Why should we perish before your eyes--we and our land as well? Purchase us and our land in exchange for food. Then we, along with our land, will be slaves to Pharaoh. Give us seed that we may live and not die, and that the land may not become desolate." Why should we perish before your eyes—we and our land as well?This phrase reflects the desperation of the Egyptian people during the severe famine that Joseph had predicted. The famine was so intense that it affected not only individuals but also the land itself, which was the source of sustenance and economic stability. The plea highlights the dire situation and the people's willingness to do whatever it takes to survive. This moment underscores the fulfillment of Joseph's interpretation of Pharaoh's dreams, demonstrating God's sovereignty and the accuracy of divine revelation. Purchase us and our land in exchange for food.
The Egyptians propose a transaction that involves selling themselves and their land to Pharaoh in exchange for sustenance. This reflects the ancient Near Eastern practice where land and labor could be exchanged for goods, especially in times of crisis. It also illustrates the extent of the famine's impact, forcing people to give up their freedom and property. This act of selling themselves into servitude foreshadows the later enslavement of the Israelites in Egypt, creating a parallel between the two narratives. Then we, along with our land, will be slaves to Pharaoh.
The willingness to become slaves to Pharaoh indicates the severity of the famine and the lack of alternatives. This situation sets the stage for the centralization of power in Egypt, as Pharaoh gains control over both the people and the land. It also serves as a backdrop for understanding the later enslavement of the Israelites, providing a historical context for the socio-political dynamics in Egypt. Theologically, it can be seen as a contrast to the freedom that God offers His people, highlighting the bondage of sin and the need for divine deliverance. Give us seed that we may live and not die, and that the land may not become desolate.
The request for seed signifies a hope for future restoration and survival. Seed represents the potential for new life and the continuation of agricultural productivity. This plea emphasizes the importance of sustenance and the desire to prevent the land from becoming barren. In a broader biblical context, seed often symbolizes the promise of future generations and God's provision. This request can be seen as a precursor to the Israelites' reliance on God's provision during their wilderness journey, where manna was provided to sustain them. Persons / Places / Events 1. JosephThe son of Jacob who rose to power in Egypt. He is responsible for managing the resources during the famine. 2. EgyptiansThe people of Egypt who are experiencing severe famine and are seeking sustenance. 3. PharaohThe ruler of Egypt who has entrusted Joseph with the management of the country's resources. 4. FamineA severe shortage of food affecting Egypt and surrounding regions, leading to desperate measures by the people. Teaching Points Stewardship and WisdomJoseph's management of resources during the famine exemplifies wise stewardship. Believers are called to manage their resources prudently, trusting in God's provision. Dependence on GodThe Egyptians' plea for sustenance highlights human dependence on divine provision. In times of need, believers should turn to God, trusting in His faithfulness. God's SovereigntyThe unfolding events demonstrate God's sovereignty in using Joseph to preserve life. Believers can find comfort in knowing that God is in control, even in dire circumstances. Compassion and JusticeJoseph's actions reflect a balance of compassion and justice. Christians are encouraged to act justly and love mercy, especially when in positions of influence. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Joseph's role in Egypt during the famine illustrate the importance of wise stewardship in our own lives? 2. In what ways can we see God's sovereignty at work in the account of Joseph and the famine? How does this encourage us in our current situations? 3. How can we apply the principle of dependence on God for our daily needs, as seen in the Egyptians' plea to Joseph? 4. What lessons can we learn from Joseph's balance of compassion and justice when dealing with others in need? 5. How does the account of Joseph and the famine connect to Jesus' teachings on provision and trust in the New Testament? Connections to Other Scriptures Genesis 41This chapter provides the background of Joseph's rise to power and the interpretation of Pharaoh's dreams, which predicted the famine. Exodus 1The Israelites' eventual enslavement in Egypt can be traced back to their initial settlement during the famine. 2 Kings 4The account of Elisha and the widow's oil parallels the theme of divine provision during times of need. Matthew 6Jesus' teaching on trusting God for daily provision connects to the reliance on God's wisdom seen in Joseph's management. People Egyptians, Jacob, Joseph, PharaohPlaces Canaan, Egypt, Goshen, RamesesTopics Bondage, Bondmen, Bread, Buy, Desolate, Destruction, Die, Exchange, Ground, Pharaoh, Seed, Servants, Slaves, Waste, Wherefore, Won'tDictionary of Bible Themes Genesis 47:19 4406 agriculture Library Two Retrospects of one Life
'And Jacob said unto Pharaoh, Few and evil have the days of the years of my life been.'--GENESIS xlvii. 9. 'The God which fed me all my life long unto this day; the Angel which redeemed me from all evil.' --GENESIS xlviii. 15,16. These are two strangely different estimates of the same life to be taken by the same man. In the latter Jacob categorically contradicts everything that he had said in the former. 'Few and evil,' he said before Pharaoh. 'All my life long,' 'the Angel which redeemed me from …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy ScriptureGrowth by Transplanting
'Then Joseph came and told Pharaoh, and said, My father and my brethren, and their flocks, and their herds, and all that they have, are come out of the land of Canaan; and, behold, they are in the land of Goshen. And he took some of his brethren, even five men, and presented them unto Pharaoh. And Pharaoh said unto his brethren, What is your occupation? And they said unto Pharaoh, Thy servants are shepherds, both we, and also our fathers. They said moreover unto Pharaoh, For to sojourn in the land …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Seven Sanctified Thoughts and Mournful Sighs of a Sick Man Ready to Die.
