2 Esdras 16:20

20 Look! A plague of famine has been sent out, and the distress it inflicts is like a whip, a punishment for discipline.

2 Esdras 16:20 In-Context

18 The beginning of groaning and an abundance of sighing! The beginning of famine, and many will perish; the beginning of wars, and powerful ones will be afraid; the beginning of disasters, and all will be terrified.

19 What will they do when the disasters come?

20 Look! A plague of famine has been sent out, and the distress it inflicts is like a whip, a punishment for discipline.

21 But in the midst of all these, they won't turn from their sins and won't keep the plagues in mind.

22 Look! In a short time provisions will be so cheap on earth that people will think that peace has been established for them, but then disasters will blossom all over the earth—the sword and famine.