Genesis 41:34

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 41:34

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

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

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Genesis 41:1-45

Joseph before Pharaoh, or from the prison to the throne. I. THE DREAMS OF THE MONARCH . 1. His midnight visions . Two full years have expired since the memorable birthday of Pharaoh which sent the baker to ignominious execution, but restored the butler to the favor of his royal master. Slumbering upon his bed, the king of Egypt seems to stand among the tall grass upon the banks of the Nile. First seven well-formed and full-fleshed heifers appear to climb up one after the... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Genesis 41:1-57

The tried man is now made ready by long experience for his position of responsibility and honor. He is thirty years old. He can commence his public ministry for the people of God and the world. Pharaoh's dreams, the kine and the ears of corn, like those of the butler and baker, have their natural element in them; but apart from the Spirit of God Joseph would not have dared to give them such an interpretation. Even had his intelligence penetrated the secret, he would not have ventured on a... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Genesis 41:33-36

Now therefore (adds Joseph, passing on to suggest measures suitable to meet the extraordinary emergency predicted) let Pharaoh look out a man discreet ( נָבוֹן , niph. part. of בִּין , intelligent, discerning), and wise, and set him over the land of Egypt. Let Pharaoh do this, and let him appoint officers (literally, let him set overseers, פְקִדִים , from פָּקַד , to look after, in hiph. to cause to look after) over the land, and take up the fifth part of the land of... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Genesis 41:1-57

- Joseph Was Exalted1. יאר ye'or, “river, canal,” mostly applied to the Nile. Some suppose the word to be Coptic.2. אחוּ 'āchû, “sedge, reed-grass, marsh-grass.” This word is probably Coptic.8. חרטמים charṭumı̂ym, ἐξηγηταὶ exēgētai, ἱερογραμματεῖς hierogrammateis, “sacred scribes, hieroglyphs.” חרט chereṭ “stylus,” a graving tool.43. אברך 'abrēk “bend the knee.” In this sense it is put for הברך habrēk imperative hiphil of ברך bārak. Those who take the word to be Coptic render it... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Genesis 41:34

Genesis 41:34. Let him appoint officers to take up a fifth part Not by force or violence, but by purchase at the common price, which would probably be very low during these years of plenty. But why only a fifth part, seeing the years of famine were to be as many as the years of plenty? 1st, Because people would live more sparingly in the time of the famine. 2d, It is likely that many persons, in all parts of the country, besides the king, would lay up great quantities of corn, both... read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Genesis 41:1-57

Joseph’s rise to power (39:1-41:57)In contrast to Judah, Joseph was blameless in his behaviour in Egypt. Soon he was placed in charge of Potiphar’s household (39:1-6). When he rejected the immoral invitations of Potiphar’s wife, she turned against him bitterly and had him thrown into prison (7-20). Again his behaviour was blameless, and soon he was given a position of responsibility over the other prisoners (21-23).Among the prisoners who later joined Joseph were two of Pharaoh’s palace... read more

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - Genesis 41:34

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