Ge 47:13-26

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Joseph’s economic policy

(Gen 47:13-26)

If Joseph had not planned wisely, the seven-year famine would have ruined Egypt and Canaan.

He gave the people food in return for their money (Gen 47:13-15), then, when they had no money, in return for their animals (Gen 47:16-17), then, when they had no animals, in return for their land and even themselves (Gen 47:18-19).

In the end all the land belonged to the government and everybody worked for the government, but in return Joseph gave the people land and seed for farming (Gen 47:20-24).

Joseph’s policy may have appeared to be hard-hearted at first, but in time the people discovered that it saved them from disaster. Soon they were producing good crops again, though they had to pay the usual tax to the government (Gen 47:25-26).