Genesis 47:21

Arabic 2016 (الكِتاب المُقَدَّس: التَّرْجَمَةُ العَرَبِيَّةُ المُبَسَّطَةُ)

وَاسْتَعْبَدَ النَّاسَ مِنْ أقْصَى حُدُودِ مِصْرٍ إلَى أقْصَاهَا.

What Does This Mean?

This verse tells us that Joseph moved the people of Egypt from their homes in the countryside to live in cities throughout Egypt. He did this after they sold their land to Pharaoh during a famine. This action centralized the population and land under Pharaoh's control.

Explained for Children

Imagine if your parents decided to move everyone from the countryside into big towns, just so they could keep track of everyone better. That's kind of what Joseph did in Egypt, moving people from their farms into cities.

Historical Background

Genesis was likely compiled by Moses around 1440-1400 BCE, drawing on earlier oral and written traditions. This part of Genesis tells the story of Joseph's leadership in Egypt, aimed at an audience familiar with the patriarchal narratives and the Israelites' history.

Living It Out Today

In today's world, we can see parallels with urban planning and government control over resources. This verse reminds us of the complex decisions leaders must make to manage resources and people, often impacting communities significantly.

Topics

• leadership
• famine
• government
• population
• land management
• resource control

Related Verses

• Joshua 10:1
• 1 Kings 12:1
• Luke 13:7
• Acts 6:1
• Revelation 18:2

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Joseph move people to cities?

Joseph moved people to cities to centralize the population and land under Pharaoh's control, which helped manage the famine and resources more effectively.

What was the impact of this decision?

This decision centralized the Egyptian population and land, strengthening Pharaoh's control and likely improving efficiency in managing the famine and resources.

How does this relate to leadership?

This verse illustrates the impact of leadership decisions on people's lives and the importance of effective resource management during crises.

What can we learn from Joseph's actions?

We can learn the importance of strategic planning and leadership in managing crises, such as the famine, and the potential impacts on society and governance.