Genesis 47:19Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

They brought their livestock to Joseph, and in exchange, he provided them with grain for their horses, as well as for their flocks of sheep and goats, their herds of cattle, and their donkeys. That year, he ensured that all their animals were well-fed. As that year came to an end, they returned to him the following year and said, “Why should we perish? We have no silver or livestock left, for you, our lord, have taken everything we had except for our bodies and our land. Purchase us and our land for food, and we will be your servants as well as the servants of Pharaoh. Provide us with seed so that we may live and not die, and that the land may not become barren."

Joseph had the opportunity to distribute all the wealth of Egypt and deplete the royal treasury, yet he chose not to appear extravagant at the expense of others. Instead of simply giving away bread to the needy, he opted to sell it, recognizing that if he only provided for a few, many would be left wanting. He favored a method that ensured abundance for all, opening the granaries so that everyone could purchase grain and continue cultivating the land, rather than receiving bread without effort; neglecting one’s own resources leads to loss.