Now, forasmuch as God of his infinite mercy doth so temper our pain and sickness, that we are not always oppressed with extremity, but gives us in the midst of our extremities some respite, to ease and refresh ourselves, thou must have an especial care, considering how short a time thou hast either for ever to lose or to obtain heaven, to make use of every breathing time which God affords thee; and during that little time of ease to gather strength against the fits of greater anguish. Therefore, …
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety The Shortness and Misery of Life.
1 Our days, alas! our mortal days Are short and wretched too; "Evil and few," the patriarch says, [1] And well the patriarch knew. 2 'Tis but at best a narrow bound That heaven allows to men, And pains and sins run thro' the round Of threescore years and ten. 3 Well, if ye must be sad and few, Run on, my days, in haste; Moments of sin, and months of woe, Ye cannot fly too fast. 4 Let heavenly love prepare my soul, And call her to the skies, Where years of long salvation roll, And glory never dies. …
Isaac Watts—Hymns and Spiritual Songs A Cloud of Witnesses.
"By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau, even concerning things to come. By faith Jacob, when he was a-dying, blessed each of the sons of Joseph; and worshipped, leaning upon the top of his staff. By faith Joseph, when his end was nigh, made mention of the departure of the children of Israel; and gave commandment concerning his bones.... By faith the walls of Jericho fell down, after they had been compassed about for seven days. By faith Rahab the harlot perished not with them that were disobedient, …
Thomas Charles Edwards—The Expositor's Bible: The Epistle to the Hebrews Elucidations.
I. (Deadly Sins, cap. ix., p. 356.) To maintain a modern and wholly uncatholic system of Penitence, the schoolmen invented a technical scheme of sins mortal and sins venial, which must not be read into the Fathers, who had no such technicalities in mind. By "deadly sins" they meant all such as St. John recognizes (1 John v. 16-17) and none other; that is to say sins of surprise and infirmity, sins having in them no malice or wilful disobedience, such as an impatient word, or a momentary neglect of …
Tertullian—The Five Books Against Marcion A Believer's Privilege at Death
'For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.' Phil 1:1I. Hope is a Christian's anchor, which he casts within the veil. Rejoicing in hope.' Rom 12:12. A Christian's hope is not in this life, but he hash hope in his death.' Prov 14:42. The best of a saint's comfort begins when his life ends; but the wicked have all their heaven here. Woe unto you that are rich! for ye have received your consolation.' Luke 6:64. You may make your acquittance, and write Received in full payment.' Son, remember that …
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity Genesis
The Old Testament opens very impressively. In measured and dignified language it introduces the story of Israel's origin and settlement upon the land of Canaan (Gen.--Josh.) by the story of creation, i.-ii. 4a, and thus suggests, at the very beginning, the far-reaching purpose and the world-wide significance of the people and religion of Israel. The narrative has not travelled far till it becomes apparent that its dominant interests are to be religious and moral; for, after a pictorial sketch of …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Genesis 47:19 NIVGenesis 47:19 NLTGenesis 47:19 ESVGenesis 47:19 NASBGenesis 47:19 KJV
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