Genesis 41b Commentary
Not all problems can be eliminated – especially the ones the LORD initiates! The famine stays. But how is the problem solved? Management. The issue will be managed.
Seven = seven. The equation reminds the saint not to waste the seven years of plenty. One lost year means one full year of suffering. They needed to account for every year during the seven years of plenty.
Seven = seven. It’s a balance. The parable of Talents comes to mind. Talents are given according to ability. No one receives more than they can handle. Equally, no problem is larger than the provision. The LORD God maintains the equation: Seven = seven.
Read the Book of Revelation and see the significance of the number 7. You suspect the LORD God has communicated more in this dream than we see on the surface.
The grain was to be kept under the authority of Pharaoh. Abundance must be protected by the highest care possible. It’s one thing to be blessed; it’s another to take care of the blessing.
The blessing became an economic window for Egypt. The grain was sold. The storehouses were opened but in a phased manner as the famine spread. Proper usage of the blessing is key. Don’t use up your reserves all at once!
Seven = seven may remind the saint of a win-win situation. Egypt is enriched because of the economic machinery that Joseph sets up. The nations are blessed as they have access to the grain. No one starves! It’s a win for Pharaoh; it’s a win for Joseph. It’s a win for the people; it’s a win for the nations.
Seven = seven. Five doesn’t equal seven; this would give us less abundance for the bigger problem. Eight doesn’t equal seven; this would be more abundance for a smaller problem. It’s a repeat lesson that we shouldn’t desire more abundance for our small problems. We waste as the world starves.
Yes, this chapter shouts, “Save for tomorrow”, but the equation instructs us not to waste. If there is abundance, it’s for a reason: let the nations have food! A rich man who doesn’t share should know the LORD God isn’t his employer!
Then Pharaoh told all the Egyptians, “Go to Joseph and do what he tells you.” It’s a blessing to have a Joseph in the house! Are you one?
Importantly, this chapter tells us of the generosity of the Creator God. He plans for disasters – disasters that He sovereignly plants. Let the prophet know that the LORD God does speak, even to Pharaoh. The Creator God is overall and sovereign. He is one important player in every situation we need to look out for. His timing won’t always fit ours but it is always perfectly timed!
Joseph is a model of the man Jesus Christ. When magicians fail, when the wisdom of the world fails, when technology fails, then you know who to call. It’s such a wonderful thing that Jesus is alive and in the house!
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