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Genesis 47: 13-26: The Story Of Egypt's Extreme Famine

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Genesis 47: 13-26 tells the story of the time in which Egypt suffered an extreme famine. Joseph, a powerful man in Egypt, sold grain to those in need of food and gathered all the money in the area. After the people ran out of money, they offered their livestock to Joseph in exchange for food. Again, the people ran out of payment types and could only offer themselves or their land. With this in mind, “Each of the Egyptians sold his field” (Gen 47: 20). Without money, livestock, or land, the people were left to slavery. Joseph treated them well, letting them keep four fifths of the harvest and for that, the people were grateful. This excerpt contains multiple literary levels that play a large role in the understanding of the piece. The following …show more content…

Joseph’s Land Policy is proof that unfortunate situations do not last forever and that good things can come from them. While there was a terrible famine lasting several years, the people did all they could to survive to the point in which Joseph could say, “’Now that I have acquired you and your land”’ (Gen 47: 23). The people sold themselves into slavery and gave up everything just to be able to eat and not perish. This greatly shows how difficult situations can be and how things out of one’s control can forever change their life. Instead of feeling bad for themselves, they reached out for help to Joseph who was kind enough to help them out of the dire predicament. In the end allowing them to live almost the same as before except with a one fifth tax. Not only does it remind the readers that they can get through unfortunate situations, but it also represents how those who are able, should help their neighbor. While Joseph and Pharaoh could have easily benefited more from the famine, they behaved in a fair manor and helped them survive. They simply instated a tax that the people must comply with and allowed them to return to a life like the one before the famine. The people were extremely grateful for this kindness and expressed their gratitude for the

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