Genesis 41:35 — English NIRV 1996 - Copyrighted only for Website
They should collect all of the extra food of the good years that are coming. Pharaoh should give them authority to store up the grain. They should keep it in the cities for food.
What Does This Mean?
This verse describes Joseph's advice to Pharaoh during the dream interpretation. Joseph suggests storing food during the years of plenty to prepare for the coming years of famine. The main message is about planning and preparation to overcome future hardships.
Explained for Children
Imagine you have a piggy bank. During times when you get lots of coins, you save them up so you have enough when you don't get any. Joseph is telling Pharaoh to do the same thing with food to help Egypt during hard times.
Historical Background
Genesis was written by Moses around 1446-1406 B.C. The audience was the Israelites who were about to enter the Promised Land. The cultural setting includes the ancient Egyptian empire and its reliance on agriculture, which was vulnerable to climate changes.
Living It Out Today
In modern times, this can be applied to financial planning. For instance, saving money during prosperous times can help during economic downturns, ensuring financial stability.
