Genesis 41:33-36, Genesis 41:46-49, Genesis 41:53-57, Genesis 47:13-25 NIV

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 41:33

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

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 41:33

A man discreet and wise - As it is impossible that Joseph could have foreseen his own elevation, consequently he gave this advice without any reference to himself. The counsel therefore was either immediately inspired by God, or was dictated by policy, prudence, and sound sense. read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 41:34

Let him appoint officers - פקדים pekidim , visitors, overseers: translated by Ainsworth, bishops; see Genesis 39:1 . Take up the fifth part of the land - What is still called the meery, or that part of the produce which is claimed by the king by way of tax. It is probable that in Joseph's time it was not so much as a fifth part, most likely a tenth: but as this was an extraordinary occasion, and the earth brought forth by handfuls, Genesis 41:47 , the king would be justified in... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 41:35

Under the hand of Pharaoh - To be completely at the disposal of the king. read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 41:33

Verse 33 33.Now therefore let Pharaoh look out a man. Joseph does more than he had been asked to do; for he is not merely the interpreter of the dream; but, as fulfilling the office of a prophet, he adds instruction and counsel. For we know that the true and lawful prophets of God do not barely predict what will happen in future; but propose remedies for impending evils. Therefore Joseph, after he had uttered a prophecy of the changes which would take place in fourteen years, now teaches what... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 41:35

Verse 35 35.Under the hand of Pharaoh. Whereas prosperity so intoxicates men, that the greater part make no provision for themselves against the future, but absorb the present abundance by intemperance; Joseph advises the king to take care that the country may have its produce laid up in store. Besides, the common people would also form themselves to habits of frugality, when they understood that this great quantity of corn was not collected in vain by the king, but that a remedy was hereby... read more

Genesis 41:33-36, Genesis 41:46-49, Genesis 41:53-57, Genesis 47:13-25 Niv

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

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

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 41:33

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 41:34

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 41:35

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 41:33

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 41:35

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