What does Genesis 41:35 mean?
Ancient kings ruled as gods—sometimes claiming literal divine status. Even their appointed advisors had to be careful not to overstep their roles. And yet, in this passage, an imprisoned Hebrew slave (Genesis 41:9–16) is instructing the Pharaoh of Egypt on how to run his nation (Genesis 41:33–34). Joseph's advice comes after interpreting Pharaoh's prophetic dreams (Genesis 41:25–32). Rather than simply stopping there, Joseph has continued to offer suggestions on how to react to those visions.Joseph's advice is to use the seven impending years of fertility to stockpile food, under the leadership of a wise man. This will provide a buffer to survive the seven coming years of extreme famine (Genesis 41:36). This involves imposing a kind of tax, taking 20 percent of every bumper crop to come in the following seven years. That grain should be specially designated, under the authority of Pharaoh, and not used until the famine.