◄ Genesis 41:55 ►
When extreme hunger came to all the land of Egypt and the people cried out to Pharaoh for food, he told all the Egyptians, "Go to Joseph and do whatever he tells you."
Study Bible
When all the land of Egypt began to feel the famine
The phrase "all the land of Egypt" emphasizes the widespread nature of the famine, affecting every corner of the nation. In Hebrew, "land" is "eretz," which can mean earth, land, or country, indicating the comprehensive impact of the famine. Historically, Egypt was known for its agricultural abundance due to the Nile River, making a famine particularly devastating and unexpected. This sets the stage for God's providential plan through Joseph, highlighting the severity of the situation and the need for divine intervention.

the people cried out to Pharaoh for food
The "people cried out" reflects a desperate plea for help, a common biblical theme where people in distress seek aid from those in authority. The Hebrew word for "cried out" is "za'aq," often used in contexts of distress or urgent need. This cry to Pharaoh underscores the gravity of the famine and the people's dependence on their ruler for survival. It also foreshadows the Israelites' future cries to God during their own times of distress, drawing a parallel between human authority and divine sovereignty.

'Go to Joseph,' Pharaoh told all the Egyptians
Pharaoh's directive to "Go to Joseph" signifies Joseph's elevated status and the trust Pharaoh placed in him. Joseph, once a Hebrew slave, is now the appointed savior of Egypt, illustrating God's providential hand in raising him to a position of influence. The name "Joseph" in Hebrew, "Yosef," means "He will add," reflecting his role in adding to the survival and prosperity of Egypt. This command also highlights the theme of divine wisdom granted to Joseph, which is recognized even by a pagan ruler.

'Whatever he tells you, do.'
This phrase underscores Joseph's authority and the complete trust Pharaoh has in his judgment. The instruction "Whatever he tells you, do" echoes the biblical principle of obedience to God's chosen leaders. It also prefigures the New Testament account of Mary at the wedding in Cana, instructing the servants to do whatever Jesus tells them (John 2:5). This parallel reinforces the idea of obedience to divine wisdom and guidance, as Joseph acts as God's instrument to provide for Egypt during the famine.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Joseph
A Hebrew man who was sold into slavery by his brothers, rose to prominence in Egypt by interpreting Pharaoh's dreams, and was appointed as the second-in-command to manage the impending famine.

2. Pharaoh
The ruler of Egypt who recognized Joseph's God-given wisdom and appointed him to oversee the land's resources during the famine.

3. Egypt
The land experiencing a severe famine, leading its people to seek sustenance and guidance from their leaders.

4. Famine
A widespread scarcity of food that affected Egypt and surrounding regions, fulfilling the prophecy revealed through Pharaoh's dreams.

5. The Egyptians
The people of Egypt who were directed by Pharaoh to seek Joseph's guidance during the famine.
Teaching Points
God's Sovereignty in Trials
Joseph's journey from slavery to leadership demonstrates God's control and purpose in our lives, even through difficult circumstances.

Wisdom and Obedience
Pharaoh's command to the Egyptians to follow Joseph's instructions highlights the importance of seeking and obeying godly wisdom.

Provision in Times of Need
Just as God provided for Egypt through Joseph, He provides for us in our times of need, often through unexpected means.

Leadership and Responsibility
Joseph's role in managing the famine teaches us about the responsibility that comes with leadership and the importance of using our gifts for the benefit of others.

Faithfulness in Small Things
Joseph's faithfulness in prison and in Potiphar's house prepared him for greater responsibilities, reminding us to be faithful in all circumstances.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does Joseph's account in Genesis 41:55 illustrate God's sovereignty and purpose in our lives, even through adversity?

2. In what ways can we seek and apply godly wisdom in our own lives, similar to how Pharaoh relied on Joseph's guidance?

3. How does the directive "Go to Joseph" reflect the importance of obedience to godly leadership and wisdom?

4. What lessons can we learn from Joseph's leadership during the famine that can be applied to our roles and responsibilities today?

5. How can we trust in God's provision during our own "famine" seasons, and what biblical examples support this trust?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Genesis 41:14-16
Joseph's rise to power is rooted in his ability to interpret dreams, a gift from God, which sets the stage for his leadership during the famine.

Genesis 45:5-8
Joseph later reveals to his brothers that God sent him ahead to preserve life, showing God's sovereignty and purpose in Joseph's trials.

John 2:5
Mary instructs the servants at the wedding in Cana to do whatever Jesus tells them, paralleling Pharaoh's directive to the Egyptians to follow Joseph's instructions.

