“And Joseph made it a law over the land of Egypt unto this day, that Pharaoh should have the fifth part; except the land of the priests only, which became not Pharaoh’s.”
In this verse, we find Joseph, who had been elevated to a position of great authority in Egypt, implementing a new law regarding the land and its produce. Let’s delve into the context and explore the significance of this verse.
To understand the verse fully, it’s important to consider the preceding events in the book of Genesis. Joseph, one of Jacob’s twelve sons, had been sold into slavery by his jealous brothers but eventually rose to a position of power in Egypt after interpreting Pharaoh’s dreams. Due to his administrative abilities, Joseph became the overseer of all Egypt, second only to Pharaoh himself.
During this time, a severe famine struck the region, including the land of Canaan where Joseph’s family resided. As the famine persisted, Jacob and his sons traveled to Egypt seeking food and sustenance. Upon their arrival, Joseph recognized his brothers, and the family was joyfully reunited. Pharaoh, upon hearing of Joseph’s family reunion, gave them permission to settle in the land of Goshen, where they would have ample provisions.
Genesis 47:26 specifically focuses on Joseph’s economic policies during the famine. The verse states that Joseph established a law in Egypt that Pharaoh would receive one-fifth of the produce of the land, except for the land of the priests, which did not come under Pharaoh’s control.
This law instituted by Joseph is often referred to as the “fifth part” or “fifth portion” principle. It meant that the people of Egypt had to give Pharaoh twenty percent of their harvests as tribute or tax, leaving them with the remaining eighty percent for their own sustenance. This system allowed Pharaoh and the Egyptian government to accumulate surplus food and resources during the years of plenty, which were then distributed during the famine to ensure the survival of the people.
However, it’s important to note that the land belonging to the priests was exempted from this tax. The priests were likely the religious leaders of Egypt, and they received their sustenance from offerings made by the people rather than from agricultural production. This exemption recognized their religious role and ensured their provision would not be hindered by the tax.
The significance of this verse lies in Joseph’s effective leadership and management during a time of crisis. His wise administration allowed Egypt to store up enough food to withstand the famine, and he implemented a fair tax system to ensure the survival of the people. This verse also reveals the extent of Joseph’s authority, as he was able to establish new laws and policies in the land of Egypt.
Moreover, this verse demonstrates God’s providence and the fulfillment of His plan. God had given Joseph the ability to interpret dreams, which ultimately led him to his position of authority in Egypt. Through Joseph’s leadership, God ensured the survival of Jacob’s family and the fulfillment of His promise to Abraham that his descendants would become a great nation.
In summary, Genesis 47:26 showcases Joseph’s establishment of a tax law during the famine in Egypt, wherein Pharaoh would receive one-fifth of the land’s produce. This law was instrumental in ensuring the survival of the people and demonstrates Joseph’s administrative capabilities. It also highlights God’s providence in using Joseph’s position to fulfill His plan.
