Bible Commentaries
Genesis 41

Introduction

Overview

Genesis 41:1, Pharaoh has two dreams; Genesis 41:9, Joseph interprets them; Genesis 41:33, He gives Pharaoh counsel, and is highly advanced, and married; Genesis 41:46, The seven years of plenty; Genesis 41:50, He begets children; Genesis 41:53, The famine begins.

Verse 1

am 2289, bc 1715

two full years: Shenathayim yamim, "two years of days," two complete solar revolutions; as a month of days is a full month. Genesis 29:14

that Pharaoh: Genesis 20:3, Genesis 37:5-10, Genesis 40:5, Judges 7:13, Judges 7:14, Esther 6:1, Job 33:15, Job 33:16, Daniel 2:1-3, Daniel 4:5-18, Daniel 7:1 - Daniel 8:27, Matthew 27:19

the river: Genesis 31:21, Exodus 1:22, Exodus 4:9, Deuteronomy 11:10, Isaiah 19:5, Ezekiel 29:3, Ezekiel 29:9

Reciprocal: Genesis 12:15 - princes Genesis 31:24 - dream Genesis 41:17 - General

Verse 2

there came: Genesis 41:17-27

a meadow: Or, rather, "on, or among the reeds or sedges;" for so achoo is generally supposed to denote - see note on Job 8:11, so called, according to Mr. Parkhurst, from its fitness for making ropes, or the like, to connect or join things together, from achah, to join, connect. Thus the Latin juncus, a bulrush, a jungendo, from joining, for the same reason. He supposes it to be that sort of reed growing near the Nile which Hasselquist describes as "having scarce any branches, but numerous leaves, which are narrow, smooth, channelled on the upper surface, and the plant about eleven feet high. The Egyptians make ropes of the leaves.

Reciprocal: Genesis 41:26 - are

Verse 3

ill favoured: Genesis 41:4, Genesis 41:20, Genesis 41:21

Reciprocal: Genesis 41:54 - the seven Deuteronomy 17:1 - sheep

Verse 4

So Pharaoh awoke: 1 Kings 3:15

Reciprocal: Genesis 41:3 - ill favoured Genesis 41:54 - the seven Deuteronomy 17:1 - sheep

Verse 5

seven ears: A species of wheat, which grows in Egypt, bears, when perfect, seven ears on one stalk, as its natural conformation. It differs from ours in having a solid stem, or at least a stem full of pith, in order to yield sufficient nourishment and support to so great a weight as the ears which it bears.

rank: Heb. fat, Deuteronomy 32:14

Reciprocal: Genesis 41:26 - are

Verse 6

blasted: Ezekiel 17:10, Ezekiel 19:12, Hosea 13:15

Reciprocal: Genesis 41:23 - thin Genesis 41:54 - the seven Exodus 10:13 - east wind

Verse 7

a dream: Genesis 20:3, Genesis 37:5

Reciprocal: Genesis 41:54 - the seven 1 Kings 3:15 - awoke Daniel 4:6 - to bring

Verse 8

his spirit: Genesis 40:6, Daniel 2:1-3, Daniel 4:5, Daniel 4:19, Daniel 5:6, Daniel 7:28, Daniel 8:27, Habakkuk 3:16

the magicians of Egypt: The word here used (chartummim) may mean no more than interpreters of abstruse or difficult subjects; especially of dreams and visions, which formed a considerable part of the ancient pagan religion; and the Egyptian priests were the first who professed this art. The word may be of affinity with, or derived from, the Persian chiradmand, wise, learned, judicious, intelligent, from chirad, understanding, judgment, and mand, endowed with. They seem to have been such persons as Josephus calls sacred scribes; or professors of sacred learning. Exodus 7:11, Exodus 7:22, Exodus 8:7, Exodus 8:18, Exodus 8:19, Exodus 9:11, Leviticus 19:31, Leviticus 20:6, Deuteronomy 18:9-14, Isaiah 8:19, Isaiah 19:3, Isaiah 29:14, Isaiah 47:12, Isaiah 47:13, Daniel 1:20, Daniel 2:2, Daniel 4:7, Daniel 5:7, Daniel 5:11, Acts 17:18

the wise men: Matthew 2:1, Acts 7:22

but there: Genesis 40:8, Job 5:12, Job 5:13, Psalms 25:14, Isaiah 19:11-13, Isaiah 29:14, Daniel 2:4-11, Daniel 2:27, Daniel 2:28, Daniel 5:8, 1 Corinthians 1:19, 1 Corinthians 3:18-20

