Old Testament: Gen 47.15–17

To read the Bible in a year, read Genesis 46–48 on January 20, In the year of our Lord Christ 2023

By Don Ruhl 

Seven years of famine had arrived in the land of Egypt, just as Pharaoh’s dream, and Joseph’s interpretation had foretold. However, since Pharaoh put Joseph in charge of collecting grain during the previous seven years of plenty, the government had enough grain for everyone. 

When the people approached Joseph for food, he made exchanges with them. In this case, with their livestock: 

So when the money failed in the land of Egypt and in the land of Canaan, all the Egyptians came to Joseph and said, “Give us bread, for why should we die in your presence? For the money has failed.” Then Joseph said, “Give your livestock, and I will give you bread for your livestock, if the money is gone.” So they brought their livestock to Joseph, and Joseph gave them bread in exchange for the horses, the flocks, the cattle of the herds, and for the donkeys. Thus he fed them with bread in exchange for all their livestock that year.

– Genesis 47.15–17 

In this manner Joseph helped the Egyptians and Pharaoh, and of course, it helped him also as his prestige increased in that great nation. 

Questions: 

• If our money ran out, what would you give to get food? 
• The Egyptians later forgot about Joseph. What person has your nation forgotten who benefited your nation greatly in a time of need? 

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