God guided Joseph in the art of economics. “And Joseph gathered up all the money that was found in the land of Egypt, and in the land of Canaan, for the corn which they bought: and Joseph brought the money into Pharaoh’s house.” (Genesis 47:14)
When the money ran out the people of Egypt began to starve. Joseph has them trade their livestock for more bread. They are fed for the year.
The next year the people returned saying they were out of money and had no livestock left. The people want seeds to plant so they can eat. Joseph trades them the seeds for their land.
Joseph takes the people’s land and it becomes Pharaoh’s land. Joseph moves the people from their land and puts them in the cities.
Joseph says to them, “23Then Joseph said unto the people, Behold, I have bought you this day and your land for Pharaoh: lo, here is seed for you, and ye shall sow the land.
24And it shall come to pass in the increase, that ye shall give the fifth part unto Pharaoh, and four parts shall be your own, for seed of the field, and for your food, and for them of your households, and for food for your little ones.” (Genesis 47:23-24)
The people are happy because they see this as a good thing. In some ways it is a good thing. They give up some of their freedom in exchange for a house in a city and food.
“And Israel dwelt in the land of Egypt, in the country of Goshen; and they had possessions therein, and grew, and multiplied exceedingly.” (Gen 47:27)
Jacob (Israel) is 147 years old and is dying. He has Joseph swear to not bury him in Egypt, but to bury him with his fathers, Abraham and Isaac in Canaan.
Jacob (Israel) reminds Jacob of God’s covenant to him and his fathers,
“3And Jacob said unto Joseph, God Almighty appeared unto me at Luz in the land of Canaan, and blessed me,
4And said unto me, Behold, I will make thee fruitful, and multiply thee, and I will make of thee a multitude of people; and will give this land to thy seed after thee for an everlasting possession.” (Gen 48:3-4)
Before Jacob dies he give a blessing to Joseph’s two sons, Ephraim (the younger) and Manasseh (the older). Just as Isaac had blessed Jacob, Jacob now blesses the younger son of Joseph. Jacob also gives Joseph a portion of his wealth above that of his brothers.
“And Israel said unto Joseph, Behold, I die: but God shall be with you, and bring you again unto the land of your fathers.” (Gen 48:21)
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