This verse from Genesis 41:35 is part of Joseph's interpretation of Pharaoh's dream and his proposed solution to the impending famine. Here's a breakdown of what it means:
"Let them gather all the food of these good years that come...": This refers to the seven years of abundance that Joseph predicted. During these years, the land would produce more than enough food. The people should actively collect and store the surplus.
"...and lay up grain under the hand of Pharaoh for food in the cities...": The collected grain should be stored under Pharaoh's authority. "Under the hand of Pharaoh" implies that the storage and distribution would be managed by officials appointed by Pharaoh, ensuring organized and controlled rationing. The grain would be stored in the cities, making it readily accessible to the population when the famine strikes.
"...and let them keep it.": This emphasizes the importance of preserving the grain properly. The stored grain needs to be protected from spoilage, pests, and theft to ensure it lasts through the seven years of famine.
In essence, the verse is a directive to:
1. Collect: Actively harvest and gather the surplus food during the years of plenty.
2. Store: Carefully preserve and store the collected grain in designated storage facilities in the cities.
3. Centralize Control: Manage the storage and distribution under the authority of Pharaoh to ensure fairness and prevent mismanagement.
4. Conserve: Protect the stored grain to ensure it lasts throughout the famine.
Joseph's proposal was a practical and wise plan to mitigate the devastating effects of the predicted famine. It demonstrates foresight, strategic planning, and a concern for the well-being of the entire nation.
This verse from Genesis 41:35 is part of Joseph's interpretation of Pharaoh's dream and his proposed solution to the impending famine. Here's a breakdown of what it means:
"Let them gather all the food of these good years that come...": This refers to the seven years of abundance that Joseph predicted. During these years, the land would produce more than enough food. The people should actively collect and store the surplus.
"...and lay up grain under the hand of Pharaoh for food in the cities...": The collected grain should be stored under Pharaoh's authority. "Under the hand of Pharaoh" implies that the storage and distribution would be managed by officials appointed by Pharaoh, ensuring organized and controlled rationing. The grain would be stored in the cities, making it readily accessible to the population when the famine strikes.
"...and let them keep it.": This emphasizes the importance of preserving the grain properly. The stored grain needs to be protected from spoilage, pests, and theft to ensure it lasts through the seven years of famine.
In essence, the verse is a directive to:
1. Collect: Actively harvest and gather the surplus food during the years of plenty.
2. Store: Carefully preserve and store the collected grain in designated storage facilities in the cities.
3. Centralize Control: Manage the storage and distribution under the authority of Pharaoh to ensure fairness and prevent mismanagement.
4. Conserve: Protect the stored grain to ensure it lasts throughout the famine.
Joseph's proposal was a practical and wise plan to mitigate the devastating effects of the predicted famine. It demonstrates foresight, strategic planning, and a concern for the well-being of the entire nation.