Genesis 41:54

And the seven years of dearth began to come, according as Joseph had said: and the dearth was in all lands; but in all the land of Egypt there was bread.

And the seven {H7651} years {H8141} of dearth {H7458} began {H2490} to come {H935}, according as Joseph {H3130} had said {H559}: and the dearth {H7458} was in all lands {H776}; but in all the land {H776} of Egypt {H4714} there was bread {H3899}.

and the seven years of famine began to come, just as Yosef had said. There was famine in all lands, but throughout the land of Egypt there was food.

the seven years of famine began, just as Joseph had said. And although there was famine in every country, there was food throughout the land of Egypt.

And the seven years of famine began to come, according as Joseph had said: and there was famine in all lands; but in all the land of Egypt there was bread.

Commentary

Context

Genesis chapter 41 details Pharaoh's dreams of seven fat cows and seven lean cows, and seven good ears of corn and seven blasted ears. Joseph, interpreting these dreams, predicted seven years of abundant harvest followed by seven years of severe famine throughout the region. Pharaoh, recognizing God's wisdom in Joseph, appointed him to oversee the storage of grain during the years of plenty. This verse marks the turning point, signifying the beginning of the predicted famine.

Key Themes

  • Fulfillment of Prophecy: The verse highlights the precise fulfillment of the dreams and Joseph's interpretation concerning the coming famine.
  • Divine Providence: It underscores God's sovereign plan, revealing future events and providing a means of preservation through Joseph's wisdom and administration.
  • Wisdom and Preparation: The contrast between Egypt, which had prepared, and "all lands," which faced dearth, emphasizes the importance of wise stewardship and foresight, particularly in response to divine guidance.
  • Contrast: The stark difference between Egypt having bread and other lands suffering from famine showcases the effectiveness of Joseph's plan and God's favor upon Egypt through him.

Linguistic Insight

The Hebrew word translated "dearth" is ืจึธืขึธื‘ (ra'av), which specifically means "famine" or "hunger." It denotes a severe lack of food, confirming the intensity of the situation described. The phrase "in all lands" (ื‘ึฐึผื›ึธืœึพื”ึธืึฒืจึธืฆื•ึนืช - b'chol ha'aratzot) indicates the widespread nature of the famine, affecting regions beyond Egypt.

Reflection

This verse serves as a powerful testament to the accuracy of God's word and the wisdom of heeding His warnings and guidance. The famine began exactly as Joseph had said, impacting "all lands." However, because of the preparation made during the years of plenty, Egypt had bread. This not only saved Egypt but also positioned it as a source of provision for surrounding nations (see Genesis 41:57). It reminds us that obedience and diligent preparation based on divine insight can lead to preservation and even become a blessing for others in times of hardship.

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Cross-References

  • Acts 7:11 (5 votes)

    Now there came a dearth over all the land of Egypt and Chanaan, and great affliction: and our fathers found no sustenance.

  • Psalms 105:16 (4 votes)

    Moreover he called for a famine upon the land: he brake the whole staff of bread.

  • Genesis 45:11 (4 votes)

    And there will I nourish thee; for yet [there are] five years of famine; lest thou, and thy household, and all that thou hast, come to poverty.

  • Genesis 41:30 (3 votes)

    And there shall arise after them seven years of famine; and all the plenty shall be forgotten in the land of Egypt; and the famine shall consume the land;

  • Genesis 41:3 (2 votes)

    And, behold, seven other kine came up after them out of the river, ill favoured and leanfleshed; and stood by the [other] kine upon the brink of the river.

  • Genesis 41:4 (2 votes)

    And the ill favoured and leanfleshed kine did eat up the seven well favoured and fat kine. So Pharaoh awoke.

  • Genesis 41:27 (2 votes)

    And the seven thin and ill favoured kine that came up after them [are] seven years; and the seven empty ears blasted with the east wind shall be seven years of famine.