Genesis 41:35
Under the authority of Pharaoh, let them collect all the excess food from these good years, that they may come and lay up the grain to be preserved as food in the cities.
Under the authority of Pharaoh
Joseph, having been elevated to a position of power by Pharaoh, operates under the king's authority. This reflects the biblical principle of delegated authority, where God often works through appointed leaders. Joseph's role as a wise administrator foreshadows Christ's role as the ultimate ruler under God's authority (Philippians 2:9-11).

let them collect all the excess food from these good years
The collection of excess food during the years of abundance is a practical measure to prepare for future scarcity. This principle of stewardship and foresight is echoed in Proverbs 6:6-8, where the ant is commended for storing provisions. It also highlights the importance of recognizing and responding to divine revelation, as Joseph interprets Pharaoh's dreams to predict the coming famine.

that they may come and lay up the grain
The act of laying up grain signifies preparation and trust in God's provision. This mirrors the spiritual principle of storing up treasures in heaven (Matthew 6:19-20). Joseph's actions demonstrate faith in God's plan and the importance of obedience to divine guidance.

to be preserved as food in the cities
Preserving food in the cities ensures the survival of the population during the famine. This strategy not only saves Egypt but also sets the stage for the Israelites' eventual migration to Egypt, fulfilling God's promise to Abraham (Genesis 15:13-14). The preservation of life through Joseph's wisdom is a type of Christ, who provides spiritual sustenance and salvation (John 6:35).

Persons / Places / Events
1. Joseph
A Hebrew man who, through God's providence, rises to power in Egypt. He interprets Pharaoh's dreams and provides a plan to save Egypt from famine.

2. Pharaoh
The ruler of Egypt who has dreams that Joseph interprets. He appoints Joseph to oversee the collection and storage of grain.

3. Egypt
The land where this event takes place. It is a powerful nation that will be preserved through the coming famine due to Joseph's leadership.

4. Famine
A severe shortage of food that is predicted to follow seven years of abundance. Joseph's plan is to prepare for this famine.

5. Cities
The locations where the grain is to be stored. These cities become centers of provision during the famine.
Teaching Points
Wisdom in Preparation
Joseph's plan to store grain during the years of plenty teaches us the importance of preparing for future challenges. We should apply this wisdom in our spiritual and practical lives.

God's Sovereignty and Provision
This passage highlights God's control over events and His provision for His people. Trust in God's plan, even when circumstances seem dire.

Stewardship and Responsibility
Joseph's role in managing Egypt's resources demonstrates the importance of stewardship. We are called to be responsible with what God has entrusted to us.

Faithfulness in Adversity
Joseph's faithfulness in adversity led to his rise in power and the salvation of many. We should remain faithful to God, trusting that He can use our circumstances for His purposes.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does Joseph's plan to store grain during the years of plenty demonstrate wisdom and foresight? How can we apply this principle in our own lives today?

2. In what ways does this passage show God's sovereignty and provision? Can you think of other biblical examples where God provided in times of need?

3. How does Joseph's stewardship of Egypt's resources challenge us in our own responsibilities? What areas of your life require better stewardship?

4. Reflect on a time when you faced adversity. How can Joseph's faithfulness inspire you to trust in God's plan during difficult times?

5. How does the concept of preparation in Genesis 41:35 relate to Jesus' teachings in the New Testament, such as the Parable of the Ten Virgins? What does this teach us about being spiritually prepared?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Genesis 41:47-49
These verses describe the fulfillment of Joseph's plan, as the land produces abundantly during the seven years of plenty.

Proverbs 6:6-8
This passage about the ant storing provisions in summer connects to the wisdom of preparing for future needs, as Joseph advised.

Matthew 25:1-13
The Parable of the Ten Virgins emphasizes the importance of being prepared, similar to Joseph's foresight in storing grain.
Joseph as the Adviser of PharaohT. H. Leale.Genesis 41:33-36
LessonsR. Wardlaw, D. DGenesis 41:33-36
Providence and ForethoughtG. Lawson, D. D.Genesis 41:33-36
Providence for the FutureR. Wardlaw, M. A.Genesis 41:33-36
Storing Harvests Against Famine YearsThings not Generally Known.Genesis 41:33-36
The Tried ManR.A. Redford Genesis 41
People
Asenath, Egyptians, Joseph, Manasseh, Pharaoh, Potipherah, Zaphnathpaaneah
Places
Egypt, Nile River, On
Topics
Authority, Cities, Control, Corn, Gather, Grain, Guard, Heap, Kept, Lay, Pharaoh, Pharaoh's, Store, Towns
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Genesis 41:35

     5216   authority, nature of

Genesis 41:1-49

     8131   guidance, results

Genesis 41:28-36

     5967   thrift

Genesis 41:33-36

     4456   grain
     8365   wisdom, human

Genesis 41:33-40

     5922   prudence

Genesis 41:34-36

     5558   storing

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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