This section demonstrates the fulfillment of Jacob's blessing on Pharaoh (46:31-47:6 and 47:7-10). Joseph was able to save Egypt and its neighbors from a very severe famine and to alleviate the desperate plight of the Egyptians. Pharaoh received money from Egypt and Canaan (vv. 13-14), livestock (vv. 15-17), land and slaves (vv. 18-21, 23, 25), and 20 percent of future harvests (vv. 23-26). Such a tax was not out of line with what was common in that day.905God blessed Pharaoh because he had blessed the Israelites with the best of Egypt. Later, in Moses' time, God cursed another Pharaoh because he had dealt harshly with the Israelites (cf. 12:3).
"This entire situation informs the meaning of Exodus 1:8-11, which states that a new king came to power who did not know Joseph. Consequently--and ironically--that king began to enslave the Israelites to work in his projects. Had he remembered Joseph, he would have realized how loyal and faithful Israel could be in their sojourn in the land. Because this Pharaoh treated Israel well, they flourished, and he became powerful and wealthy; but because that new king treated Israel harshly, he would have none of the blessing of God, nor would he be able to hinder the prosperity of the people of God. From the beginning to the end of the Egyptian sojourn, prosperity and growth came from God's blessing. Those who acknowledged it shared in it."906
47:13-19 "It was axiomatic in the ancient world that one paid one's way so long as one had anything to part with--including, in the last resort, one's liberty."907
This is the first mention of horses in the Bible, the primary beast of burden (v. 17). Egypt became an important source of horses in Solomon's day (cf. 1 Kings 10:28-29).
47:20-26 Early Greek writers as well as monument evidence seem to confirm Joseph's political reforms and redistribution of land in Egypt.908In a very real sense Joseph became a savior of the Gentiles as well as the Jews.909
47:27 Under Joseph's administration Israel prospered and increased in number without suffering deprivation or loss of independence. God's promise to increase the seed of the patriarchs was taking shape under Joseph's rule.
A wise leader knows that prosperity comes only from God so he makes decisions in harmony with what God has revealed about how He has promised to bless.
