Topical Bible: Seven: Years: A Famine Lasted in Egypt For

◄ Seven: Years: A Famine Lasted in Egypt For ►

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The account of the seven-year famine in Egypt is a significant event recorded in the Book of Genesis, chapters 41 to 47. This period of famine is intricately linked to the life of Joseph, the son of Jacob, who rose to prominence in Egypt due to his God-given ability to interpret dreams.

Background and Context

The narrative begins with Pharaoh, the ruler of Egypt, experiencing two troubling dreams that none of his magicians or wise men could interpret. In the first dream, Pharaoh saw seven healthy cows being devoured by seven gaunt and ugly cows. In the second dream, he saw seven plump ears of grain swallowed by seven thin and scorched ears. Disturbed by these visions, Pharaoh sought an interpretation.

Joseph, who was imprisoned at the time, was recommended to Pharaoh as an interpreter of dreams. Joseph attributed his ability to interpret dreams to God, saying, "I cannot do it," Joseph replied to Pharaoh, "but God will give Pharaoh the answer he desires" (Genesis 41:16).

Interpretation and Preparation

Joseph explained to Pharaoh that both dreams conveyed the same message: Egypt would experience seven years of great abundance followed by seven years of severe famine. "The seven good cows are seven years, and the seven ripe heads of grain are seven years. The dreams have the same meaning" (Genesis 41:26). The repetition of the dream indicated that the matter was firmly decided by God and would soon come to pass.

Joseph advised Pharaoh to appoint a wise and discerning man to oversee the land of Egypt and to store surplus grain during the years of abundance. This preparation would ensure that the nation could survive the impending famine. Impressed by Joseph's wisdom and discernment, Pharaoh appointed him as the 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).

The Famine's Impact

As predicted, the seven years of abundance came to an end, and the famine began. The severity of the famine was such that it affected not only Egypt but also the surrounding regions. "When the famine had spread over all the land, Joseph opened up all the storehouses and sold grain to the Egyptians, for the famine was severe in the land of Egypt" (Genesis 41:56).

The famine's reach extended to Canaan, where Joseph's family resided. This led to the eventual migration of Jacob and his sons to Egypt, where they were reunited with Joseph. The famine thus played a crucial role in the fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham, as it facilitated the movement of the Israelites to Egypt, setting the stage for future events in their history.

Theological Significance

The seven-year famine in Egypt underscores several theological themes. It highlights God's sovereignty and foreknowledge, as He revealed the future to Pharaoh through dreams and provided a means of deliverance through Joseph. The narrative also emphasizes the importance of wisdom, stewardship, and preparation in the face of impending adversity.

Moreover, the account of the famine and Joseph's rise to power serves as a testament to God's providential care for His people. Despite the trials and injustices Joseph faced, God used these circumstances to position him as a savior for both Egypt and his own family. This event foreshadows the greater deliverance that God would later accomplish through the Exodus, as well as the ultimate salvation brought through Jesus Christ.

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Genesis 41:1-32,54-56
And it came to pass at the end of two full years, that Pharaoh dreamed: and, behold, he stood by the river.
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Library

How Joseph when He was Become Famous in Egypt, had his Brethren in ...
... after Egypt had happily passed over seven years, according to ... failed them, and when
the famine still afflicted ... And this lamentation lasted a whole day; so that ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 6 how joseph when.htm

The Story of Joseph
... of food were coming, and after that seven years of famine ... So when the years of famine
came there were great ... the corn lasted; but when the famine still went on ...
//christianbookshelf.org/steedman/joseph the dreamer/the story of joseph.htm

Joseph, the Prime Minister
... up all the food of the seven years, which were ... and be tolerably sure that the thirteen
years of trial ... suggested a policy in preparation for the coming famine. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/joseph the prime minister.htm

That Whereas the City of Jerusalem had Been Five Times Taken ...
... the war begun was somewhat above seven years five months ... mothers were forced by
extremity of famine to eat ... was different from that comet which lasted a whole ...
/.../chapter 10 that whereas the.htm

Reformation Lessons
... mothers ate their own children through extremity of famine. ... honour and glory, which
have lasted, thanks be ... or even seven years after?"the minute after he is ...
/.../kingsley/all saints day and other sermons/sermon xxxii reformation lessons.htm

Palestine under Pagan Kings.
... Soon the predicted famine came, for which the ... This training lasted three years, when
they were ... condition the mighty conqueror remained seven years, when he was ...
/.../headley/half hours in bible lands volume 2/palestine under pagan kings.htm

Christ Teaching Liberality
... The famine lasted for three years. ... eighty-two more; and adding these together we
have the surprising number of five hundred and forty-seven miracles, that ...
/.../newton/the life of jesus christ for the young/christ teaching liberality.htm

The First Chaldaean Empire and the Hyksos in Egypt
... rivalled Babylon in magnificence and power: Egypt could boast of ... the supreme power
for several years between the ... comprise, in fact, six or seven parallel ranges ...
/.../chapter ithe first chaldaean empire.htm

The Book of Jubilees
... from his native land.2. The famine which occasioned ... Passover and the feast of
Tabernacles lasted each of ... coincides with the end of the seven years of plenty in ...
//christianbookshelf.org/deane/pseudepigrapha/the book of jubilees.htm

Appendix iv. An Abstract of Jewish History from the Reign of ...
... year, after a reign of twenty-seven years, bequeathing the ... The nine years of Queen
Alexandra's (in Hebrew Salome ... the horrors of war, a long famine desolated the ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/appendix iv an abstract of.htm