Genesis 41:29-42 NIV

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Genesis 41:17-32

Here, I. Pharaoh relates his dream. He dreamt that he stood upon the bank of the river Nile, and saw the kine, both the fat ones and the lean ones, come out of the river. For the kingdom of Egypt had no rain, as appears, Zech. 14:18; but the plenty of the year depended upon the overflowing of the river, and it was about one certain time of the year that it overflowed. If it rose to fifteen or sixteen cubits, there was plenty; if to twelve or thirteen only, or under, there was scarcity. See how... read more

Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Genesis 41:33-45

Here is, I. The good advice that Joseph gave to Pharaoh, which was, 1. That in the years of plenty he should lay up for the years of famine, buy up corn when it was cheap, that he might both enrich himself and supply the country when it would be dear and scarce. Note, Fair warning should always be followed with good counsel. Therefore the prudent man foresees the evil, that he may hide himself. God has in his word told us of a day of trial and exigence before us, when we shall need all the... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Genesis 41:29

Behold, there come seven years of great plenty throughout all the land of Egypt. Not only a sufficiency but an abundance, even to luxury, as when the Nile rose to sixteen cubits, as Pliny observes F13 Nat. Hist. l. 5. c. 9. ; which, though a natural cause, was owing to God, and that it should thus overflow for seven years successively, and cause such a continued plenty, can be ascribed to no other. read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Genesis 41:30

And there shall arise after them seven years of famine ,.... Which might be occasioned by the river Nile not rising so high as to overflow its banks, as, when it did not rise to more than twelve cubits, a famine ensued, as the above writer says F14 Nat Hist. l. 5. c. 9. ; and it must be owing to the overruling providence of God that this should be the case for seven years running: and all the plenty shall be forgotten in the land of Egypt ; the seven years of plenty being all... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Genesis 41:31

And the plenty shall not be known in the land, by reason of that famine following ,.... That is, before it would be over; otherwise the former plenty was in some measure known by the stores of provisions laid up in the seven years of it, and which were brought forth when the famine became very pressing; but by that time, and before the seven years of it were ended, there were no traces of the foregoing plenty to be observed: for it shall be very grievous ; as it was both in Egypt and... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Genesis 41:32

And for that the dream was doubled unto Pharaoh twice ,.... Or was repeated to him under different figures and images: it is because the thing is established by God ; by a firm decree of his, and is sure, and will most certainly be accomplished; of which Pharaoh might be assured, and to assure him of it was the repetition of the dream made: and God will shortly bring it to pass : or "make haste to do it" F15 ממהר־לעשתו "festinans Deus ad faciendum", Montanus; "accelerat... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Genesis 41:33

Now therefore let Pharaoh look out a man discreet and wise ,.... Of good judgment and conduct, of abilities equal to the execution of a scheme hereafter proposed: it can scarcely be thought consistent with the great modesty of Joseph that he meant himself, or that indeed, he ventured to give any advice at all, until it was first asked of him by the king; who being so well satisfied with the interpretation of his dreams, thought him a proper person to consult with what to be done in this... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Genesis 41:34

Let Pharaoh do this ,.... Appoint such a person; who as a sovereign prince could do it of himself: and let him appoint officers over the land ; not Pharaoh, but the wise and discreet governor he should set over the land, who should have a power of appointing officers or overseers under him to manage things according to his direction: and take up the fifth part of the land of Egypt in the seven plenteous years ; not the officers appointed, but the appointer of them, the chief... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Genesis 41:35

And let them, gather all the food of those good years that come ,.... That is, let the under officers collect together the fifth part of all fruits of the land during the seven years of plenty: and lay up corn under the hand of Pharaoh ; as his property, and only to be disposed of by his orders; for as it was to be purchased with his money, it was right that it should be in his hands, or in the hands of his officers appointed by him, as the Targum of Jonathan: and let them keep food... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Genesis 41:36

And that food shall be for store to the land ,.... A deposit in the said cities, to be brought forth and used in a time of public distress; the Targum of Jonathan is, it"shall be hidden in a cave in the earth:" against the seven years of famine which shall be in the land of Egypt : and so be a supply to the inhabitants of the land, when they should be sore pressed with a famine, and know not what to do, nor where to go for food: that the land perish not through the famine ; that is,... read more

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Genesis 41:17-32

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Genesis 41:33-45

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Genesis 41:29

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Genesis 41:30

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Genesis 41:31

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Genesis 41:32

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Genesis 41:33

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Genesis 41:34

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Genesis 41:35

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Genesis 41:36

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