Though the Pharaoh's court displayed some grandeur and opulence, it still retained traces of patriarchal simplicity; the highest-ranking officials engaged directly in the practical tasks of daily sustenance—selling bread, carrying loaves, and serving wine—activities that occurred not only during grand feasts but seemingly every day.
At that time, Egypt's population remained relatively small, leaving the fertile region of Goshen largely uninhabited, allowing urban dwellers the chance to partake in agriculture and livestock rearing. Genesis evokes a sense of youthful vitality within the political landscape. The narrative, inspired by God through Moses, transports the observant reader to a distant, sacred past, reflecting a people who lived in remarkable simplicity amidst a nascent existence devoid of modern refinements. This state of life and simplicity carries with it tremendous strength. A person who frequently immerses themselves in biblical accounts will undoubtedly experience a profound, unique sensation, reminiscent of inhaling the fresh air of a lovely summer morning. Such encounters imbue the spirit with rejuvenation and vigor, akin to how an elderly individual finds renewal in the company of the young.
The prolonged famine took a severe toll on Egypt and Palestine, leaving the peoples of these regions with no bread beyond what Joseph had secured. Both lands were stripped of gold and silver, with all finances flowing into Joseph's possession, subsequently deposited into Pharaoh's treasury, located within the royal palace. With no means left to procure bread, the Egyptians resorted to selling their livestock, then their lands, and ultimately themselves. This marked the dawn of absolute subservience in Egypt. Only the priests retained ownership of their lands, receiving bread from Pharaoh as alms without charge.
As the famine years waned and the Egyptians had surrendered both their lands and their very persons to Pharaoh, Joseph provided them with seed for sowing, stipulating that they should contribute one-fifth of their harvest annually as tributary to Pharaoh's treasury. This newly established taxation system and the accompanying shift in power were welcomed with appreciation by the citizens of this newly formed autocratic regime. The Egyptians expressed their gratitude to Joseph, stating, “Thou hast preserved our lives; thou art our benefactor; we shall be servants to Pharaoh.” The Genesis narrative notes that this tribute system remained in place even centuries later. Writings from much later historians such as Herodotus and Diodorus illustrate that this method of taxation was still in effect during their times, confirming that the land of Egypt was owned by its rulers. Diodorus remarked that the revenue derived from the land was so considerable that it rendered additional tributes unnecessary.
In this context, Joseph’s keen intellect is apparent, showcasing his exceptional governing skills recognized from his youth by the chief of the bodyguards and the prison governor. He instituted a tax that was both robust and easily managed, rooted in the agricultural abundance of Egypt. What could be more fitting as a tribute for fertile Egypt than bread? Given the commonality of its harvest, fulfilling this obligation was straightforward—especially with the landscape’s proximity to the navigable Nile, enabling the transport of produce directly from the fields to the grain storage facilities. Additionally, any deficits in bad years could easily be compensated in periods of abundant harvests. Such prolific yields could indeed be classified as extraordinary, particularly among all the crops in the world. The distribution of bread within the country was likewise convenient due to the ports along the Nile.
In time, as harbors emerged along the Mediterranean, which bordered the culturally and commercially advanced societies, Egypt became the breadbasket of that region, a title it maintained as long as the Mediterranean centered global commerce, remaining the hub of enlightened activity for much of human history. Joseph’s administrative measures were marked by remarkable thoroughness in their simplicity, ensuring their longevity. A wise decree possesses a beauty that time respects, allowing it to endure through the centuries, securing ongoing benefits for the state. Through this public benevolence, Joseph not only solidified the Pharaoh's authority but also established a state marked by consistent capital and plentiful revenue.
THEOSIS