In the biblical narrative, famines are often depicted as significant events that serve as instruments of divine purpose, judgment, or testing. The causes of famine in the Bible are multifaceted, often intertwined with spiritual, moral, and natural elements. Below are some of the primary causes of famine as presented in the Scriptures:

1. Divine Judgment and Disobedience: One of the most prominent causes of famine in the Bible is divine judgment due to the disobedience of God's people. In Leviticus 26:19-20, God warns the Israelites that if they disobey His commandments, He will "break the pride of your power, and I will make your sky like iron and your land like bronze. And your strength will be spent in vain, for your land will not yield its produce, and the trees of the land will not bear their fruit." This passage highlights the direct correlation between the people's faithfulness to God and the fertility of the land.

2. Testing and Spiritual Growth: Famines can also serve as a means of testing and spiritual growth. In Genesis 12:10, a famine in the land prompts Abram to go down to Egypt. This event is part of Abram's journey of faith, testing his reliance on God's promises. Similarly, the famine in the time of Joseph (Genesis 41) serves as a backdrop for God's providential plan to save Jacob's family and ultimately the nation of Israel.

3. Natural Causes and Human Agency: While divine intervention is a common theme, the Bible also acknowledges natural causes and human agency in the occurrence of famines. In 2 Samuel 21:1, a famine during the reign of David is attributed to Saul's bloodguilt against the Gibeonites, indicating that human actions and their consequences can lead to famine. Additionally, natural phenomena such as droughts and locust plagues are recognized as contributing factors (Joel 1:4).

4. Prophetic Fulfillment and Warning: Famines are sometimes used as prophetic signs or warnings. In Amos 8:11, the Lord declares, "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 of hearing the words of the LORD." This metaphorical famine serves as a warning of spiritual desolation due to the people's rejection of God's word.

5. Covenantal Consequences: The covenantal relationship between God and Israel includes blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience, as outlined in Deuteronomy 28. Verses 23-24 state, "The sky over your head will be bronze, and the earth beneath you iron. The LORD will turn the rain of your land into dust and powder; it will descend on you from the sky until you are destroyed." These covenantal consequences underscore the theological understanding that famine is not merely a natural disaster but a reflection of the spiritual state of the nation.

In summary, the biblical portrayal of famine encompasses a complex interplay of divine sovereignty, human responsibility, and natural events. It serves as a reminder of the importance of faithfulness to God and the consequences of turning away from His commandments.