Genesis 47:20
French OST (Ostervald)
Et Joseph acquit tout le sol de l'Égypte à Pharaon; car les Égyptiens vendirent chacun leur champ, parce que la famine les y força; et la terre fut à Pharaon.
What Does This Mean?
This verse tells us that Joseph bought all the land in Egypt for Pharaoh because the people were so desperate from the famine that they sold their fields. In the end, all the land belonged to Pharaoh.
Explained for Children
Imagine you have a lemonade stand, but one day you can't make lemonade because there's no water. You sell your stand to get some money for food. That's what happened here: people sold their land to buy food during a big famine.
Historical Background
Genesis was likely compiled by Moses around 1446-1406 B.C.E. It details the early history of Israel and the world, including the lives of the patriarchs. This part tells of Joseph's rise to power in Egypt and his management of the famine.
Living It Out Today
In a modern scenario, if a community faces a severe economic downturn, community leaders might have to make tough decisions to ensure everyone has what they need. This can sometimes mean giving up personal property or resources.
Topics
leadershipfaminepropertydesperationresource managementEgypt
Related Verses
Exodus 1:8-10Joshua 17:14-181 Kings 21:1-24Matthew 13:36-43Acts 4:32-37
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the Egyptians sell their land?
The Egyptians sold their land because they were desperately poor due to the famine and needed money to buy food.
What does this tell us about Joseph's role?
This shows that Joseph was a capable administrator, ensuring the survival of the population by securing food and resources, even if it meant concentrating wealth in the hands of Pharaoh.
How did Pharaoh benefit from this?
Pharaoh gained control over all the land in Egypt, centralizing power and ensuring a stable food supply, which likely increased his authority and wealth.
What can we learn from this about handling crises?
This passage teaches us about the importance of planning and leadership in times of crisis, showing how effective management can prevent chaos and ensure survival.