Reciprocal: Genesis 41:24 - I told this 1 Samuel 6:2 - called Esther 6:13 - said his wise Job 7:14 - thou scarest Daniel 1:17 - Daniel had understanding Daniel 4:6 - to bring Daniel 4:18 - forasmuch Daniel 7:15 - the visions

Verse 9

I do remember: Genesis 40:1-3, Genesis 40:14, Genesis 40:23

Reciprocal: Genesis 39:20 - the king's Genesis 41:15 - I have heard Genesis 42:21 - they said Nehemiah 1:11 - For I was Matthew 5:23 - rememberest James 5:16 - Confess

Verse 10

Pharaoh: Genesis 39:20, Genesis 40:2, Genesis 40:3

captain: Genesis 37:36

Reciprocal: Genesis 42:17 - ward James 5:16 - Confess

Verse 11

Genesis 40:5-8

Reciprocal: Genesis 40:22 - he hanged Judges 7:15 - interpretation thereof Psalms 105:19 - his word Daniel 5:11 - a man

Verse 12

servant: Genesis 37:36, Genesis 39:1, Genesis 39:20

interpreted: Genesis 40:12-19

Reciprocal: Genesis 14:13 - the Genesis 40:15 - the Hebrews Acts 7:10 - gave Philippians 3:5 - an

Verse 13

me he restored: Genesis 40:12, Genesis 40:20-22, Jeremiah 1:10, Ezekiel 43:3

Reciprocal: Genesis 40:19 - hang thee

Verse 14

sent: 1 Samuel 2:7, 1 Samuel 2:8, Psalms 105:19-22, Psalms 113:7, Psalms 113:8

and they brought him hastily: Heb. made him run, Exodus 10:16, 1 Samuel 2:8, Psalms 113:7, Psalms 113:8, Daniel 2:25

he shaved: 2 Samuel 19:24, 2 Kings 25:29, Esther 4:1-4, Esther 5:1, Isaiah 61:3, Isaiah 61:10, Jeremiah 52:32, Jeremiah 52:33

Reciprocal: Genesis 39:20 - into the prison Psalms 105:20 - General Ecclesiastes 4:14 - For out

Verse 15

I have heard: Genesis 41:9-13, Psalms 25:14, Daniel 5:12, Daniel 5:16

that thou canst understand a dream to interpret it: or, when thou hearest a dream, thou canst interpret it

Reciprocal: Genesis 40:8 - Do not 2 Chronicles 26:5 - had Ecclesiastes 8:1 - who knoweth Daniel 2:3 - General Daniel 2:26 - Art Daniel 4:9 - tell Daniel 4:18 - forasmuch

Verse 16

It is not: Genesis 40:8, Numbers 12:6, 2 Kings 6:27, Daniel 2:18-23, Daniel 2:28-30, Daniel 2:47, Daniel 4:2, Acts 3:7, Acts 3:12, Acts 14:14, Acts 14:15, 1 Corinthians 15:10, 2 Corinthians 3:5

peace: Genesis 37:14, Luke 19:42

Reciprocal: Genesis 40:22 - he hanged Genesis 41:25 - God Genesis 41:28 - What God Genesis 41:39 - General Genesis 43:27 - welfare Numbers 20:10 - we fetch Ecclesiastes 8:1 - who knoweth Daniel 2:22 - revealeth Daniel 2:30 - this secret Zechariah 4:5 - No Acts 27:10 - I perceive James 1:17 - good

Verse 17

Genesis 41:1-7

Reciprocal: Genesis 41:2 - there came

Verse 18

Jeremiah 24:1-3, Jeremiah 24:5, Jeremiah 24:8

Reciprocal: Isaiah 30:23 - thy cattle

Verse 19

Reciprocal: Deuteronomy 17:1 - sheep

Verse 20

Reciprocal: Genesis 34:19 - honourable Genesis 41:3 - ill favoured

Verse 21

eaten them up: Heb. come to the inward parts of them, Ezekiel 3:3, Revelation 10:9, Revelation 10:10

