THEOSISJohn Chrysostom
When everyone came together, it is reported that Joseph collected all the silver from the inhabitants of Egypt and Canaan, using it to distribute bread to them.
Genesis 47:14Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers
Out of which he gathered up all the money for the corn which they bought, and brought it in to the king's treasure.
וַיְלַקֵּ֣ט יוֹסֵ֗ף אֶת־כָּל־הַכֶּ֙סֶף֙ הַנִּמְצָ֤א בְאֶֽרֶץ־מִצְרַ֙יִם֙ וּבְאֶ֣רֶץ כְּנַ֔עַן בַּשֶּׁ֖בֶר אֲשֶׁר־הֵ֣ם שֹׁבְרִ֑ים וַיָּבֵ֥א יוֹסֵ֛ף אֶת־הַכֶּ֖סֶף בֵּ֥יתָה פַרְעֹֽה׃
The Church Fathers on this verse
2 Church Fathers comment on this verse
Ambrose of Milan
Joseph could have easily squandered the wealth of Egypt, but he chose not to waste resources at the expense of others. Instead of giving bread away freely, he opted to sell it to the needy, ensuring that while some had provisions, the majority wouldn't be left empty-handed. He favored a system that promoted abundance for all by opening granaries, allowing everyone to purchase grain, thereby encouraging the cultivation of the land instead of providing bread for free. When individuals rely on others for their needs, they often neglect their own responsibilities. Consequently, he first collected the money and then organized the rest, ultimately granting the land rights to the king.
Read more (163 words)
His intent was not to dispossess the people but to fortify the community; he implemented a tax that would allow them to retain ownership peacefully. Those from whom he acquired the land saw his actions as a means of salvation rather than a loss of their rights. They expressed, "You have saved our lives, we have found favor in the sight of our lord" (Gen. 47:25). They did not lose their property by receiving the rights back; rather, they gained assurance for the future. This remarkable leader did not pursue fleeting recognition through excessive generosity, but instead laid the foundation for prudent management, teaching the populace to support themselves through their taxes and discouraging reliance on aid in times of famine. It is preferable to share a portion of one’s harvest than to lose everything outright. Joseph determined to take a fifth of the harvest, displaying both foresight and compassion in his taxation approach. Consequently, Egypt never again faced such a severe famine.
Cross references
Passages read together with this verse.
- Gen 41:56And the famine increased daily in all the land: and Joseph opened all the barns, and sold to the Egyptians: for the famine had oppressed them also.
- Luke 16:10He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in that which is greater: and he that is unjust in that which is little is unjust also in that which is greater.
- Luke 16:12And if you have not been faithful in that which is another's, who will give you that which is your own?
- 1 Pet 4:10As every man hath received grace, ministering the same one to another: as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.
- 1 Cor 4:2Here now it is required among the dispensers that a man be found faithful.
- Luke 16:1And he said also to his disciples: There was a certain rich man who had a steward: and the same was accused unto him, that he had wasted his goods.
- Luke 16:2And he called him and said to him: How is it that I hear this of thee? Give an account of thy stewardship: for now thou canst be steward no longer.