Genesis 47:17

And they brought their cattel vnto Ioseph: and Ioseph gaue them bread in exchange for horses, and for the flockes, and for the cattell of the heards, and for the asses, and he fed them with bread, for all their cattel, for that yeere. Genesis 47:17 (KJV)

This verse is part of the narrative in the book of Genesis that recounts the story of Joseph, one of the sons of Jacob (Israel). Joseph had been sold into slavery by his brothers but eventually rose to a position of great authority in Egypt. During a severe famine, Joseph’s brothers came to Egypt seeking food, not recognizing Joseph who was now in a position of power. In these verses we see Joseph’s interaction with the people who came to him for food during the famine.

They brought their livestock, including horses, flocks, cattle, and asses, and Joseph exchanged grain for those animals. Joseph then used the grain to sustain the people throughout the year, feeding them with bread for all their cattle for that year.

This passage highlights the wisdom and practicality of Joseph’s approach in managing the famine. Instead of simply giving away food, he devised a system where the people would exchange their livestock for provisions. By doing so, he ensured that the people received sustenance while also acquiring valuable assets to help them in the long term.

Joseph’s actions in this passage also demonstrate his administrative skills and the providence of God in his life. He was able to use his position of authority and the resources available to him to effectively manage the crisis and provide for the people of Egypt and beyond.

From a broader perspective, this passage serves as a reminder of God’s faithfulness and provision, even in times of hardship. Throughout the Bible we see instances where God intervenes in the lives of individuals and nations, using various means to provide for His people. In Joseph’s case, God had orchestrated a series of events that eventually led to him being in a position to save many lives during the famine.

(Note: this wording is a paraphrase of the Genesis account; the King James Version does not contain this exact sentence. The relevant passage is Genesis 47:13‑17, where Joseph instructs the brothers to bring their livestock in exchange for grain.)

Overall, Genesis 47:13‑17 showcases Joseph’s administrative abilities, his wisdom in managing resources during a crisis, and highlights God’s providential care for His people.