still: Psalms 37:19, Isaiah 9:20

Reciprocal: Genesis 41:3 - ill favoured Genesis 41:30 - shall be

Verse 23

withered: or, small

thin: Genesis 41:6, 2 Kings 19:26, Psalms 129:6, Psalms 129:7, Hosea 8:7, Hosea 9:16, Hosea 13:15

blasted: All the mischief done to corn or fruit by blasting, smutting, mildew, etc. are attributed to the east wind - see parallel passages. In Egypt it is peculiarly destructive, because it comes through the parched deserts of Arabia, often destroying vast numbers of people. The destructive nature of the Sam, Simoom, Smoom, or Samiel, is mentioned by almost all travellers. When this pestilential wind advances, its approach is indicated by a redness in the air. The principal stream of the blast always moves in a line of about 20 yards in breadth, and 12 feet above the surface of the earth; but its parching influence pervades all places to a considerable distance. The only means of preservation from its noxious influence is to lie flat, with the face upon the ground, till the blast be over. Camels and other animals instinctively perceive its approach, and bury their mouths and nostrils in the ground. It rarely last more than seven or eight minutes, but so poisonous are its effects, that it instantly suffocates those who are unfortunate enough to inhale it.

Verse 24

I told this: Genesis 41:8, Exodus 8:19, Daniel 4:7

Verse 25

God: Genesis 41:16, Exodus 9:14, Joshua 11:6, Psalms 98:2, Isaiah 41:22, Isaiah 41:23, Isaiah 43:9, Daniel 2:28, Daniel 2:29, Daniel 2:45, Daniel 2:47, Amos 3:7, Matthew 24:40, Mark 13:23, Ephesians 1:17, Revelation 4:1

Reciprocal: Genesis 37:9 - another dream Genesis 40:12 - This Genesis 41:28 - What God Genesis 41:39 - General Numbers 22:9 - God 2 Kings 8:1 - the Lord Psalms 105:16 - Moreover Psalms 105:19 - his word Daniel 2:22 - revealeth

Verse 26

are: or, signify, Genesis 41:2, Genesis 41:5, Genesis 41:29, Genesis 41:47, Genesis 41:53, Genesis 40:18, Exodus 12:11, 1 Corinthians 10:4

good ears are seven: Genesis 40:12

the dream is one: Genesis 2:24, Exodus 26:6, 1 John 5:7

Reciprocal: Isaiah 30:23 - thy cattle Mark 14:22 - this Luke 22:19 - is my

Verse 27

seven years of famine: 2 Samuel 24:19, 2 Kings 8:1

Reciprocal: Genesis 41:30 - seven years Genesis 41:54 - the seven Genesis 47:23 - here is seed Luke 22:19 - is my

Verse 28

What God: Genesis 41:16, Genesis 41:25

Reciprocal: Genesis 41:39 - General 2 Kings 8:1 - the Lord Daniel 2:45 - the great

Verse 29

Genesis 41:26, Genesis 41:46, Genesis 41:49

Reciprocal: Genesis 41:53 - General Genesis 45:6 - two years

Verse 30

seven years: Genesis 41:27, Genesis 41:54, 2 Samuel 24:13, 1 Kings 17:1, 2 Kings 8:1, Luke 4:25, James 5:17

shall be: Genesis 41:21, Genesis 41:51, Proverbs 31:7, Isaiah 65:16

consume: Genesis 47:13, Psalms 105:16

Reciprocal: Genesis 41:36 - perish not Lamentations 3:17 - I forgat Acts 11:28 - great

Verse 31

the plenty: It is well known, that in Egypt there is scarcely any rain, the country depending for its fertility upon the overflowing of the Nile; and that the fertility is in proportion to the duration and quality of the overflow, in order to saturate the land and prepare for the seed. Pliny has given a scale, by which the plenty or dearth may be ascertained; which may be considered as perfectly correct. The ordinary height of the inundations is 16 cubits. When the waters are lower than this standard, they do not overflow the whole ground; when above this standard they are too long in running off. In the first case, the ground is not saturated; by the second, the waters are detained so long on the ground that seed-time is lost. The province marks both. If it rise only 12 cubits, a famine is the consequence; at 13 hunger prevails; 14 produces general rejoicing; 15 perfect security; and 16 all the luxuries of life.

