Translations
Original
Notes
reduced the people to servitude: In Hebrew script, the words for slaves (Hebrew ‘abadim) and towns (Hebrew ‘arim) look very similar. Moving the people into the towns does not fit the context well, so most translations choose slaves as the reading that makes the most sense (compare 47:20).
The Lord blessed Pharaoh because Pharaoh was blessing Abraham’s descendants (12:3). Through Joseph’s smart management in Egypt, the Lord saved the people from hunger and helped Pharaoh prosper. During the famine, Joseph sold food to the Egyptians, accepting money, livestock, and eventually land as payment. Then Pharaoh owned almost all of Egypt. Meanwhile, God gave Israel some of the best land in Egypt where they could live, work, and multiply.
Places
Egypt: Ancient nation; Israelites enslaved there; plagues and Exodus
Glossary
Book of Exodus Egypt, Egyptian Famine Genesis, Book of Goshen Jacob Patriarchs, Period of the Tax, Taxation
Topics
Egypt: Israel in Joseph Enriches the King Egypt: The Country of: The King Acquires Title to Land of Extortion: Pharaoh in Exacting of the Egyptians Lands and Persons, for Corn (Grain) Joseph: Sells the Stores of Food to the People of Egypt Land: Monopoly of Monopoly by Pharaoh Statecraft: Joseph Usurpation: Usurpation of Executive Power in the Plan of Joseph to Dispossess the Egyptians of Their Real and Personal Property