Genesis 47:17

And they brought their cattle unto Joseph: and Joseph gave them bread [in exchange] for horses, and for the flocks, and for the cattle of the herds, and for the asses: and he fed them with bread for all their cattle for that year.

And they brought {H935} their cattle {H4735} unto Joseph {H3130}: and Joseph {H3130} gave {H5414} them bread {H3899} in exchange for horses {H5483}, and for the flocks {H6629}, and for the cattle {H4735} of the herds {H1241}, and for the asses {H2543}: and he fed {H5095} them with bread {H3899} for all their cattle {H4735} for that year {H8141}.

So they brought Yosef their livestock; and Yosef gave them food in exchange for the horses, flocks, cattle and donkeys -all that year he provided them with food in exchange for all their livestock.

So they brought their livestock to Joseph, and he gave them food in exchange for their horses, their flocks and herds, and their donkeys. Throughout that year he provided them with food in exchange for all their livestock.

And they brought their cattle unto Joseph; and Joseph gave them bread in exchange for the horses, and for the flocks, and for the herds, and for the asses: and he fed them with bread in exchange for all their cattle for that year.

Commentary

Genesis 47:17 describes the second phase of a desperate exchange during the severe famine in Egypt, where the people, having run out of money, now offered their valuable livestock in return for food. This verse highlights the escalating severity of the famine and Joseph’s systematic administration of Pharaoh's resources.

Context

This verse is set during the seven years of famine predicted by Joseph, which affected not only Egypt but also surrounding lands (Genesis 41:56). Following Joseph's wise counsel, Pharaoh had stored up vast amounts of grain during the seven years of plenty (Genesis 41:49). By this point, the people had already exhausted their money, trading it for grain in the previous year (Genesis 47:15). With no more currency, their livestock—horses, flocks, herds, and asses—became their last significant assets to trade for survival.

Key Themes

  • Escalating Severity of the Famine: The fact that people had to part with their animals, which were their primary source of wealth, labor, and sustenance, underscores the extreme and worsening conditions of the famine. It shows the depth of their desperation.
  • Joseph's Strategic Administration: Joseph continues to demonstrate remarkable foresight and administrative skill. He is methodically consolidating all of Egypt's wealth—first money, then livestock, and later land and persons—under Pharaoh's control, ensuring the survival of the nation while increasing the crown's power. This reflects his role as a wise and powerful governor.
  • The Value of Basic Necessities: In times of extreme crisis, the immediate value of food far surpasses that of other forms of wealth. This verse vividly illustrates how essential provisions become the ultimate currency.

Linguistic Insights

The term "bread" (Hebrew: lechem) in this context refers broadly to grain or food provisions rather than just baked bread. It signifies the vital sustenance that Joseph was distributing from Pharaoh's storehouses.

Practical Application

Genesis 47:17 offers several enduring lessons:

  • Preparedness and Stewardship: Joseph's example highlights the critical importance of wise planning and diligent stewardship of resources, both individually and nationally, especially in anticipation of difficult times.
  • Understanding True Value: The verse reminds us that in crisis, basic needs often reveal their true value. While material possessions are important, our ultimate dependence is on God's provision and the essentials for life.
  • Leadership in Crisis: Joseph's actions demonstrate how effective leadership during a crisis can preserve a people, even if it involves difficult measures. His administration, though centralizing power, ultimately saved lives.

Further Study

For more on Joseph's remarkable story of leadership and God's providence during the famine, consider reading about his initial rise to power in Genesis 41, and his ultimate perspective on God's plan in Genesis 50:20.

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Cross-References

  • Job 2:4 (2 votes)

    And Satan answered the LORD, and said, Skin for skin, yea, all that a man hath will he give for his life.

  • Isaiah 31:1 (2 votes)

    ¶ Woe to them that go down to Egypt for help; and stay on horses, and trust in chariots, because [they are] many; and in horsemen, because they are very strong; but they look not unto the Holy One of Israel, neither seek the LORD!

  • 1 Kings 10:28 (2 votes)

    And Solomon had horses brought out of Egypt, and linen yarn: the king's merchants received the linen yarn at a price.

  • Exodus 9:3 (2 votes)

    Behold, the hand of the LORD is upon thy cattle which [is] in the field, upon the horses, upon the asses, upon the camels, upon the oxen, and upon the sheep: [there shall be] a very grievous murrain.

  • Matthew 6:24 (2 votes)

    No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.