grievous: Heb. heavy, 1 Samuel 5:6, Isaiah 24:20

Reciprocal: Genesis 47:13 - so that Acts 11:28 - great

Verse 32

doubled: Genesis 37:7, Genesis 37:9, Job 33:14, Job 33:15, 2 Corinthians 13:1

it is because: Numbers 23:19, Isaiah 14:24-27, Isaiah 46:10, Isaiah 46:11, Matthew 24:35

established by: or, prepared of, Isaiah 30:33, Matthew 25:34, Matthew 25:41, Mark 10:40, 1 Corinthians 2:9, Revelation 9:15

Reciprocal: 2 Kings 8:1 - the Lord Jeremiah 1:13 - the second time Daniel 2:45 - the great Daniel 10:1 - and the Acts 10:16 - thrice Revelation 22:6 - which

Verse 33

therefore: Daniel 4:27

look out: Exodus 18:19-22, Deuteronomy 1:13, Acts 6:3

Reciprocal: Genesis 41:39 - General Genesis 45:16 - it pleased Pharaoh well Psalms 105:22 - teach Ecclesiastes 4:14 - For out Ecclesiastes 9:17 - General Ecclesiastes 10:10 - wisdom

Verse 34

officers: or, overseers, Numbers 31:14, 2 Kings 11:11, 2 Kings 11:12, 2 Chronicles 34:12, Nehemiah 11:9

and take: Job 5:20, Psalms 33:19, Proverbs 6:6-8, Proverbs 22:3, Proverbs 27:12, Luke 16:5

Reciprocal: Genesis 41:48 - General Genesis 47:24 - the fifth part

Verse 35

gather: Genesis 41:48, Genesis 41:49, Genesis 41:56, Genesis 45:6, Genesis 45:7

hand: Exodus 4:13

Verse 36

that the: Genesis 47:13-25

perish not: Heb. be not cut off, Genesis 41:30

Verse 37

the thing: Psalms 105:19, Proverbs 10:20, Proverbs 25:11, Acts 7:10

good: Joshua 22:30, 2 Samuel 3:36, 1 Kings 21:2

Reciprocal: Esther 1:21 - pleased the king Acts 6:5 - the saying

Verse 38

in whom: Numbers 27:18, Job 32:8, Daniel 4:6, Daniel 4:8, Daniel 4:18, Daniel 5:11, Daniel 5:14, Daniel 6:3

Reciprocal: Exodus 7:11 - wise men 2 Chronicles 26:5 - had Psalms 105:22 - teach Proverbs 11:11 - the blessing Proverbs 16:20 - handleth Proverbs 24:26 - shall Ecclesiastes 8:1 - who knoweth Isaiah 19:11 - I am Isaiah 28:6 - for a spirit Daniel 4:9 - the spirit Acts 6:3 - full Acts 11:28 - great Acts 27:10 - I perceive 1 Corinthians 12:8 - is given Ephesians 1:17 - the spirit 2 Timothy 2:7 - and James 1:17 - good James 3:17 - the wisdom

Verse 39

Genesis 41:16, Genesis 41:25, Genesis 41:28, Genesis 41:33

Reciprocal: Genesis 45:8 - father Exodus 7:11 - wise men 2 Kings 8:10 - the Lord Job 32:8 - the inspiration Proverbs 6:32 - lacketh Proverbs 12:8 - commended Proverbs 22:11 - the king Ecclesiastes 8:1 - who knoweth Isaiah 19:11 - I am Isaiah 28:6 - for a spirit Daniel 2:11 - and there Daniel 2:47 - a revealer Daniel 2:48 - a great Acts 6:3 - full Acts 27:10 - I perceive 1 Corinthians 12:8 - is given Ephesians 1:17 - the spirit 2 Timothy 2:7 - and James 1:17 - good James 3:17 - the wisdom

Verse 40

Thou shalt: Genesis 39:4-6, Genesis 45:8, Genesis 45:9, Genesis 45:26, Psalms 105:21, Psalms 105:22, Proverbs 22:29, Daniel 2:46-48, Daniel 5:29, Daniel 6:3

be ruled: Heb. be armed, or kiss, 1 Samuel 10:1, Job 31:27, Psalms 2:12

Reciprocal: Genesis 41:55 - Go unto Genesis 42:6 - governor Genesis 44:18 - as Pharaoh 1 Samuel 2:8 - set them 1 Kings 18:3 - the governor of his house Esther 3:1 - above all the princes Job 29:25 - chose out Job 36:7 - with

