Bible Prophecy Numbers
Ch. 1b, "Yes, it is I"
(Derived from Isaiah 52:4)
Abraham enters Canaan: (2091 BC)
Israel enters Egypt: (1876 BC)
Israel leaves Egypt: (1446 BC)
Fall of Israel: (725-721 BC)
Near fall of Judah: (701 BC)
Fall of Assyria: (614-612 BC)
Fall of Judah: (589-586 BC)
Fall of Babylon: (539-536 BC)
Birth of Christ (5 BC or 1 BC)
Death of Christ (AD 30)
"Seven-Year Famines"
Bible prophecy links the following two "seven-year famines" together, though separated by 1300 years. "Seven" is a common number in the bible that symbolizes a perfect time span. It is commonly divided in half as 3˝ days/years, (Daniel 9:24-27; 12; Revelation 11-13). As we shall see, the following two seven-year periods are separated by 3˝ (figurative) years of years. All this will be explained fully as we continue our study. Ultimately, we will show that the future "seven-year tribulation" period (also divided in half) is tied into these "seven-year famines" by both theme and numeric. It is an exciting study that will both strengthen your faith and quicken your understanding of current events.
Seven-Year Famine
of JosephOur text of Isaiah 52:4––"At first my people went down to Egypt to live"––pertains to when the children of Israel were compelled to live in Egypt in order to survive a seven-year famine. This seven-year famine fell upon Egypt and "all the world" (Genesis 41:57), and is a prototype of the well-known future "seven-year tribulation-period," also destined to come upon "the whole world" (Revelation 3:10; 16:14).
By means of this famine, the children of Israel and all nations were made to bow before Joseph, (just as they will bow one day before Jesus, [Phil. 2:10]). This seven-year famine, (which began "two years" before Israel entered Egypt, [Genesis 45:6]), lasted spr. 1878 to spr. 1871 BC.
Seven-Year Famine
of the SiegesThe sieges of the capital cities of Samaria (of Israel) and Jerusalem (of Judah) also foreshadow this future seven-year tribulation-period, just as Joseph’s famine did. The prophets speak much about these two sieges and the terrible famines that resulted. The seven-year tribulation-period of the Book of Revelation echoes with similar themes (Revelation 6:5; 18:8).{9} Generally, "famine" is the rope that binds our events together thematically.
In addition to these famines caused by nature and war, the prophet Ezekiel underwent a self-imposed famine in 593 BC. In obedience to God, He symbolically acted-out a siege against Jerusalem by being tied on his side with ropes (while rationing his food as if in a real famine)––390 days for Israel, and 40 for Judah––"A day for every year," (Ezekiel 4:5-9). This was meant to foreshadow the actual siege and fall of Jerusalem, which in fact did occur exactly seven years later in 586 BC! (Click to enlarge image.)
Notes: (For notes 1 - 8)
{9} It is interesting that whereas Revelation 18:8 mentions a "famine" at the fall of "Mystery Babylon," yet the fall of ancient Babylon in 539 BC was without famine or even much bloodshed:
"Therefore in one day shall her plagues come, death, and mourning, and famine; and she shall be utterly burned with fire; for strong is the Lord God who judged her" (Revelation 18:8).
Bible Prophecy Numbers
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