Genesis 47:22 (ESV Strong's)
Only the land of the priests he did not buy, for the priests had a fixed allowance from Pharaoh and lived on the allowance that Pharaoh gave them; therefore they did not sell their land.
Subject: Government
As the famine in the land of Egypt continued to ravish the land, it wasn't long before Pharaoh owned everything. He took the people's money, land and personhood as payment for the grain that Joseph watched over. Instead of being merciful, Pharaoh took advantage of the situation and enlarged his own station in life. This is typical of people in power and political agendas, as well. Things are not much different today. Although, the above passage shows us something about Pharaoh we wouldn't expect. Pharaoh made sure the religious leaders of the day were not taxed. Even though he taxed everyone else and took advantage of them, Pharaoh made sure that the priest were cared for. These would not be the priest of the Israel. These would have been the false priest that, eventually, Moses and Aaron will square off against during the Exodus. However, it should be noted that Pharaoh is, at this time, willing to recognize the value of "religion" in the society. This is not something many nations today value. Many of the most wicked nations squelch the spiritual world. Many corporations in our country squelch the spiritual world. Yes, these were false teachers, but it does show that government can and did recognize the spiritual needs of our lives. Today our country wants to ignore and punish those who are of faith, unless it is there approved faith. Many nations operate this way. However, it should be noted that even wicked Pharaoh, himself, was willing to make space in the tax code for his priest.
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