During a severe famine in Egypt, the people find themselves in a dire situation. They approach Joseph, who has been appointed by Pharaoh to oversee the distribution of food, with a desperate plea. They offer themselves and their land to Pharaoh in exchange for food and seed, acknowledging their dependence on the resources controlled by Joseph. This moment underscores the severity of the famine and the desperation it caused among the people, who were willing to give up their freedom and land to survive. It also highlights Joseph's pivotal role in managing the crisis and the trust placed in him by both Pharaoh and the people. The request for seed is significant, as it represents hope for future sustenance and the desire to restore the land to productivity, preventing it from becoming desolate. This passage illustrates the human instinct for survival and the complex dynamics of power, dependency, and resource management during times of crisis.
Why should we perish before your eyes—we and our land as well? Buy us and our land in exchange for food, and we with our land will be in bondage to Pharaoh. Give us seed so that we may live and not die, and that the land may not become desolate.”
Genesis 47:19
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