Genesis 41:55Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

As the famine worsened, the people cried out to Pharaoh, overwhelmed by their deep need; those driven by hunger turned to the king for help. Observe his response. ‘And Pharaoh said unto all the Egyptians, Go to Joseph, and do what he shall say unto you.’ It seems as though he is indicating, Why have you come to me? Do you not realize that I merely wear the royal mantle, yet he is the one who provides our shared deliverance? Do not approach me while neglecting him; rather, seek him out and ‘do whatever he tells you.’ Joseph then opened all the storehouses and began to distribute bread to the Egyptians.

Those who were in need sought out Joseph. Who were they, if not those who are described as returning at dusk, hunger gnawing at them like hungry dogs? Yet there was famine not just in one region but across the entire earth, because there were none who did good. Thus, the Lord Jesus, moved by the world’s hunger, opened His storehouses and disclosed the hidden treasures of divine wisdom and knowledge, ensuring that no one would be deprived of sustenance. In fact, Wisdom calls out, “Come, eat my bread,” and only those whom Christ has nourished can proclaim, “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.” Christ opened His storehouses and offered what was needed, not asking for payment in money, but in faith and virtue. He did not restrict His offerings to a select few in Judea, but extended them to all, so that all nations would come to believe in Him.