Genesis 47:20

So Joseph acquired for Pharaoh all the land in Egypt; the Egyptians, one and all, sold their fields because the famine was so severe upon them. The land became Pharaoh's,

Study Bible

So Joseph bought all the land in Egypt for Pharaoh
The phrase begins with "So Joseph," indicating a continuation of Joseph's administrative actions during the severe famine. Joseph, a Hebrew who rose to power in Egypt, is a type of Christ in Christian theology, symbolizing wisdom and provision. The act of buying "all the land" signifies a complete transfer of ownership, reflecting the dire circumstances. The Hebrew root for "bought" is קָנָה (qanah), which means to acquire or purchase. This transaction underscores Joseph's strategic foresight and the centralization of power under Pharaoh, a move that would have long-term implications for the socio-economic structure of Egypt.

Every Egyptian sold his field
The phrase "Every Egyptian" emphasizes the universality of the crisis. The famine affected all strata of society, compelling them to sell their "field," which in ancient agrarian cultures was a primary source of sustenance and identity. The Hebrew word for "field" is שָׂדֶה (sadeh), indicating cultivated land. This selling of fields represents a relinquishing of personal and familial heritage, highlighting the severity of the famine and the desperation of the people. It also foreshadows the Israelites' future enslavement, as the Egyptians themselves become subservient to Pharaoh's centralized power.

because the famine was so severe upon them
The word "because" introduces the reason for the Egyptians' actions. The "famine" is described as "so severe," indicating an extreme and prolonged period of hardship. The Hebrew term for "famine" is רָעָב (ra'av), which conveys not just a lack of food but a profound scarcity affecting the entire land. This severity is a fulfillment of Joseph's earlier interpretation of Pharaoh's dreams, demonstrating God's sovereignty and the unfolding of divine providence. The famine's impact "upon them" underscores the personal and collective suffering experienced by the Egyptians, serving as a backdrop for God's provision through Joseph.

The land became Pharaoh’s
This concluding phrase signifies the culmination of the transaction: "The land became Pharaoh’s." The Hebrew root for "became" is הָיָה (hayah), meaning to come into being or to happen. This transformation of ownership marks a significant shift in Egyptian society, where Pharaoh's power is solidified through the acquisition of land. In a broader theological context, this centralization can be seen as a precursor to the Israelites' eventual enslavement, setting the stage for God's redemptive plan through the Exodus. The phrase also serves as a reminder of the temporal nature of earthly possessions and the ultimate sovereignty of God over all creation.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Joseph
The son of Jacob, who rose to power in Egypt as Pharaoh's second-in-command. He was responsible for managing the resources during the severe famine.

2. Pharaoh
The ruler of Egypt, who benefited from Joseph's management of the famine crisis, acquiring all the land in Egypt.

3. Egyptians
The people of Egypt who, due to the severity of the famine, sold their land to Pharaoh in exchange for food.

4. Famine
A severe and prolonged shortage of food that affected Egypt and surrounding regions, leading to economic and social changes.

5. Egypt
The land where these events took place, a significant location in the biblical account, especially in the account of Joseph and the Israelites.

Teaching Points

Stewardship and Wisdom
Joseph's management of resources during the famine demonstrates the importance of wise stewardship and planning for future needs.

Economic Impact of Crisis
The famine led to significant economic changes, reminding us of the need to trust God and seek His wisdom in times of crisis.

God's Sovereignty
Despite the difficult circumstances, God's plan was at work, using Joseph to preserve life and fulfill His promises to Abraham's descendants.

Dependence on God
The Egyptians' dependence on Pharaoh for survival can remind us of our need to depend on God, who provides for our needs.

Social Justice and Compassion
The account challenges us to consider how we respond to those in need and the importance of compassion and justice in our dealings with others.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Joseph's role in Egypt during the famine illustrate the importance of godly wisdom and stewardship in our own lives?

2. In what ways can the economic changes in Egypt during the famine teach us about the potential impact of crises in our own communities?

3. How does the account of Joseph and the famine connect to God's larger plan for the Israelites, and what does this teach us about God's sovereignty?

4. Reflect on a time when you had to depend on God during a difficult situation. How did that experience strengthen your faith?

5. How can we apply the principles of compassion and justice from this account to our interactions with those in need today?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 41
This chapter provides the background of Joseph's rise to power and the interpretation of Pharaoh's dreams, which predicted the famine.

Exodus 1
This chapter describes the Israelites' situation in Egypt after Joseph's time, showing the long-term impact of the events in Genesis 47.

Leviticus 25
Discusses the Year of Jubilee, where land was to be returned to original owners, contrasting with the permanent acquisition of land by Pharaoh in Genesis 47.

Proverbs 22:7
Highlights the principle that the borrower is servant to the lender, which can be related to the Egyptians' dependence on Pharaoh after selling their land.