How Did Joseph Arrange for His Family’s Survival During the Famine?
Joseph’s wise leadership during the famine is one of the most remarkable examples of strategic planning, family loyalty, and divine providence in the Bible. When the seven years of famine struck Egypt and the surrounding lands—just as Joseph had predicted—the entire region faced severe hardship. Yet Joseph ensured not only Egypt’s stability but also the safety and prosperity of his own family. His actions preserved the line of Israel and advanced God’s covenant promises.
Below is a detailed look at how Joseph arranged for his family to survive during this critical time.
1. Joseph’s God-Given Preparation During the Years of Plenty
Joseph’s planning began long before his family ever came to Egypt.
Storing Grain in Abundance
During the seven years of plenty, Joseph:
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Collected one-fifth (20%) of the harvest from all Egypt (Genesis 41:34–36).
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Stored grain in every city, making distribution practical during famine.
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Gathered such a massive amount that the grain was described as being “beyond measure” (Genesis 41:49).
This preparation ensured Egypt had more than enough supply to survive the famine and become a refuge for neighboring nations—including Joseph’s own family in Canaan.
2. Joseph Provided Food to His Brothers During Their Initial Visits
When Jacob sent his sons to Egypt to purchase food, they unknowingly stood before Joseph. Even before revealing his identity, Joseph:
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Sold them grain at a fair price
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Returned their money secretly
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Ensured they had enough food for their journey and their families
Though his tests focused on their character, he never allowed them to starve.
3. Joseph Revealed Himself and Personally Invited His Family to Egypt
Once Joseph revealed his identity, he immediately took action to secure his family’s survival.
Pharaoh’s and Joseph’s Invitation
Joseph instructed his brothers:
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“Hurry back to my father” (Genesis 45:9)
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Bring their families, flocks, and belongings
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Move to Egypt where Joseph could provide for them directly
Pharaoh supported the plan and offered:
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The best of the land
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Wagons for transportation
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Provisions for the journey
This combined effort ensured the family would travel safely and arrive with dignity.
4. Giving Them the Best Land in Egypt: The Land of Goshen
Joseph settled his family in Goshen, a fertile region ideal for shepherds.
Why Goshen?
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Rich pastureland perfect for raising livestock
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Separated from Egyptians, who disliked shepherds
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Strategic location, near Joseph’s administrative center
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Highly fertile, even during famine because of the Nile Delta
This land secured ongoing food, space to grow, and protection from Egyptian cultural pressures.
5. Joseph Provided Food and Resources for His Entire Family
Genesis 47:12 describes Joseph’s care:
“Joseph provided his father, his brothers, and all his father’s household with food, according to the number of their children.”
This meant:
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Regular rations, not just emergency relief
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Food distributed equitably by family size
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Consistent supply throughout the remaining years of famine
His provision was organized, systematic, and generous.
6. Joseph Ensured Economic and Physical Stability
Beyond food, Joseph safeguarded his family’s long-term well-being.
They Were Protected Under Egyptian Law
Because of Joseph’s position as second-in-command:
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His family enjoyed royal protection
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They were exempt from the hardships that many Egyptians faced
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They continued shepherding without interference
Security During a Time of Crisis
While Egyptians gradually sold:
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Their money
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Their livestock
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Their land
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Even themselves into service
Joseph’s family retained their possessions, land, and freedom. They prospered while the rest of Egypt struggled.
7. Joseph Used His Influence Wisely and Unselfishly
Joseph had enormous power in Egypt, yet he used it not for selfish gain but to:
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Preserve God’s chosen family
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Fulfill God’s promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob
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Keep his family fed, united, and protected
His leadership combined:
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Administrative skill
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Compassion
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Faithfulness to God
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Loyalty to his family
Conclusion
Joseph arranged for his family’s survival during the famine through a remarkable combination of divine guidance and wise leadership. From storing grain in abundance to securing the land of Goshen and providing ongoing food for every family member, Joseph ensured that the house of Israel not only survived but thrived during the crisis.
Through Joseph’s actions:
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God’s covenant people were preserved
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The family remained united
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They grew into a nation during their time in Egypt
Joseph’s foresight and faithfulness remain a powerful example of how God can use one person to preserve many lives.