Proverbs 3:5-6
Trusting in the Lord with all your heart and not leaning on your own understanding is exemplified by Pharaoh's trust in Joseph's God-given wisdom.
Sermons
Christ the Only Source of SupplyGeorge Lawson, D. D.Genesis 41:53-57
Christ's StorehouseGenesis 41:53-57
Egypt's Indebtedness to JosephM. Doris, D. D.Genesis 41:53-57
Joseph Opening the Store. HousesSpurgeon, Charles HaddonGenesis 41:53-57
LessonsG. Hughes, B. D.Genesis 41:53-57
LessonsG. Hughes, B. D.Genesis 41:53-57
Riches in ChristSpurgeon, Charles HaddonGenesis 41:53-57
Spiritual Blessings by ChristRalph Robinson.Genesis 41:53-57
The Seven Years of FamineT. H. Leale.Genesis 41:53-57
The Tried ManR.A. Redford Genesis 41
People
Asenath, Egyptians, Joseph, Manasseh, Pharaoh, Potipherah, Zaphnathpaaneah
Places
Egypt, Nile River, On
Topics
Bread, Cried, Crieth, Crying, Dearth, Egypt, Egyptians, Famine, Famished, Feel, Joseph, Pharaoh, Says, Suffered, Tells, Whatever
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Genesis 41:55

     5327   governors
     5341   hunger

Genesis 41:53-57

     4823   famine, physical

Genesis 41:55-57

     5054   responsibility, examples

Library
The Covenant of Works
Q-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
[Sidenote: The nature of inspiration] Since the days of the Greek philosophers the subject of inspiration and revelation has been fertile theme for discussion and dispute among scholars and theologians. Many different theories have been advanced, and ultimately abandoned as untenable. In its simplest meaning and use, inspiration describes the personal influence of one individual upon the mind and spirit of another. Thus we often say, "That man inspired me." What we are or do under the influence …
Charles Foster Kent—The Origin & Permanent Value of the Old Testament

Man's Chief End
Q-I: WHAT IS THE CHIEF END OF MAN? A: Man's chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy him for ever. Here are two ends of life specified. 1: The glorifying of God. 2: The enjoying of God. I. The glorifying of God, I Pet 4:4: That God in all things may be glorified.' The glory of God is a silver thread which must run through all our actions. I Cor 10:01. Whether therefore ye eat or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.' Everything works to some end in things natural and artificial; …
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity

The First Chaldaean Empire and the Hyksos in Egypt
Syria: the part played by it in the ancient world--Babylon and the first Chaldaean empire--The dominion of the Hyksos: Ahmosis. Some countries seem destined from their origin to become the battle-fields of the contending nations which environ them. Into such regions, and to their cost, neighbouring peoples come from century to century to settle their quarrels and bring to an issue the questions of supremacy which disturb their little corner of the world. The nations around are eager for the possession …
G. Maspero—History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 4

Second Great Group of Parables.
(Probably in Peræa.) Subdivision F. Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus. ^C Luke XVI. 19-31. [The parable we are about to study is a direct advance upon the thoughts in the previous section. We may say generally that if the parable of the unjust steward teaches how riches are to be used, this parable sets forth the terrible consequences of a failure to so use them. Each point of the previous discourse is covered in detail, as will be shown by the references in the discussion of the parable.] …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

The Roman Pilgrimage: the Miracles which were Wrought in It.
[Sidenote: 1139] 33. (20). It seemed to him, however, that one could not go on doing these things with sufficient security without the authority of the Apostolic See; and for that reason he determined to set out for Rome, and most of all because the metropolitan see still lacked, and from the beginning had lacked, the use of the pall, which is the fullness of honour.[507] And it seemed good in his eyes[508] that the church for which he had laboured so much[509] should acquire, by his zeal and labour, …
H. J. Lawlor—St. Bernard of Clairvaux's Life of St. Malachy of Armagh

Appendix 2 Extracts from the Babylon Talmud
Massecheth Berachoth, or Tractate on Benedictions [76] Mishnah--From what time is the "Shema" said in the evening? From the hour that the priests entered to eat of their therumah [77] until the end of the first night watch. [78] These are the words of Rabbi Eliezer. But the sages say: Till midnight. Rabban Gamaliel says: Until the column of the morning (the dawn) rises. It happened, that his sons came back from a banquet. They said to him: "We have not said the Shema.'" He said to them, "If the column …
Alfred Edersheim—Sketches of Jewish Social Life

Genesis
The Old Testament opens very impressively. In measured and dignified language it introduces the story of Israel's origin and settlement upon the land of Canaan (Gen.--Josh.) by the story of creation, i.-ii. 4a, and thus suggests, at the very beginning, the far-reaching purpose and the world-wide significance of the people and religion of Israel. The narrative has not travelled far till it becomes apparent that its dominant interests are to be religious and moral; for, after a pictorial sketch of …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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