Topical Encyclopedia The account of famine during the days of Joseph is one of the most significant narratives in the Bible, illustrating God's sovereignty, providence, and the fulfillment of His promises. This period of famine is primarily documented in the Book of Genesis, chapters 41 through 47.Pharaoh's Dreams and Joseph's Rise to Power The account begins with Pharaoh, the king of Egypt, experiencing two troubling dreams that none of his magicians or wise men could interpret. In the first dream, seven healthy cows were devoured by seven gaunt cows. In the second, seven plump ears of grain were swallowed by seven thin, scorched ears. Joseph, who was imprisoned at the time, was summoned to interpret these dreams after the chief cupbearer remembered Joseph's ability to interpret dreams accurately (Genesis 41:1-13). 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. Joseph advised Pharaoh to appoint a wise and discerning man to oversee the land of Egypt and store surplus grain during the years of plenty to prepare for the coming famine (Genesis 41:25-36). Joseph's Administration and the Onset of Famine Impressed by Joseph's wisdom, Pharaoh appointed him as the second-in-command over Egypt, giving him authority to implement the plan. Joseph diligently gathered and stored vast quantities of grain during the seven years of abundance (Genesis 41:39-49). As predicted, the seven years of abundance were followed by seven years of famine. The famine was widespread, affecting not only Egypt but also the surrounding regions. The severity of the famine forced people from various lands to come to Egypt to buy grain, as Joseph had stored enough to sustain the nation and others (Genesis 41:53-57). Joseph's Brothers and the Famine The famine also impacted Joseph's family in Canaan. Jacob, Joseph's father, sent his sons to Egypt to purchase grain. Unbeknownst to them, they were dealing with their brother Joseph, whom they had sold into slavery years earlier. Joseph recognized his brothers, but they did not recognize him. Through a series of events, Joseph tested his brothers' integrity and eventually revealed his identity to them (Genesis 42-45). Joseph's reconciliation with his brothers and the subsequent relocation of Jacob's family to Egypt were pivotal moments. Joseph assured his brothers that God had orchestrated these events for the preservation of their family: "And now, do not be distressed or angry with yourselves for selling me here, because it was to save lives that God sent me ahead of you" (Genesis 45:5). Theological Significance The famine in the days of Joseph serves as a profound example of God's providential care and His ability to bring good out of human actions. Joseph's account highlights themes of forgiveness, redemption, and the fulfillment of God's covenant promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Through Joseph, God preserved the lineage of Israel, setting the stage for the future development of the nation and the coming of the Messiah. Torrey's Topical Textbook Genesis 41:53-56And the seven years of plenty, that was in the land of Egypt, were ended. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Prayer and Trouble The First Galilean Ministry. Purposes of God. The Book of Jubilees In the House of his Heavenly, and in the Home of his Earthly ... The Letter of the Church of Rome Book ii. Jerome Answers the Second, Third, and Fourth Propositions ... Letter Liii. To Paulinus. The Death of the Christian Letter cxxx. To Demetrias. Resources What are some biblical examples of dream interpretation? | GotQuestions.orgWho was Joseph in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Was the killing of Saul's descendants a just response to Saul's killing of the Gibeonites? | GotQuestions.org Famine: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Famine in Jerusalem, from Siege Famine: A Dearth of the Means of Grace Famine: Caused by Blasting and Mildew Famine: Caused by Devastation by Enemies Famine: Caused by God's Blessing Withheld Famine: Caused by Rotting of the Seed in the Ground Famine: Caused by Swarms of Insects Famine: Caused by Want of Seasonable Rain Famine: Caused: Blackness of the Skin Famine: Caused: Burning and Fever Famine: Caused: Grief and Mourning Famine: Caused: Wasting of the Body Famine: Expressed by Cleanness of Teeth Famine: Expressed by Taking Away the Stay of Bread Famine: Expressed by The Arrows of Famine Famine: God Provided for his People During Famine: Instances of, in Scripture in the Day of the Judges Famine: Instances of, in Scripture in the Days of Abraham Famine: Instances of, in Scripture in the Days of Isaac Famine: Instances of, in Scripture in the Days of Joseph Famine: Instances of, in Scripture in the Reign of Ahab Famine: Instances of, in Scripture in the Reign of Claudius Caesar Famine: Instances of, in Scripture in the Reign of David Famine: Instances of, in Scripture in the Time of Elisha Famine: Instances of, in Scripture in the Time of Jeremiah Famine: Instances of, in Scripture of Seven Years Foretold by Elisha Famine: Instances of, in Scripture: After the Captivity Famine: Instances of, in Scripture: Before Destruction of Jerusalem Famine: Instances of, in Scripture: During the Siege of Jerusalem Famine: Instances of, in Scripture: During the Siege of Samaria Famine: Often Accompanied by War Famine: Often Followed by Pestilence Famine: Often on Account of Sin Famine: One of God's Four Sore Judgments Famine: Pharaoh Forewarned of, in Dreams Famine: Provisions Sold by Weight During Famine: Righteous Delivered From Famine: Suffering of Brute Creation From Famine: The Jews in Their Restored State not to be Afflicted By Famine: Things Eaten During: Donkey's Flesh Famine: Things Eaten During: Dung Famine: Things Eaten During: Human Flesh Famine: Things Eaten During: Wild Herbs Related Terms |
    |