John Calvin Commentary Genesis 47:20

"So Joseph bought all the land of Egypt for Pharaoh; for the Egyptians sold every man his field, because the famine was sore upon them: and the land became Pharaoh`s." — Genesis 47:20 (ASV)

And Joseph bought all the land. Anyone might suppose it to be the height of cruel and inexplicable avarice, that Joseph should take away from the miserable farmers, the very fields by whose produce they nourished the kingdom. But I have before shown that unless every kind of purchase is to be condemned, there is no reason why Joseph should be blamed.

If anyone should say that he abused their poverty, this alone would be sufficient for his excuse: that no deceit of his, no deception, no force, no threats, had reduced the Egyptians to this necessity. He transacted the king’s business with equal fidelity and industry, and fulfilled the duties of his office without resorting to violent edicts.

When the famine became urgent, it was lawful to offer wheat for sale, to both the rich and the poor: afterwards it was not less lawful to buy the cattle; and now, at last, why should it not be lawful to acquire the land for the king at a just price?

To this may be added, that he extorted nothing, but entered into an agreement with them at their own request. I confess, indeed, that it is not right to take whatever may be offered indiscriminately: for if severe necessity presses, then anyone who wishes to escape it by any means will submit to harsh conditions.

Therefore, when anyone thus invites us to defraud him, we are not, by his necessities, made excusable. But I do not defend Joseph solely on the ground that the Egyptians voluntarily offered him their lands, as people who were ready to purchase life at any price; but I say, this also ought to be considered: that he acted with equity, even though he left them nothing.

The terms would have been more severe if they themselves had been consigned to perpetual slavery; but he now grants them personal liberty, and only makes an agreement for their fields, which, perhaps, most of the people had bought from the poor. If he had stripped of their clothing those whom he was feeding with grain, this would have been to put them to death indirectly and slowly.

For what difference does it make whether I compel a man to die by hunger or by cold? But Joseph so helps the Egyptians that in the future they would be free and able to obtain a moderate subsistence by their labor. For though they might have to change their homes, yet they are all made stewards for the king: and Joseph restores to them not only the lands but also the tools he had bought.

From this it appears that he had used what mercy he was able, in order to relieve them. Meanwhile, let those who are too intent on wealth beware lest they falsely use Joseph’s example as an excuse: because it is certain that all contracts which are not formed according to the rule of charity are sinful in the sight of God; and that we ought, according to that equity which is inwardly dictated to us by a natural instinct, so to act towards others as we wish to be treated ourselves.