The famine on the earth is so severe that most all people exchange their money, livestock, land, and self into servitude to Pharaoh for food. Priests, receiving a "regular allotment" from Pharaoh, are not forced into servitude.
Joseph then proclaims a one fifth portion of crops to be given to Pharaoh. People ask for favor in the sight of "our lord;" but add that they will be in bondage to Pharaoh.
Israel asks Joseph to be carried out of Egypt to be buried where his fathers are buried. He also advises that Rachel is buried near Bethlehem.
You will read the term in the Old Testiment: "Gathered to my people." This term reflects the belief that individuality is lost in death: and is a statement about the movement of the deceased remains; bones, from a sarcophagus, a stone coffin literally flesh eater; to a common ossuary, literally bone box. Only with Greek influence, was it felt that individuality remained after death and with that feeling, bones were; near the time of Christ, 2nd temple times, placed in an individual ossuary.
Joseph reflects displeasure in the mixed blessing that Israel gives Joseph's children; for Jacob/Israel places his right hand on Ephraim, the second born; and his left hand on Manasseh, the first born.
Hmmmmm...This reminds us of another pair, Isaac and Esau, where the second became greater than the first.
Jacob/Isrel blesses his 12 sons.
Jacob/Israel dies in Egypt and is subsequently given a full measure of enbalming and seven days of mourning and then buried in Cannan in the field of Machpelah near Marme.
Thoughts:
What seconds are you putting first in your life, or what "pharaohs" are you serving?
Pharaoh demanded 20%, the Lord asks for 10%...What do you think about that?
Do you give a full measure in your daily activities?
Pray for the Spirit to guide you in your daily walk.
In Christ
David P
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