[NIV] 13 There was no food, however, in the wholeregion because the famine was severe; both Egypt andCanaan wasted away because of the famine.
[NLT] 13 Meanwhile, the famine became so severe that all the food was used up, andpeople were starving throughout the lands of Egypt and Canaan. - P84
15 When the money of the people of Egypt and Canaanwas gone, all Egypt came to Joseph and said, "Give usfood. Why should we die before your eyes? Our moneyis all gone."
16 "Then bring your livestock," said Joseph. "I will sellyou food in exchange for your livestock, since yourmoney is gone. - P84
20 So Joseph bought all the land in Egypt for Pharaoh.
The Egyptians, one and all, sold their fields, because thefamine was too severe for them. The land became Pha-raoh‘s, 21 and Joseph reduced the people to servitude,
from one end of Egypt to the other.
- P85
22 However, he did not buy the land of the priests, be-cause they received a regular allotment from Pharaohand had food enough from the allotment Pharaoh gavethem. That is why they did not sell their land.
- P85
Joseph‘s calling to preserve the people of Egypt during this devastatingfamine does not end after he collects, stores, and sells the grain fromthe seven years of abundance. - P86
As the famine rages on and the peoplerun out of food and money, Joseph continues to act as a mediator be-tween the people and Pharaoh, applying his wisdom to find solutionsthat will ensure the survival of the nation. - P86
This is one of the many waysthat Joseph‘s story mirrors that of Jesus, whose work did not finish onthe cross where He secured our salvation. - P86
Jesus continues to intercedeon our behalf today, and He is always working to help us in our battlesagainst the spiritual forces that try to destroy our faith. - P86
With no more money or livestock left to trade, the people become des-perate and offer their land and their own selves in exchange for food.
- P86
Joseph accepts, and the people are reduced to servitude. This soundslike a rather dismal turn of events, and some might even think thatJoseph is taking advantage of the people‘s situation. - P86
But we must remember that servitude is
not inherently a bad thing-it all depends onwho the master is. - P86
Joseph has proven himself to be a wise and graciousleader, and there is no doubt that he took care of the people‘s needs. - P86
AsChristians, we can rejoice in our identity as servants of Christ becausewe have a loving and generous Master who provides for our every need. - P86
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