Egypt was barren; the years of famine had taken their toll. The river level had dropped each succeeding year of the famine. The irrigation canals had dried up. Water had to be carried from the river to the homes.
The tributaries in the Delta were also affected; some of the minor offshoots had dried up. Areas that were once teeming with bird life and water fowl; were barely able to sustain the vastly reduced numbers.
The Grand Vizier was confident things would improve next year. The people took the seed with mixed feelings. Many were doubtful. Why should next year be any better? The seven years of famine had given most people a negative outlook. Others pointed out that what the Grand Vizier had said to Pharaoh had so far been accurate.
“We had seven very good years. Now we have had seven very bad years. The Grand Vizier kept us alive through the famine. It he is confident that things will now improve; we should also be confident.”
The fifteenth year commenced. Joseph had full confidence in his God, that they would have normal flood levels this year. With great anticipation the people watched the flood level indicators in the south of Egypt.
The news was good! River levels were back to normal. The people were jubilant! They could plant crops again. It was a common sight for people to go down to the river to watch it rise, higher and higher. The irrigation canals filled again. Water poured into the agricultural basins. What a beautiful sight!
When the flood waters receded, they planted their seed in the wet soil. Soon the tender plants appeared and the people were excited! They waited eagerly for their first harvest in many years.
Joseph moved the farmers back to their homes; they no longer owned their lands, or livestock, Pharaoh owned it. They had become tenants. One fifth of the harvests belonged to Pharaoh. The Egyptians were grateful to the Grand Vizier; he had saved them and their nation. He had also saved people in other lands from starvation. Truly, he was a great man in their sight.
The harvest was bountiful. The land near the river began to lose its barren look. Joseph set up an Administrative Bureau to oversee and collect the Harvest Tax. It was good to see smiles on people’s faces again. The economy slowly began to rebuild. Joseph continued to store the Tax grain in the State granaries. Some would be kept as a buffer against future poor harvests. The remainder would be sold, or traded for other goods.
Joseph began to release money back into circulation. He set up more trading markets. He bought excess grain from the people in exchange for money. As the economy picked up he would be able to release more money. He also traded livestock for grain, or money. It was a good year, a sign of good times ahead. People were pleased to be back in their homes; except that they were now tenants.
The following year Egypt had another good harvest. The land was recovering. The people were happy that the dreadful years of famine were over. The land of Goshen returned to its normal, fertile state. Jacob and his sons prospered in Rameses. Their herds and flocks increased remarkably in the lush conditions in Goshen. They became richer and their possessions increased. God also blessed Jacob’s sons with more children and grandchildren. Their families multiplied in Goshen.
Life in Egypt returned to its normal cycle; and the years rolled on. Joseph’s fame spread far and wide. He was known as, ‘The saviour of the world.’ A great multitude of people had been saved from starvation in the Great Famine. Joseph became a respected leader and statesman throughout the known world.
Egypt returned to its former glory and Pharaoh was exceedingly rich. Pharaoh would often reflect on his choice of Joseph as his Grand Vizier. Joseph had proved time and time again to be an inspired choice. He ruled with fairness and integrity, and was completely trustworthy. Asenath had turned out to be an excellent wife for Joseph. Nefterin’s intuition had been correct; Asenath was a definite asset to Joseph and to Egypt
Pharaoh’s life was relaxed with Joseph ruling the nation for him.