If there be in the land famine, if there be pestilence, blasting, mildew, locust, or if there be caterpiller; if their enemy besiege them in the land of their cities; whatsoever plague, whatsoever sickness there be;
If there is famine in the land, or disease, or crop failure, or mildew, or locusts, or caterpillars; if their enemies surround and attack their cities; whatever disaster or sickness may come;
This verse acknowledges that various disasters—natural calamities, crop failures, plagues, or enemy attacks—will inevitably come upon the land and people.
📚 Historical Context
This is part of Solomon's prayer during the dedication of the Temple in Jerusalem. He is listing various calamities that might befall Israel and asking God to hear their prayers when they turn to Him during these hardships. Ancient Israel was an agricultural society particularly vulnerable to famines, locusts, and military invasions from surrounding nations.
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