Effects of Famine

Because Israel was a subsistence agrarian society for most of its history, famines were a substantial threat. Those who were unable to store up produce in times of plenty were under greater danger during times of famine. Scarcity of food also led to inflated prices due to increased demand (e.g., 2 Kgs 6:24–25). Hunger and physical weakness left populations vulnerable to external attack. Additionally, the lack of food and collapse of local economies would force people to sojourn elsewhere. Scripture describes mourning, lamentation, and distress in response to drought (Jer 14:1–6).

The interchange between King David and God demonstrates the extent to which people would avoid famine. In response to David’s census, God gave him a choice between three years of famine, three months of the warfare, or three days of pestilence (2 Sam 24:1–10; 1 Chr 21:1–6). David chose what he considered to be the least harmful—pestilence (2 Sam 24:13–15; 1 Chr 21:12–14). Lamentations suggests that those who perish by the sword are better off than those who suffer from famine (Lam 4:9). Thus, famine was the most feared catastrophe, most likely because of the drawn-out and excruciating nature of the suffering. Severe famines—especially those due to siege—could lead to cannibalism (compare Deut 28:56–57; 2 Kgs 6:28–29; Jer 19:9; Lam 2:20; 4:10; Ezek 5:10).