23 Then Joseph said to the people, I have made you and your land this day the property of Pharaoh; here is seed for you to put in your fields.
The seven thin and poor-looking cows who came up after them are seven years; and the seven heads of grain, dry and wasted by the east wind, are seven years when there will be no food.
For these two years have been years of need, and there are still five more years to come in which there will be no ploughing or cutting of grain.
And there he gives the poor a resting-place, so that they may make themselves a town; And put seed in the fields and make vine-gardens, to give them fruit.
All is well for the man who is kind and gives freely to others; he will make good his cause when he is judged.
He who does work on his land will not be short of bread; but he who goes after foolish men is without sense.
There is much food in the ploughed land of the poor; but it is taken away by wrongdoing.
Is the ploughman for ever ploughing? does he not get the earth ready and broken up for the seed? When the face of the earth has been levelled, does he not put in the different sorts of seed, and the grain in lines, and the barley in its place, and the spelt at the edge?
For as the rain comes down, and the snow from heaven, and does not go back again, but gives water to the earth, and makes it fertile, giving seed to the planter, and bread for food;
Worthy.Bible » Commentaries » Matthew Henry Commentary » Commentary on Genesis 47
Commentary on Genesis 47 Matthew Henry Commentary
Chapter 47
In this chapter we have instances,
Gen 47:1-12
Here is,
Gen 47:13-26
Care being taken of Jacob and his family, the preservation of which was especially designed by Providence in Joseph's advancement, an account is now given of the saving of the kingdom of Egypt too from ruin; for God is King of nations as well as King of saints, and provideth food for all flesh. Joseph now returns to the management of that great trust which Pharaoh had lodged in his hand. It would have been pleasing enough to him to have gone and lived with his father and brethren in Goshen; but his employment would not permit it. When he had seen his father, and seen him well settled, he applied himself as closely as ever to the execution of his office. Note, Even natural affection must give way to necessary business. Parents and children must be content to be absent one from another, when it is necessary, on either side, for the service of God or their generation. In Joseph's transactions with the Egyptians observe,
Gen 47:27-31
Observe,