The Torah details Joseph’s administrative work. As people come from across Egypt and Canaan to buy bread, Joseph amasses great wealth for Pharaoh. When the people run out of money for food, he accepts livestock as payment. When even that is diminished, he takes their land in payment, allowing them to continue living as serfs to Pharaoh. He resettles the residents of the land, with the exception of the priests, and distributes grain for the people to plant, demanding that they give Pharaoh one fifth of everything they grow in exchange for living off the land. The people are grateful to Pharaoh and to Joseph, for his actions save their lives. The portion closes with the statement that the Children of Israel settle in Goshen, gain wealth and multiply greatly.
Virtual Classroom Discussion
Why do you think Joseph resettles the residents across the country?