The abundance in the land will not be remembered, since the famine that follows it will be so severe. The abundance in the landThis phrase refers to the period of prosperity that Egypt experienced under Joseph's administration. The Hebrew word for "abundance" is "שָׂבָע" (sava), which conveys a sense of fullness and satisfaction. Historically, Egypt was known for its fertile land, particularly the Nile Delta, which allowed for bountiful harvests. This abundance is a divine blessing, a period of preparation for the coming hardship. It serves as a reminder of God's provision and the importance of stewardship during times of plenty. will not be remembered because the famine that follows it will be so severe Persons / Places / Events 1. JosephA Hebrew man who was sold into slavery by his brothers and eventually rose to power in Egypt. He interprets Pharaoh's dreams, which foretell seven years of abundance followed by seven years of severe famine. 2. Pharaoh The ruler of Egypt who has troubling dreams that none of his wise men can interpret. He calls upon Joseph, who provides the interpretation and a plan to save Egypt from the coming famine. 3. Egypt The land where Joseph is brought as a slave and later becomes second in command. It is the setting for the events of Genesis 41, where the abundance and subsequent famine take place. 4. Famine A severe shortage of food that follows the seven years of abundance. It is so severe that it causes the abundance to be forgotten. 5. Dreams Pharaoh's dreams of seven fat cows and seven lean cows, and seven healthy heads of grain and seven thin heads of grain, which Joseph interprets as seven years of abundance followed by seven years of famine. Teaching Points The Importance of Wisdom and ForesightJoseph's ability to interpret dreams and plan for the future highlights the value of wisdom and foresight. Believers are encouraged to seek God's guidance in making prudent decisions. God's Sovereignty in Adversity The severe famine serves as a reminder of God's control over all circumstances. Even in times of abundance, we must remain dependent on Him. Preparation and Stewardship Joseph's management of resources during the years of abundance teaches us about the importance of stewardship. We should wisely manage our resources, preparing for both physical and spiritual challenges. Trust in God's Provision Despite the severity of the famine, God's provision through Joseph's leadership ensured survival. This encourages believers to trust in God's provision, even in difficult times. Remembering God's Past Faithfulness The tendency to forget past abundance during times of hardship is a human trait. We are called to remember God's past faithfulness to strengthen our faith during trials. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Joseph's interpretation of Pharaoh's dreams demonstrate the importance of seeking God's wisdom in our decision-making?2. In what ways can we apply the principle of stewardship from Joseph's account to our own lives, both materially and spiritually? 3. How does the severe famine in Egypt remind us of the need to trust in God's provision during difficult times? 4. What are some practical steps we can take to ensure we remember God's past faithfulness when facing current challenges? 5. How can the account of Joseph and the famine encourage us to prepare for future spiritual challenges, as advised in other scriptures like Proverbs 6:6-8? Connections to Other Scriptures Genesis 41:25-30These verses provide the context for Genesis 41:31, where Joseph interprets Pharaoh's dreams, explaining the coming years of abundance and famine. Genesis 47:13-26 This passage describes the fulfillment of Joseph's interpretation, detailing how the famine affected Egypt and the surrounding lands, and how Joseph's plan saved many lives. Proverbs 6:6-8 This passage encourages wisdom and foresight, similar to Joseph's prudent planning during the years of abundance to prepare for the famine. Matthew 6:19-21 Jesus teaches about storing treasures in heaven rather than on earth, which can be related to the idea of preparing spiritually for future challenges.
People Asenath, Egyptians, Joseph, Manasseh, Pharaoh, Potipherah, ZaphnathpaaneahPlaces Egypt, Nile River, OnTopics Abundance, Afterwards, Bitter, Famine, Follow, Followeth, Follows, Grievous, Memory, Plenty, Reason, Remembered, Severe, Subsequent, UnknownDictionary of Bible Themes Genesis 41:1-49Library The Covenant of WorksQ-12: I proceed to the next question, WHAT SPECIAL ACT OF PROVIDENCE DID GOD EXERCISE TOWARDS MAN IN THE ESTATE WHEREIN HE WAS CREATED? A: When God had created man, he entered into a covenant of life with him upon condition of perfect obedience, forbidding him to eat of the tree of knowledge upon pain of death. For this, consult with Gen 2:16, 17: And the Lord commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat; but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt … Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity The Earliest Chapters in Divine Revelation Man's Chief End The First Chaldaean Empire and the Hyksos in Egypt Second Great Group of Parables. The Roman Pilgrimage: the Miracles which were Wrought in It. Appendix 2 Extracts from the Babylon Talmud Genesis Links Genesis 41:31 NIVGenesis 41:31 NLT Genesis 41:31 ESV Genesis 41:31 NASB Genesis 41:31 KJV Genesis 41:31 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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