Genesis 47:18
French S21 2007 (Bible Segond 21)
Lorsque cette année fut passée, l'année suivante ils vinrent trouver Joseph et lui dirent: «Nous ne te cacherons pas, seigneur, que l'argent est épuisé et que nos troupeaux de bétail sont déjà en ta possession, seigneur. Il ne reste plus rien devant toi, seigneur, si ce n’est notre corps et nos terres.
What Does This Mean?
In this verse, the people of Egypt tell Joseph that they have spent all their money and sold their animals to buy food. They have nothing left but their bodies and land. This shows how desperate they are due to the famine.
Explained for Children
Imagine if you had to use all your allowance and toys to buy food because of a big drought. That's what's happening here. People are so hungry that they've used up everything they have.
Historical Background
The Book of Genesis was written by Moses around 1446-1406 BCE. This verse is part of the narrative about Joseph and his brothers, and it reflects the severe famine in Egypt. The audience was primarily the Israelites, and the cultural setting shows the economic hardship of the time.
Living It Out Today
Consider a family that has to sell their home and belongings during a severe economic downturn to survive. This verse can teach us about the importance of preparedness and the value of community support during tough times.
Topics
famineeconomic hardshipdesperationpreparationcommunity supportsurvival
Related Verses
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the cause of the famine?
The famine was caused by a severe lack of rainfall, which Joseph had prophesied earlier, and it lasted for seven years.
What did the people have left to offer Joseph?
They had only their bodies and their lands left to offer, showing how dire their situation had become.
What does this teach us about Joseph's leadership?
It shows Joseph's effectiveness in managing resources during the famine, but also highlights the harsh conditions people faced as a result.
How does this verse relate to modern-day economic struggles?
It reflects on the extreme measures people might take during economic downturns, emphasizing the importance of preparedness and support systems.