Gen. 47:23-31
Joseph’s dealings with the people of Egypt were entirely in the interest of Pharaoh who left all authority in his hands. This is an illustration of the present authority and power of Christ, through whom God now speaks to us; “Whom He hath appointed heir of all things,” who upholds “all things by the word of His power.” (Heb. 1:2,3). The time came when Joseph bought both all the people and the land for Pharaoh, speaking of the coming day — the very end of all things of time—when Christ “shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when He shall have put down all rule, and all authority and power.” 1 Cor. 15:24.
When these things were accomplished Joseph disbursed seed to the people, for the famine was near its end and it was time to plant for the future. At this time he taxed the people — one fifth of the crop to be for Pharaoh and four parts for themselves, which remained an annual tribute throughout Egypt. All these things were readily accepted by the people; they were glad to have had Joseph administer so wisely for their needs. “And they said, Thou hast saved our lives: let us find grace in the sight of my lord.” v. 25. Our thoughts look forward to the time when the blessings of the Lord shall be upon a cleansed world, of which the psalmist has spoken: “Praise waiteth for Thee, O God, in Zion: and unto Thee shall the vow be performed. O Thou that hearest prayer, unto Thee shall all flesh come.” Psa. 65:1,2.
“And Israel dwelt in the land of Egypt, in the country of Goshen; and they had possessions therein and grew, and multiplied exceedingly.” v. 27. Under the blessing of God, administered through Joseph the children of Israel prospered. The land of Rameses, which was a part of Goshen, was fertile and lush and they thrived in these rich provisions. In addition to their own flocks, they also raised herds for Pharaoh. All was favorable and went well for them.
“And the time drew nigh that Israel must die: and he called his son Joseph, and said unto him, If now I have found grace in thy sight, put, I pray thee, thy hand under my thigh, and deal kindly and truly with me; bury me not, I pray thee, in Egypt: but I will lie with my fathers, and thou shalt carry me out of Egypt, and bury me in their buryingplace.” vv. 29,30. Joseph’s splendor and all the glory and wealth of Egypt did not in the least wean Jacob’s heart from the land of promise. He had never forgotten that the proses of God to his fathers, himself and his children, were connected with Canaan — not with Egypt. The stay in Egypt was merely an interlude in God’s providence for them, but their real interests remained in their own land. His faith looked on to the time when his descendants would leave this land and return to their own country — the land of promise. With the same solemnity as Abram employed in sending Eliezer for Isaac’s bride, he made Joseph not only promise but swear to carry his body out of Egypt and bury it in the burial place of his fathers. He had complete confidence in Joseph. The matter was too important to entrust to his other sons. Joseph readily pledged to fulfill his father’s request.
ML 12/24/1967