Verse 41

Genesis 41:44, Genesis 39:5, Genesis 39:22, Esther 10:3, Proverbs 17:2, Proverbs 22:29, Daniel 2:7, Daniel 2:8, Daniel 4:2, Daniel 4:3, Daniel 6:3, Matthew 28:18, Philippians 2:9-11

Reciprocal: Genesis 39:4 - overseer Genesis 41:55 - Go unto Genesis 42:6 - governor Psalms 113:8 - General

Verse 42

his ring: Esther 3:10, Esther 3:12, Esther 6:7-12, Esther 8:2, Esther 8:8, Esther 8:10, Esther 8:15, Esther 10:3, Daniel 2:46, Daniel 2:47, Daniel 5:7, Daniel 5:29, Luke 15:22

fine linen: or, silk, Ezekiel 27:7

a gold chain: Proverbs 1:9, Proverbs 31:22, Proverbs 31:24, Song of Solomon 1:10, Ezekiel 16:10, Ezekiel 16:11, Daniel 5:7, Daniel 5:16, Daniel 5:29, Luke 19:16-19

Reciprocal: Exodus 25:4 - fine linen 1 Samuel 18:4 - stripped himself 1 Kings 10:28 - and linen yarn 2 Kings 25:29 - changed Isaiah 3:21 - rings Isaiah 3:23 - fine linen Isaiah 22:21 - clothe Jeremiah 52:33 - changed

Verse 43

and they: Esther 6:8, Esther 6:9

Bow the knee: or, Tender father, Genesis 45:8, Heb. Abrech, Philippians 2:10

ruler: Genesis 42:6, Genesis 42:30, Genesis 42:33, Genesis 45:8, Genesis 45:26, Acts 7:10

Reciprocal: Genesis 46:29 - his chariot Genesis 50:9 - chariots 2 Samuel 20:26 - chief ruler 1 Kings 1:33 - to ride 2 Kings 5:13 - My father 2 Chronicles 28:7 - next to the king 2 Chronicles 35:24 - the second Esther 3:2 - bowed Psalms 2:12 - Kiss Isaiah 22:21 - clothe

Verse 44

lift up his hand: Exodus 11:7

Reciprocal: Genesis 41:41 - General Genesis 44:18 - as Pharaoh Esther 10:3 - next unto king Psalms 2:12 - Kiss Isaiah 22:24 - hang John 3:35 - and

Verse 45

Zaphnathpaaneah: Which in Coptic signifies a revealer of secrets, or, the man to whom secrets are revealed. Jerome says this name signified in Egyptian, Savatorem mundi, "the Saviour of the world;" and Psotem-phaneh, in Coptic, is certainly "salvation of the world," from CT, for ףשפחסיב [Strong's G4991], salvation, em, the sign of the genitive case, and , world. If this interpretation be correct, Pharaoh must have meant Egypt by the world, or which Joseph might be justly termed the Saviour. We know that the Romans called their empire Universis Orbis-Orbis Terrarum, "all the world:" the Chinese say the same of their empire at the present day, and the phrase is used in the East: Nadir Shah is described on his coins as "Conqueror of the World," i.e., Persia. See the same phraseology applied to Syria, Palestine, etc. Luke 2:1, Acts 11:28

priest of: or, prince, Genesis 14:18, Exodus 2:16, *marg. 2 Samuel 8:18, 2 Samuel 20:26, *Heb:

On: Genesis 46:20, Ezekiel 30:17, Aven

Reciprocal: Genesis 41:50 - Asenath Genesis 47:22 - of the priests Genesis 47:25 - Thou hast Numbers 12:1 - married 1 Kings 11:19 - that he gave 2 Kings 23:34 - turned Isaiah 22:24 - hang Daniel 1:7 - gave names

Verse 46

years: Genesis 37:2, Numbers 4:3, 2 Samuel 5:4, Luke 3:23

he stood: 1 Samuel 16:21, 1 Kings 12:6, 1 Kings 12:8, Proverbs 22:29, Daniel 1:19, Luke 21:36, Jude 1:24

Reciprocal: Genesis 41:29 - General Exodus 7:7 - General 1 Samuel 16:16 - before thee Daniel 1:5 - stand

