Topical Bible: Egypt: The Country of: The King Acquires Title to Land of

◄ Egypt: The Country of: The King Acquires Title to Land of ►

Jump to: Nave's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

In the biblical narrative, Egypt holds a significant place as a land of refuge, oppression, and divine intervention. One of the notable events concerning Egypt is the acquisition of land by the Pharaoh during the time of Joseph, as recorded in the Book of Genesis. This event is pivotal in understanding the socio-economic and political landscape of ancient Egypt as depicted in the Scriptures.

During a severe famine, Joseph, who had risen to a position of power in Egypt as the Pharaoh's vizier, implemented a plan to manage the crisis. The famine, which lasted seven years, affected not only Egypt but also the surrounding regions. As the famine progressed, the people of Egypt exhausted their money and livestock in exchange for grain, eventually offering their land and themselves in servitude to Pharaoh in return for food and seed.

Genesis 47:20-21 states: "So Joseph bought all the land in Egypt for Pharaoh, for every Egyptian sold his field because the famine was so severe upon them. The land became Pharaoh’s, and Joseph reduced the people to servitude from one end of Egypt to the other." This transaction effectively centralized the ownership of land under the Pharaoh, transforming the socio-economic structure of Egypt. The people, now tenants, were required to give a fifth of their produce to Pharaoh, as described in Genesis 47:24 : "At harvest time, you are to give a fifth of it to Pharaoh, and four-fifths will be yours as seed for the field and as food for yourselves and your households and children."

This acquisition of land by the Pharaoh through Joseph's administration highlights several key themes in the biblical text. Firstly, it underscores the wisdom and administrative skill of Joseph, who, through divine guidance, was able to preserve the nation of Egypt and his own family during a time of crisis. Secondly, it illustrates the shift in economic power and the establishment of a centralized authority, which would have significant implications for the social order in Egypt.

Theologically, this event can be seen as part of God's providential plan, not only for the preservation of the Israelites but also as a demonstration of His sovereignty over nations. Joseph's role in Egypt serves as a precursor to the eventual Exodus, where God would deliver His people from bondage, further revealing His power and faithfulness.

In summary, the acquisition of land by the Pharaoh during the famine is a critical episode in the biblical account of Egypt, reflecting both the immediate economic realities of the time and the broader divine narrative at work in the history of Israel and its interactions with surrounding nations.

Nave's Topical Index

Genesis 47:18-26
When that year was ended, they came to him the second year, and said to him, We will not hide it from my lord, how that our money is spent; my lord also has our herds of cattle; there is not ought left in the sight of my lord, but our bodies, and our lands:
Nave's Topical Index

Library

The Career of the Antichrist
... agreed that "the south" here refers to Egypt, the "east ... Palestine, hence it would
seem that the country from which ... denotes is that he is a king, king of Assyria ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the antichrist/the career of the antichrist.htm

The Holy See and the Wandering of the Nations.
... horrible misery the whole range of country from the ... the Gallic general; Claudian,
the poet from Egypt, the worshipper ... the attempt of the Arian king to overcome ...
/.../allies/the formation of christendom volume vi/chapter i the holy see.htm

Answer to Eunomius' Second Book .
... of a creature supposititiously invested with the title of son ... it follows that He
is Judge and King, and that ... by Divine command from his own country and kindred ...
/.../gregory of nyssa dogmatic treatises etc/answer to eunomius second book.htm