The phrase "a famine in the land for the word of God" refers to a prophetic time described in the Bible (Amos 8:11-12) and is referenced in Ellen White's writings. According to her, this famine is not a lack of literal bread or water, but a time when people will desperately seek the word of the Lord and will not be able to find it. Ellen White explains that this famine will come "in that day"—a time when multitudes who have long despised God's mercy will desire it, but it will be too late. She writes: - “Behold, the days come, saith the Lord God, that I will send a famine in the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the Lord. And they shall wander from sea to sea, and from the north even to the east, they shall run to and fro to seek the word of the Lord, and shall not find it.” (GC 629.1; see also 1SG 200.1) She further explains that those who have not valued God's word will search everywhere for it, but will not find it. This is connected to the close of probation—a time when the opportunity for salvation has ended, and those who have rejected God's message will realize their loss but it will be too late to change their destiny. In summary: According to Ellen White, the famine for the word of God will occur at the end of time, after the close of probation, when people who have rejected God's truth will desperately seek it but will not be able to find it. If you would like more details or specific passages, please let me know! References: - White, E. G. (1911). The Great Controversy, p. 629.1. - White, E. G. (1858). Spiritual Gifts, vol. 1, p. 200.1.