Topical Bible: Seven: Years of Abundance For

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The concept of "Seven Years of Abundance" is prominently featured in the biblical narrative of Joseph, found in the Book of Genesis. This period is a significant event in the history of Israel and Egypt, illustrating God's providence and the fulfillment of divine prophecy through Joseph's life.

Biblical Context

The account of the seven years of abundance is primarily located in Genesis 41. Joseph, the son of Jacob, is sold into slavery by his brothers and eventually ends up in Egypt. Through a series of divinely orchestrated events, Joseph rises to a position of power in the house of Potiphar, only to be wrongfully imprisoned. While in prison, Joseph interprets the dreams of Pharaoh's cupbearer and baker, which eventually leads to his introduction to Pharaoh.

Pharaoh's Dreams

Pharaoh experiences two troubling dreams that none of his magicians or wise men can interpret. In the first dream, seven healthy cows are devoured by seven gaunt cows. In the second, seven plump ears of grain are swallowed by seven thin, scorched ears. Joseph is summoned to interpret these dreams, and he reveals that both dreams convey the same message from God: "The seven good cows are seven years, and the seven good heads of grain are seven years; it is one and the same dream" (Genesis 41:26).

Interpretation and Prophecy

Joseph explains that the dreams foretell seven years of great abundance in Egypt, followed by seven years of severe famine. He advises Pharaoh to appoint a wise and discerning man to oversee the land of Egypt and store up grain during the years of plenty to prepare for the coming famine. Joseph's interpretation and counsel are divinely inspired, as he acknowledges, "It is not in my power, but God will speak concerning the welfare of Pharaoh" (Genesis 41:16).

Implementation and Outcome

Impressed by Joseph's wisdom and the Spirit of God within him, Pharaoh appoints Joseph as the second-in-command over Egypt, entrusting him with the task of preparing for the famine. During the seven years of abundance, Joseph collects and stores vast quantities of grain, "like the sand of the sea, so abundant that he stopped keeping track" (Genesis 41:49).

When the seven years of famine arrive, Egypt is well-prepared, and people from surrounding nations come to buy grain. This period of abundance and subsequent famine not only demonstrates God's sovereignty and provision but also sets the stage for the eventual migration of Jacob's family to Egypt, preserving the lineage of Israel.

Theological Significance

The seven years of abundance underscore the themes of divine providence, wisdom, and preparation. Joseph's account is a testament to God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises and His ability to use individuals to accomplish His purposes. The narrative also highlights the importance of stewardship and foresight, as Joseph's prudent management during the years of plenty ensures survival during the years of scarcity.

In the broader biblical context, the seven years of abundance serve as a reminder of God's control over the natural and political realms, affirming that He orchestrates events for the good of His people and the fulfillment of His divine plan.

Nave's Topical Index

Genesis 41:1-32,53
And it came to pass at the end of two full years, that Pharaoh dreamed: and, behold, he stood by the river.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Of the Times of Jacob and his Son Joseph.
... he endured, because, in divinely interpreting the king's dreams, he foretold that
there would be seven years of plenty, the very rich abundance of which would ...
//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/city of god/chapter 4 of the times of.htm

On the Holy Ghost and his Descent Upon the Apostles
... man, and God showed him the meaning; so he told the king that the seven fat ears
of corn and the seven fat cows meant seven years of great abundance in Egypt ...
/.../kinkead/baltimore catechism no 4/lesson 9 on the holy.htm

Whether Indulgences are as Effective as they Claim to Be?
... to anyone who visited a certain church, an indulgence of seven years, which indulgence ...
punishment effected by indulgences is no other than the abundance of the ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether indulgences are as effective.htm

Chapter xli
... "Zaphenath-paneah" may mean "abundance of life" (KW), although the consonants are
usually ... During the seven years of plenty the land produced bumper crops. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xli.htm

Glad Givers and Faithful Workers
... Thus they did day by day, and gathered money in abundance.12. ... an infant, he 'was
with them, hid in the house of God six years,' and, when seven years old, was ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/glad givers and faithful workers.htm

How Joram and Jehoshaphat Made an Expedition against the Moabites ...
... the army and the cattle found water to drink in abundance. ... made a sally, and went
out with seven hundred men ... then died, having lived in all sixty years, and of ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 3 how joram and.htm

Concerning Jacob's Flight into Mesopotamia, by Reason of the Fear ...
... but to hope for better times, for thou shalt have great abundance of all ... And when
Jacob had given his consent to this, he agreed to stay seven years; for so ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 19 concerning jacobs flight.htm

Another Mode of Interpreting the Symbol of Wheat and Barley.
... in those words: So it may have a reference to the abundance of grain ... took such care,
that when he departed this life, he left a seven years' regular allowance ...
/.../mede/a key to the apocalypse/another mode of interpreting the.htm

Slandering Wesley in the Pulpit
... wonder, since their wretched minister told them from the pulpit (seven years before
I ... private societies, put out the lights," and so on; with abundance more of ...
/.../wesley/the journal of john wesley/slandering wesley in the pulpit.htm

Here Beginneth the History of Joseph and his Brethren
... and plenty in all the land of Egypt, after whom shall follow other seven years of
so great sterility, barrenness, and scarcity, that the abundance of the first ...
/.../wells/bible stories and religious classics/here beginneth the history of 2.htm