Bible publishers reported a dramatic increase in sales as more people turn to the Bible for comfort amid the COVID-19 pandemic, reports Premier Christian News.

Tomás Kenny of Ireland-based bookshop, Kennys, revealed that, “We have seen a big increase in religious and spirituality titles, particularly the Bible.” He added that the company’s sales figures were “totally different to normal.”

People draw hope from Scripture because in it they see a God who is with us during our suffering. —Ben Mandrell, LifeWay Christian Resources CEO

LifeWay Christian Resources in Tennessee, reports a 62% increase in sales compared to the same period last year. Ben Mandrell, LifeWay’s CEO, is not surprised at the spike in numbers. “We believe this is no accident, as people often go to the Bible as a source of hope in times of crisis and uncertainty,” he said. “People draw hope from Scripture because in it they see a God who is with us during our suffering.”

Nielsen BookScan, a UK-based data provider for the book publishing industry, said sales figures of the Bible and other spiritual reading materials have seen a dramatic spike in recent weeks following the threat of coronavirus. “Perhaps people are turning to scripture for comfort in these abnormal and melancholy times…or perhaps people are curious as to whether the coronavirus is prophesied in Revelations,” explained Nielsen.

The Bible is rich with stories and verses that promote social isolation. Even Jesus quarantined himself to meditate and pray. In the Book of Luke 4:1-2, 14-15, it says, “At once the Spirit sent [Jesus] out into the desert, and he was in the desert forty days, being tempted by Satan. He was with the wild animals, and angels attended him.”