Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Genesis 47:21
(21) He removed them to cities.—Joseph’s object in this measure was most merciful. As the corn was stored up in the cities, the people would be sure of nourishment only if they were in the immediate neighbourhood of the food. As a consequence, possibly, of Joseph’s policy, the number of cities in the Valley of the Nile became so enormous that Herodotus computes them at 20,000. Thus the people would not dwell at any distance from their lands, while it would be impossible for them to reside... read more
John Dummelow's Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 47:1-31
Joseph presents his Brethren and his Father to Pharaoh. He makes extensive Changes in the Land Tenure of Egypt6. Rulers over my cattle] The superintendenee of the royal flocks and herds would be a position of importance. 9. Few and evil, etc.] Abraham was 175 years and Isaac 180 years old at their death. Jacob, therefore, regarded his years as comparatively few. The ’evil ’times in his life are not difficult to trace.11. Land of Rameses] or Raamses. Evidently identical with the ’land of Goshen... read more