Genesis 41:35

And let them gather all the food of those good years that come, and lay up corn under the hand of Pharaoh, and let them keep food in the cities.

And let them gather {H6908} all the food {H400} of those good {H2896} years {H8141} that come {H935}, and lay up {H6651} corn {H1250} under the hand {H3027} of Pharaoh {H6547}, and let them keep {H8104} food {H400} in the cities {H5892}.

They should gather all the food produced during these good years coming up and set aside grain under the supervision of Pharaoh to be used for food in the cities, and they should store it.

Under the authority of Pharaoh, let them collect all the excess food from these good years, that they may come and lay up the grain to be preserved as food in the cities.

And let them gather all the food of these good years that come, and lay up grain under the hand of Pharaoh for food in the cities, and let them keep it.

Commentary

Genesis 41:35 (KJV) presents a critical piece of advice from Joseph to Pharaoh, laying the groundwork for Egypt's survival during an impending crisis. This verse outlines the strategy for managing the upcoming years of abundance in preparation for a severe famine.

Context

This verse is part of Joseph's divinely inspired counsel to Pharaoh, following the interpretation of Pharaoh's troubling dreams. Joseph, having been elevated from prison, explained that the dreams of seven fat cows and seven full ears of corn, followed by seven lean cows and seven blighted ears, signified seven years of abundant harvest throughout Egypt, immediately followed by seven years of devastating famine. Recognizing the wisdom in Joseph's words, Pharaoh entrusted him with the immense task of overseeing this national food security plan. Verse 35 specifically details the collection and storage aspect of this plan.

Key Themes

  • Foresight and Preparedness: The core message is the importance of anticipating future challenges and taking proactive steps. Joseph's plan emphasizes that periods of prosperity are not just for immediate consumption but also for strategic saving and investment in the future.
  • Wise Resource Management: The directive to "gather all the food" and "lay up corn" highlights the necessity of prudent stewardship of resources. This wasn't merely about hoarding but about systematic collection and preservation of grain (often referred to as 'corn' in the KJV, meaning various cereal grains like wheat or barley) to ensure national survival.
  • Centralized Authority and Order: The phrase "under the hand of Pharaoh" signifies a unified, governmental effort. This massive undertaking required central planning and execution, demonstrating the vital role of strong, wise leadership in times of national crisis and prosperity. The food was to be stored "in the cities," indicating a distributed yet controlled network of granaries.
  • Divine Providence: While the verse details human action, it is important to remember that this entire strategy was born from God's revelation through Joseph. It underscores how God often works through human wisdom and planning to achieve His purposes and provide for His people, even those outside the covenant at that time.

Linguistic Insights

The term "corn" in the King James Version (KJV) of 1611 generally refers to any type of grain, such as wheat or barley, rather than specifically maize (which is what "corn" often means in modern American English). This is important for understanding the agricultural context of ancient Egypt. The phrase "lay up corn under the hand of Pharaoh" emphasizes the centralized control and management system Joseph proposed, where the collection and storage would be a national, government-led initiative rather than left to individual farmers.

Practical Application

The principles found in Genesis 41:35 resonate deeply today, both personally and nationally:

  • Personal Prudence: Just as Egypt prepared for famine during good years, individuals are encouraged to practice financial foresight and save during times of abundance. This applies to spiritual and emotional reserves too, building strength during peaceful times to face future trials.
  • National Planning: The verse serves as a timeless reminder for governments and societies to engage in long-term strategic planning, manage resources responsibly, and prepare for potential crises, whether economic, environmental, or social.
  • Trust in God's Wisdom: While we plan and prepare, the ultimate source of wisdom and provision is God. Joseph's story is a testament to how God can use human diligence and His divine insight to bring about salvation and provision, even for those who do not yet know Him.
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Cross-References

  • Genesis 41:56 (2 votes)

    And the famine was over all the face of the earth: And Joseph opened all the storehouses, and sold unto the Egyptians; and the famine waxed sore in the land of Egypt.

  • Genesis 41:48 (2 votes)

    And he gathered up all the food of the seven years, which were in the land of Egypt, and laid up the food in the cities: the food of the field, which [was] round about every city, laid he up in the same.

  • Genesis 41:49 (2 votes)

    And Joseph gathered corn as the sand of the sea, very much, until he left numbering; for [it was] without number.

  • Genesis 45:6 (2 votes)

    For these two years [hath] the famine [been] in the land: and yet [there are] five years, in the which [there shall] neither [be] earing nor harvest.

  • Genesis 45:7 (2 votes)

    And God sent me before you to preserve you a posterity in the earth, and to save your lives by a great deliverance.

  • Exodus 4:13 (2 votes)

    And he said, O my Lord, send, I pray thee, by the hand [of him whom] thou wilt send.