THROUGH THE BIBLE IN THREE YEARS
<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>
If you think you're getting too much government, just be thankful you're not getting as much as you're paying for.
*********************************************************************************************
Gen 47:13-17
13 And there was no bread in all the land; for the famine was very sore, so that the land of Egypt and all the land of Canaan fainted by reason of the famine.
14 And Joseph gathered up all the money that was found in the land of Egypt, and in the land of Canaan, for the corn which they bought: and Joseph brought the money into Pharaoh's house.
15 And when money failed in the land of Egypt, and in the land of Canaan, all the Egyptians came unto Joseph, and said, Give us bread: for why should we die in thy presence? for the money faileth.
16 And Joseph said, Give your cattle; and I will give you for your cattle, if money fail.
17 And they brought their cattle unto Joseph: and Joseph gave them bread in exchange for horses, and for the flocks, and for the cattle of the herds, and for the asses: and he fed them with bread for all their cattle for that year.
KJV
*********************************************************************************************
When the famine became really bad, the people came to Pharoah and begged for food. They had not listened when Joseph told them that the famine would last seven years. Pharoah had listened when Joseph said the country needed to save 1/5 of the produce during the seven years of plenty.
But the people did not listen. They could have also put up 1/5 of their crops during that time and they would have been ready for the seven years of famine. Remember, the world listen to Noah either!
Unfortunately, the world is not listening to Christians today. Christians have been prophesying for almost 2000 years that life issues into death, and after that, all people must face God in judgment for the disposition of their eternal lives. However, statistics show that fewer than 1/10 of all the people in the world believe that and have surrendered their lives to Jesus as Lord.
Joseph, a very intelligent and diligent business man for his master, first swapped their cattle for the food they needed.
Secondly, the next year, the people had to come back or starve. Then Joseph bought their land for food. That's how Pharoah became the "sole proprietor" of all Egypt (vs 20).
Thirdly, in verses (23-28), Joseph told them they could live on the land, but they must farm the land. Joseph used the circumstances to mae a good situation for Pharoh, and also a good situation for the people. Now 1/5 of the crop would be paid to Pharoah as taxes. But 4/5 of the crop they could retain for themselves.
Actually, that's a pretty good government. Here in the USA we pay about 55% of our paycheck on taxes! The people noticed this was good (vs 25). It was good because people had a man as governor who diligently cared for their needs, but did not overcharge them. It was good, because without a burden of heavy taxation, the people maintained self-initiative and didn't rely upon the government to supply them their needs.
Government does not have to be big in order to be effective.
Love ya,
Bruce