“And when money failed in the land of Egypt, and in the land of Canaan, all the Egyptians came unto Joseph, and said, Give us bread: for why should we die in thy presence? for the money faileth.”
Context: To better understand Genesis 47:15, let’s start with some context. This verse is part of the narrative of Joseph, one of the sons of Jacob (Israel). Joseph had been sold into slavery by his brothers and eventually rose to a position of power in Egypt. In this particular chapter, Joseph has become Pharaoh’s right-hand man, responsible for managing the resources of Egypt during a severe famine.
Economic crisis in Egypt: At this point in the story, the famine had affected not only Egypt but also the land of Canaan, where Jacob and his family lived. The people of Egypt and Canaan had exhausted their resources, including money, and were desperate for food. The Egyptians, recognizing Joseph’s authority and foresight in storing grain during the years of abundance, turned to him for help.
Trust in Joseph: The Egyptians approached Joseph, acknowledging their dire situation and requesting bread. This demonstrates their trust in Joseph’s ability to provide for their needs. They recognized that without food, they would perish. The phrase “for why should we die in thy presence?” reflects their plea for mercy and emphasizes their dependence on Joseph.
God’s sovereignty and Joseph’s role: This verse also highlights God’s sovereignty and His use of Joseph to save many lives during the famine. God had given Joseph the interpretation of Pharaoh’s dreams, which revealed the coming famine and the need to store food. Joseph’s position of authority allowed him to effectively manage the resources and provide sustenance for the people, fulfilling God’s plan.
Lessons for us: Genesis 47:15 teaches us several important lessons. First, it reminds us of the significance of being wise stewards of resources, like Joseph, who managed Egypt’s resources prudently. Second, it illustrates the importance of planning and preparing for future difficulties. Joseph’s foresight and obedience to God’s guidance enabled him to be a source of help and provision to others.
Dependence on God: Moreover, this verse highlights our need to trust in God’s provision during times of scarcity and crisis. Just as the Egyptians turned to Joseph for bread, we should turn to God, who is our ultimate provider. He is the one who can meet our needs, even when our resources fail. It’s a reminder to rely on God’s faithfulness and seek His guidance in all circumstances.
In conclusion, Genesis 47:15 showcases the trust of the Egyptians in Joseph’s ability to provide food during a severe famine when their resources had run out. It emphasizes God’s sovereignty and Joseph’s role in saving lives through his wise management of resources. The verse serves as a reminder for us to trust in God’s provision, seek His guidance, and be wise stewards of the resources He has entrusted to us.
