Topical Bible: Famine in Egypt

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The account of famine in Egypt is a significant event in biblical history, primarily detailed in the Book of Genesis. This famine not only affected Egypt but also the surrounding regions, including Canaan, and played a crucial role in the narrative of Joseph and the Israelites.

Joseph's Rise to Power

The account begins with Joseph, the son of Jacob, who was sold into slavery by his brothers and taken to Egypt. Through a series of divinely orchestrated events, Joseph rose to prominence in the house of Potiphar, only to be falsely accused and imprisoned. However, his ability to interpret dreams brought him to the attention of Pharaoh. In Genesis 41, Pharaoh had two troubling dreams that none of his magicians or wise men could interpret. Joseph, brought from prison, interpreted the dreams as a divine revelation of an impending seven years of abundance followed by seven years of severe famine. Joseph advised Pharaoh to store surplus grain during the years of plenty to prepare for the years of scarcity.

Pharaoh recognized the wisdom in Joseph's counsel and appointed him as second-in-command over Egypt, saying, "Since God has made all this known to you, there is no one as discerning and wise as you" (Genesis 41:39). Joseph's administration during the years of abundance ensured that Egypt had enough provisions to endure the famine.

The Famine's Impact

As the famine spread, it affected not only Egypt but also the surrounding lands, including Canaan, where Joseph's family resided. Genesis 41:54 states, "The seven years of famine began, just as Joseph had said. There was famine in all the other lands, but in the whole land of Egypt there was food" . The severity of the famine forced Jacob to send his sons to Egypt to buy grain, setting the stage for a dramatic family reunion and the eventual migration of the Israelites to Egypt.

Theological Significance

The famine in Egypt is a testament to God's sovereignty and providence. Through Joseph, God preserved the lineage of Israel, fulfilling His covenant promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Joseph himself recognized God's hand in his journey, telling his brothers, "You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives" (Genesis 50:20).

This event also foreshadows the future deliverance of the Israelites from Egypt, as the famine led to their settlement in the land of Goshen. The narrative underscores themes of redemption, forgiveness, and divine purpose, illustrating how God can use even adverse circumstances to fulfill His divine plan.

Historical and Cultural Context

In the ancient Near East, famines were not uncommon and often resulted from drought, pestilence, or political instability. The Egyptian economy, heavily reliant on the Nile River's annual flooding, was vulnerable to such natural calamities. Joseph's strategic management of resources during the years of plenty reflects a sophisticated understanding of agricultural and economic principles, which were advanced for the time.

The famine narrative also highlights the importance of Egypt as a regional power and a place of refuge during times of crisis. This historical backdrop provides insight into the socio-political dynamics of the ancient world and the role of Egypt as a center of civilization and sustenance.

Conclusion

The famine in Egypt, as recorded in Genesis, is a pivotal event that demonstrates God's providential care and the unfolding of His redemptive plan through the life of Joseph. It serves as a reminder of the faithfulness of God in times of trial and the ultimate fulfillment of His promises to His people.

Nave's Topical Index

Genesis 41:53-57
And the seven years of plenty, that was in the land of Egypt, were ended.
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That when There was a Famine in Canaan, Abram Went Thence into ...
... CHAPTER 8. That When There Was A Famine In Canaan, Abram Went Thence Into Egypt;
And After He Had Continued There A While He Returned Back Again. ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 8 that when there.htm

In the Mean Time, Affairs Having Been Well Settled in Egypt to ...
... The Sacred History Of Sulpitius Severus. Book I. Chapter XII. In the mean time,
affairs having been well settled in Egypt to meet the famine? ...
/.../severus/life and writings of sulpitius severus /chapter xii in the mean.htm

A Prisoner who Became a Mighty Ruler
... So when the famine was over all the country, Joseph opened all the storehouses and
sold food to the Egyptians: but the famine was severe in the land of Egypt. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/sherman/the childrens bible/a prisoner who became a.htm

The Removal of Joseph's Father with all his Family, to Him, on ...
... From The Death Of Isaac To The Exodus Out Of Egypt. CHAPTER 7. The Removal Of Joseph's
Father With All His Family, To Him, On Account Of The Famine. ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 7 the removal of.htm

The Israelites in Egypt.
... These, when famine befell came into Egypt with all their family; and in the course
of four hundred years, being multiplied by the blessing and promise of God ...
/.../unknown/recognitions of clement /chapter xxxiv the israelites in egypt.htm

Corn in Egypt
... at prayer, I doubt not, asking God to deliver his family in the time of famine;
and by-and-bye he hears, first of his household, that there is corn in Egypt. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/corn in egypt.htm

Chapter xlvii
... The severity of the famine involved "Egypt as well as the land of Canaan." This
reference to Canaan may merely have been due to the fact that the two lands ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xlvii.htm

From Abraham to Egypt.
... (4) His exaltation to the governorship of Egypt with his provisions for the famine
and change of the whole system of land tenure, which put it all under royal ...
/.../tidwell/the bible period by period/chapter iv from abraham to.htm

Concerning the Famine that Happened in Judea and Syria; and How ...
... CHAPTER 9. Concerning The Famine That Happened In Judea And Syria; And How Herod ...
but sent the money to Petronius, who had been made prefect of Egypt by Caesar ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 9 concerning the famine.htm

Joseph and his Brethren.
... all this time Jacob and his sons had been dwelling in Canaan; where, through the
famine, they were now in want of food. So Jacob sent his sons to Egypt to buy ...
/.../anonymous/mother stories from the old testament/joseph and his brethren.htm