Joel i. 2, 3, 4, &c.FAMINE. The Scripture speaks of several Famines which happened in Palestine, and in the neighbouring countries; Gen. xii. 10.for example, in the time of Abraham, and again in the time of Isaac. But Ib. xxvi. 1.the most remarkable, whereof we have any knowledge, is that of seven years, Ib. xli. 27.which fell out in Egypt, while Joseph abode there. It is considerable for the continuance, extent, and greatness of it; and in this particular the more so, that Egypt is one of the countries in the world least subject to these calamities, by reason of its extreme fruitfulness.
Famine is sometimes a natural effect, as when the Nile does not overflow in Egypt, or the rains do not fall in Judea, at the customary times, that is to say, in spring and autumn; or when the caterpillars, the May-bugs, and locusts swarm in the country, and destroy the fruits of it. The Prophets in several places take notice of these last causes of famine. See, for example, the magnificent description which Joel, makes of the coming of the locusts; he compares them to a numerous and terrible army, and describes the ravages committed by them in the land.
Famine was also the effect often of God’s 2 Sam. xxiv. 12, 13.anger against his people; for example, the Lord sent the Prophet Gad to David, to tell him, that as a punishment of his vanity, whereby he had been induced to number his people, God gave him the option of seven years famine, or of being for three months pursued by his enemies, or of seeing the plague raging for three days in his 2 Kings viii. 1, 2.country. And in the reign of Ahab, The Lord called for a Famine, and it came upon the land seven years. The Prophets frequently threaten the Israelites, with the sword of Famine, or with War and Famine, two evils that go generally together.
Amos threatens the people of God with another sort of Famine, which was that of hearing the word of God. Behold the days come, saith the Lord, that I will send a Famine in the land, not a Famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the Lord.