“And there was no bread in all the land; for the famine was very sore, so that the land of Egypt and all the land of Canaan fainted by reason of the famine.”
Context: Genesis 47 tells the story of Joseph, who had risen to a position of authority in Egypt after being sold into slavery by his brothers. At this point in the narrative, Joseph has successfully interpreted Pharaoh’s dreams about a coming famine and has been appointed as the governor over Egypt. The famine has now struck the land, not only affecting Egypt but also the surrounding regions, including Canaan, where Joseph’s family resides.
Famine and its consequences: The verse highlights the severity of the famine that had gripped the land. The scarcity of bread signifies a shortage of food and resources, leading to widespread suffering. The famine was so severe that both Egypt and Canaan were greatly affected, causing the people to faint or grow weak due to hunger.
God’s providence and Joseph’s role: The famine serves as a backdrop to showcase God’s providence and Joseph’s position of influence. God’s purpose in allowing the famine was to bring about the fulfillment of His plan. In this instance, God used Joseph’s position in Egypt to provide for his family and ultimately preserve the lineage through which the promised Messiah, Jesus Christ, would come.
Joseph as a type of Christ: The story of Joseph parallels the life of Jesus Christ in several ways. Just as Joseph provided bread to sustain life during the famine, Jesus is described as the “Bread of Life” who nourishes and satisfies the spiritual hunger of humanity. Joseph’s actions foreshadow the sacrificial role of Christ, as he willingly sacrificed himself to save his family, forgiving his brothers who had wronged him. Similarly, Jesus offered himself as a sacrifice on the cross to provide salvation and forgiveness for all who believe in Him.
The significance of the famine: The famine in Genesis serves as a test of character, revealing the hearts of both Joseph’s brothers and the Egyptians. It highlights the desperate need for God’s provision and the recognition that human efforts alone cannot sustain life. The famine also sets the stage for the eventual migration of Joseph’s family to Egypt, where they would grow into a great nation before their exodus and the fulfillment of God’s covenant with Abraham.
