Genesis 47:20-26

Early Greek writers, as well as monument evidence, seem to confirm Joseph’s political reforms and redistribution of land in Egypt. [Note: Herodotus, Diodorus Siculus, and Strabo. See Keil and Delitzsch, 1:379, and Cambridge Ancient History, 1:306-310.] In a very real sense Joseph became a savior of the Gentiles as well as the Jews. [Note: See Frankfort, pp. 36-43.] His 20 percent tax was generous compared to what is known elsewhere in the ancient Near East. [Note: Mathews, Genesis 11:27-50:26, pp. 851, 860; Sarna, Understanding Genesis, p. 322; and 1 Maccabees 10:29.]

"We might also add that the exception made to temple lands (Genesis 47:22; Genesis 47:26) shows that Joseph’s action was not a crass land grab without regard for Egyptian tradition and society’s welfare." [Note: Mathews, Genesis 11:27-50:26, p. 852.]