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Commentary Index | Return to PrayerRequest.com | DownloadPaul Kretzmann Commentary - Genesis 41:53 - 41:57
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The Beginning of the Famine
v. 53. And the seven years of plenteousness, that was in the land of Egypt, were ended. Everything was fulfilled just as the Lord had revealed through the mouth of Joseph.
v. 54. And the seven years of dearth began to come, according as Joseph had said; and the dearth was in all lands; but in all the land of Egypt there was bread. All the surrounding countries were stricken with the famine, just as they all had probably partaken of the rich and plentiful years, for the winds from the Mediterranean which deposit their moisture in the highlands of Abyssinia and thus produce the annual overflow of the Nile do the same for the mountains of Palestine.
v. 55. And when all the land of Egypt was famished, when the inhabitants had eaten their supply and were beginning to feel the effects of the famine, the people cried to Pharaoh for bread; and Pharaoh said unto all the Egyptians, Go unto Joseph; what he saith to you do. Joseph had charge of the matter, and therefore he would supply their wants.
v. 56. And the famine was over all the face of the earth, over all the countries far and wide which ordinarily depended upon Egypt for grain. And Joseph opened all the storehouses, all the places where he had stored grain, and sold unto the Egyptians; and the famine waxed sore in the land of Egypt, it made its effects felt throughout the country.
v. 57. And all countries came into Egypt to Joseph for to buy corn because that the famine was so sore in all lands. Joseph's example in this story is one of true prudence and foresight. God is well able to keep His children in the midst of want, but He also wants us to be careful stewards over that which He has given us, that we do not suffer needlessly.