though in this case the author was silent about its cause.9 The mention of famine, however, served a twofold thematic purpose. First, it recalled the biblical pattern that famines, despite tragic appearances, often advance God’s plan for his people.10 What great destiny might this story portend? Second, it hinted at some thematic link between this story and the patriarchs—a linkage all the more probable since the same phrase (wayehî rāʿāḇ bāʾāreṣ) occurs elsewhere only in Gen. 12:10 and 26:1