Verse 47

From am 2289, bc 1715, to am 2296, bc 1708, handfuls. Genesis 26:12, Psalms 72:16

Reciprocal: Genesis 41:26 - are Leviticus 25:21 - I will Isaiah 30:23 - thy cattle Luke 12:16 - The ground

Verse 48

Genesis 41:34-36, Genesis 47:21

Reciprocal: Genesis 41:35 - gather 1 Chronicles 27:25 - the storehouses

Verse 49

Genesis 22:17, Judges 6:5, Judges 7:12, 1 Samuel 13:5, Job 1:3, Psalms 78:27, Jeremiah 33:22

Reciprocal: Genesis 41:29 - General Genesis 41:35 - gather 1 Kings 4:29 - as the sand Job 29:18 - as the sand Habakkuk 1:9 - they shall gather

Verse 50

unto Joseph: Genesis 46:20, Genesis 48:5

Asenath: Genesis 41:45, Genesis 46:20

priest: or, prince, 2 Samuel 8:18

Reciprocal: Genesis 47:22 - of the priests Genesis 48:1 - his two sons Isaiah 24:2 - priest

Verse 51

called: am 2292, bc 1712, Genesis 48:5, Genesis 48:13, Genesis 48:14, Genesis 48:18-20, Deuteronomy 33:17

Manasseh: i.e. Forgetting, Genesis 41:30, Psalms 45:10, Isaiah 57:16

forget: Psalms 30:5, Psalms 30:11, Proverbs 31:7, Isaiah 65:16

Reciprocal: Genesis 16:11 - because Numbers 1:34 - Manasseh Numbers 26:28 - General Joshua 17:1 - the firstborn 1 Samuel 1:20 - when the time was come about 1 Chronicles 5:18 - Manasseh Job 11:16 - Because Psalms 127:3 - children Ezekiel 48:4 - Manasseh

Verse 52

am 2293, bc 1711

called he: Genesis 29:32-35, Genesis 30:6-13, Genesis 50:23

Ephraim: i.e. Fruitful, Genesis 48:16-19, Genesis 49:22, Isaiah 40:1, Isaiah 40:2

the land: Psalms 105:17, Psalms 105:18, Amos 6:6, Acts 7:10

Reciprocal: Genesis 16:11 - because Genesis 26:22 - be fruitful Genesis 28:3 - and make Numbers 26:28 - General 1 Samuel 1:20 - when the time was come about Psalms 127:3 - children Hosea 9:11 - their Hosea 13:15 - he be

Verse 53

am 2296, bc 1708, Genesis 41:29-31, Psalms 73:20, Luke 16:25

Reciprocal: Genesis 41:26 - are

Verse 54

the seven: Genesis 41:3, Genesis 41:4, Genesis 41:6, Genesis 41:7, Genesis 41:27, Genesis 45:11, Psalms 105:16, Acts 7:11

according: Genesis 41:30

and the dearth: Genesis 42:2, Genesis 42:5, Genesis 42:6, Genesis 43:1, Genesis 45:11, Genesis 47:13

Reciprocal: Genesis 41:57 - in all lands Genesis 42:1 - when Jacob Genesis 45:6 - two years

Verse 55

famished: 2 Kings 6:25-29, Jeremiah 14:1-6, Lamentations 4:3-10

Go unto: Genesis 41:40, Genesis 41:41, Psalms 105:20-22, Matthew 3:17, Matthew 17:5, John 1:14-16, Philippians 4:19, Colossians 1:19

Reciprocal: Genesis 42:6 - he it was Esther 3:1 - above all the princes Psalms 105:21 - made John 3:35 - and

Verse 56

the face: Isaiah 23:17, Zechariah 5:3, Luke 21:35, Acts 17:26

all the storehouses: Heb. all wherein was

sold: Genesis 42:6, Genesis 47:14-24

Reciprocal: Genesis 41:35 - gather Genesis 41:57 - in all lands Genesis 42:19 - carry corn Genesis 45:6 - two years

Verse 57

all countries: Genesis 42:1, Genesis 42:5, Genesis 50:20, Deuteronomy 9:28, Psalms 105:16, Psalms 105:17

in all lands: Genesis 41:54, Genesis 41:56

Reciprocal: Genesis 28:12 - he dreamed 2 Samuel 21:1 - a famine Nehemiah 5:2 - we take up corn