Genesis 47:26 - Joseph made it a statute concerning the land of Egypt to this day, that Pharaoh should have the fifth. Only the land of the priests alone didn’t become Pharaoh’s.
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What does "Genesis 47:26" mean?
This verse from Genesis 47:26 describes the lasting impact of Joseph's economic policies during a severe famine in Egypt. Let's break it down:
"Joseph made it a statute concerning the land of Egypt to this day, that Pharaoh should have the fifth." This means Joseph established a law, a permanent rule, that all landowners in Egypt, except for the priests, had to give 20% (one-fifth) of their produce to Pharaoh as a tax or levy. This was likely in exchange for food and support provided by Pharaoh during the famine. This law remained in effect for a considerable time after Joseph's death, becoming a standard practice.
"Only the land of the priests alone didn’t become Pharaoh’s." This is a crucial exception. The land owned by the priests was exempt from this 20% tax. There are several possible reasons for this:
Religious Respect: Pharaoh may have wanted to maintain good relations with the priestly class and respect their position in society.
Political Strategy: The priests could have been a powerful group whose support was crucial for Pharaoh's stability. Exempting them might have secured their loyalty.
Divine Mandate: Pharaoh may have believed that it was inappropriate to tax land dedicated to the gods.
Prior Agreement: The priests may have already been providing services or resources to Pharaoh, making an additional tax unnecessary.
In summary, this verse highlights how Joseph, as Pharaoh's vizier, implemented a system that centralized wealth and power in Pharaoh's hands after the famine. The exception for the priests' land shows the complex political and religious dynamics at play in ancient Egypt. This verse emphasizes the power Joseph held in Egypt and how he used it to benefit both the Egyptian people (by saving them from starvation) and the Pharaoh (by consolidating his authority).
Genesis 47:26 - Joseph made it a statute concerning the land of Egypt to this day, that Pharaoh should have the fifth. Only the land of the priests alone didn’t become Pharaoh’s.
What does "Genesis 47:26" mean?
This verse from Genesis 47:26 describes the lasting impact of Joseph's economic policies during a severe famine in Egypt. Let's break it down:
"Joseph made it a statute concerning the land of Egypt to this day, that Pharaoh should have the fifth." This means Joseph established a law, a permanent rule, that all landowners in Egypt, except for the priests, had to give 20% (one-fifth) of their produce to Pharaoh as a tax or levy. This was likely in exchange for food and support provided by Pharaoh during the famine. This law remained in effect for a considerable time after Joseph's death, becoming a standard practice.
"Only the land of the priests alone didn’t become Pharaoh’s." This is a crucial exception. The land owned by the priests was exempt from this 20% tax. There are several possible reasons for this:
Religious Respect: Pharaoh may have wanted to maintain good relations with the priestly class and respect their position in society.
Political Strategy: The priests could have been a powerful group whose support was crucial for Pharaoh's stability. Exempting them might have secured their loyalty.
Divine Mandate: Pharaoh may have believed that it was inappropriate to tax land dedicated to the gods.
Prior Agreement: The priests may have already been providing services or resources to Pharaoh, making an additional tax unnecessary.
In summary, this verse highlights how Joseph, as Pharaoh's vizier, implemented a system that centralized wealth and power in Pharaoh's hands after the famine. The exception for the priests' land shows the complex political and religious dynamics at play in ancient Egypt. This verse emphasizes the power Joseph held in Egypt and how he used it to benefit both the Egyptian people (by saving them from starvation) and the Pharaoh (by consolidating his authority).