SCRIPTURE: GENESIS 47
BIBLE VERSES:
“So Joseph settled his father and his brothers in Egypt and gave them property in the best part of the land, the district of Rameses, as Pharaoh directed. Joseph also provided his father and his brothers and all his father’s household with food, according to the number of their children.” (Genesis 47:11-12)
When the brothers of Joseph and his father arrived in Egypt, Joseph chose five of his brothers an his father and presented to Pharaoh. Jacob blessed Pharaoh and Pharaoh gave them the best part of the land in Goshen. Joseph provided his fathers and brothers and all his father’s households with food according to the number of their children.
JOSEPH AND THE FAMINE (vs. 13-31)
The famine was so severe. The people had no more money to buy food. So, Joseph told them to exchange food for their livestock. After a year was over, they had to sell their lands in exchange for food. So,Joseph bought the land and all the lands belong to Pharaoh. However, the land of the priests still belonged to them because they had food enough from the allotment from Pharaoh.
Joseph gave the people seed to plant the ground and instructed them to give 1/5 to Pharaoh and keep 4/5 for their own consumption. Jacob lived in Egypt 17 years with a life span of 147 years. When he was about to die, he told Joseph not to buy him in Egypt but carry him to Canaan. Joseph swore to his father and said: “I will do as you say” (v. 30)
THOUGHTS:
Joseph managed the affairs of Egypt very efficiently. The people pay him their money, sold their livestocks and lands in exchange for food to save their lives. We should also give our all to Christ who has saved us and care for our daily needs.