God’s Word is often compared to bread in the Bible (see Deuteronomy 8:3; Isaiah 55:1–3; Matthew 4:4; John 6:51). Just as bread is essential to nourish and sustain physical life, God’s Word is essential for the life of his people. No one can live without the power and guidance of the divine words any more than anyone could live without the nourishment of bread and the refreshment of water. Since Israel has rejected God’s Word, the punishment fits the crime: the Word of God will be removed from them. That is to say, God will not send another prophet to them with a call to repent and be saved.1
11 “Behold, the days are coming,” declares the Lord GOD, “when I will send a famine on the land not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the LORD.