Stay of Bread Famine: Expressed by The Arrows of Famine Famine: God Provided for his People During Famine: Instances of, in Scripture in the Day of the Judges Famine: Instances of, in Scripture in the Days of Abraham Famine: Instances of, in Scripture in the Days of Isaac Famine: Instances of, in Scripture in the Days of Joseph Famine: Instances of, in Scripture in the Reign of Ahab Famine: Instances of, in Scripture in the Reign of Claudius Caesar Famine: Instances of, in Scripture in the Reign of David Famine: Instances of, in Scripture in the Time of Elisha Famine: Instances of, in Scripture in the Time of Jeremiah Famine: Instances of, in Scripture of Seven Years Foretold by Elisha Famine: Instances of, in Scripture: After the Captivity Famine: Instances of, in Scripture: Before Destruction of Jerusalem Famine: Instances of, in Scripture: During the Siege of Jerusalem Famine: Instances of, in Scripture: During the Siege of Samaria Famine: Often Accompanied by War Famine: Often Followed by Pestilence Famine: Often on Account of Sin Famine: One of God's Four Sore Judgments Famine: Pharaoh Forewarned of, in Dreams Famine: Provisions Sold by Weight During Famine: Righteous Delivered From Famine: Suffering of Brute Creation From Famine: The Jews in Their Restored State not to be Afflicted By Famine: Things Eaten During: Donkey's Flesh Famine: Things Eaten During: Dung Famine: Things Eaten During: Human Flesh Famine: Things Eaten During: Wild Herbs Related Terms |
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