Topical Encyclopedia War, a recurring theme throughout the biblical narrative, is frequently accompanied by famine, a devastating consequence that compounds the suffering of those involved. The Bible provides numerous accounts where the ravages of war lead to scarcity of food, highlighting the interconnectedness of these two calamities.In the Old Testament, the siege warfare tactics often led to famine within besieged cities. One of the most poignant examples is found in the account of the siege of Samaria by the Arameans. In 2 Kings 6:24-25 , it is recorded: "Some time later, Ben-hadad king of Aram mobilized his entire army and marched up to besiege Samaria. So there was a great famine in Samaria, and they continued the siege until a donkey’s head sold for eighty shekels of silver, and a quarter cab of dove’s dung sold for five shekels of silver." This passage illustrates the dire conditions that result from prolonged military blockades, where the scarcity of food leads to exorbitant prices and desperate measures. The prophetic literature also speaks to the link between war and famine. In Jeremiah 14:12 , God declares, "Although they may fast, I will not hear their cry; although they may offer burnt offerings and grain offerings, I will not accept them. Instead, I will finish them off by sword and famine and plague." Here, famine is listed alongside the sword and plague as instruments of divine judgment, often following or accompanying military conflict. The Book of Lamentations, traditionally attributed to the prophet Jeremiah, provides a vivid depiction of the aftermath of Jerusalem's destruction by the Babylonians. Lamentations 4:9-10 states, "Those slain by the sword are better off than those who die of hunger, who waste away, pierced with pain because the fields produce no food. The hands of compassionate women have cooked their own children, who became their food in the destruction of the daughter of my people." This harrowing account underscores the extreme conditions of famine that can follow in the wake of war, leading to unimaginable human suffering. In the New Testament, Jesus Himself alludes to the connection between war and famine in His Olivet Discourse. In Matthew 24:6-7 , He warns, "You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places." Here, Jesus places famine alongside wars and natural disasters as signs of the times, indicating their frequent occurrence together. The biblical narrative consistently portrays war as a catalyst for famine, emphasizing the severe impact of human conflict on the availability of resources. This theme serves as a sobering reminder of the broader consequences of war, extending beyond the battlefield to affect entire populations through the scourge of hunger and deprivation. Torrey's Topical Textbook Isaiah 51:19These two things are come to you; who shall be sorry for you? desolation, and destruction, and the famine, and the sword: by whom shall I comfort you? Torrey's Topical Textbook Jeremiah 14:15 Lamentations 5:10 Library How the Amalekites and the Neighbouring Nations, Made War with the ... The Invasion of Greece and the Battle of Marathon. The Holy War, Cambyses. 1 Thess. 2:1-2. "For Kings. " The Welter, 1415-1434. Prophets and Prophets. (xxiii. 9-32, xxvii-xxix, Etc. ) From his Return to England in 1824, to the Commencement of his ... The Scope of the Apocalypse is Indicated by Its Place in the ... Storming the Battlements Resources What does the Bible say about killing in war? Is killing in war a sin? | GotQuestions.orgDoes Bible prophecy predict that there will be a World War 3 (III, three) before the end times? | GotQuestions.org Does the Bible say anything about holy war? | GotQuestions.org War: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics War with Endurance of Hardness War with Steadfastness in the Faith War without Earthly Entanglements War: Be Clothed in White Clothing War: Be Confessed by Christ in the Presence of God the Father War: Be Pillars in the Temple of God War: Called "The Armor of God" War: Called "The Armor of Light" War: Called "The Armor of Righteousness" War: Called the Good Fight of Faith War: Eat from the Tree of Life War: Enemy Harangued by the General of the Opposing Side War: Frequently Long Continued War: Frequently Sore and Bloody War: God: Gives the Victory In War: God: Scatters Those Who Delight In War: God: Strengthens his People For War: God: Taught his People the Art of War: Have a White Stone, and in It a New Name Written War: Have Power Over the Nations War: Have the Name of God Written Upon Them by Christ War: Large Armies Frequently Engaged In War: Mere Professors do not Maintain War: Not be Hurt by the Second Death War: Not Have Their Names Blotted out of the Book of Life War: Often Arises from the Opposition of Friends or Relatives War: Often Attended by Cruelty War: Often Attended by Devastation War: Often Attended by Pestilence War: Often Sent As a Punishment for Sin War: Originates in the Lusts of Men War: Over all That Exalts Itself War: Preceded by Great Preparation War: Saints are all Engaged In War: Sit With Christ on his Throne War: Strengthened by Christ In War: Symbolized by a Red Horse War: The Breastplate of Righteousness War: The Contest Between Antichrist and the Church War: The Contest of Saints With the Enemies of Their Salvation War: The Jews: Frequently Engaged in (See Joshua Chapters 6 Through 11) War: The Malignity of the Wicked War: The Preparation of the Gospel War: Those Who Overcome In, Will Eat of the Hidden Manna War: To be on the Right Hand and Left, an Idiom Meaning: "To Attack and to Defend." War: Under Christ, As Our Captain Related Terms War-carriages (76 Occurrences) |