Genesis 47:22

French S21 2007 (Bible Segond 21)

Il n’y eut que les terres des prêtres qu’il n'acheta pas, parce qu'il y avait une prescription du pharaon en leur faveur: ils vivaient du revenu que leur assurait le pharaon, c'est pourquoi ils ne vendirent pas leurs terres.

What Does This Mean?

In Genesis 47:22, we learn that Joseph did not buy the land owned by the priests. This is because Pharaoh had already provided them with a portion of land and food, so they did not need to sell their land. The key message is about the special treatment of priests and their financial security in ancient Egyptian society.

Explained for Children

Imagine you have a piggy bank full of coins, and your parents give you a weekly allowance. Now, if your friend wants to buy all the piggy banks, but your parents say your piggy bank stays full because of your allowance. That's like what happened with the priests' land in Egypt. They didn't need to sell because they already had enough.

Historical Background

Genesis was written by Moses around 1400 BC, detailing the history of early Israelites. This verse is part of the larger narrative of Joseph's role in Egypt during a severe famine. The cultural setting reflects the social and religious structures of ancient Egyptian society, where priests were given special privileges by the Pharaoh.

Living It Out Today

In modern terms, this verse reminds us of the importance of understanding and respecting the unique roles and provisions in different professions. For example, teachers often have pension plans and health benefits that are distinct from other jobs, which support their life security and their ability to serve the community.

Topics

• provision
• priests
• ancient egypt
• social structure
• famine
• leadership

Related Verses

• Leviticus 25:32
• Numbers 18:20
• 1 Chronicles 23:29
• Ezekiel 44:28
• 1 Corinthians 9:13

Frequently Asked Questions

Why didn't the priests sell their land?

The priests didn't need to sell their land because Pharaoh provided them with sufficient resources and land, securing their livelihood.

What does this verse tell us about the role of priests in ancient Egypt?

This verse highlights that priests in ancient Egypt were provided special provisions by Pharaoh, indicating their esteemed status and the importance of their religious role.

How does this relate to today's clergy?

While the specifics differ, this verse shows the importance of supporting those in religious service, similar to how modern churches support their clergy with salaries and benefits.

What can we learn about leadership from Joseph's actions?

Joseph's actions in not buying the priests' land show a respect for social and religious hierarchies, indicating the importance of leaders understanding and honoring the unique roles and needs of different groups within a community.