There are frequent reports that farmers have to dump their produce in the open ground or on the National Highways. Because the price in the market is below the cost of production. Perishable products that cannot be stored with modern technology are dumped by hapless farmers. (The Hindu, 17 June 2026) God taught Pharaoh of the Egyptian empire how to handle surplus and scarcity through dreams and interpretations given by His servant Joseph. The principles are relevant for the governance of any nation.
Pharaoh’s dream: The Egyptian Pharaoh had a dream, which was a revelation from God. The first. Pharaoh was standing on the shores of the Nile. Seven cows who were fat was grazing the green field. Then came seven ugly, thin cows, which came and devoured the first seven. Second, he saw seven healthy heads full of grain growing in a single stalk, followed by seven heads of grain thin and scorched by the East wind. The thin heads swallowed up the healthy heads of grain. Neither Pharaoh nor his wise men were able to understand the meaning of the dream. (Genesis 41:1-8))
Joseph Remembered: Joseph was forgotten by all, including his family. Fellow prisoners who went out and beneficiary of his interpretation of dreams forgot him. The cupbearer of Pharaoh remembered him after two years when the palace court was discussing and debating the interpretation of a dream. He told Pharaoh about Joseph. (Genesis 41:9-13)
Summoned by Pharaoh: Joseph was immediately summoned to the court of Pharaoh. Joseph said that both dreams indicated the same. There would be seven years of surplus and seven years of scarcity. Joseph advised Pharaoh to recruit and appoint a wise man who could collect, store in the years of surplus, and distribute during the time of scarcity.
Principles: First, the rulers should know and discern the realities. There could be surplus and scarcity. Second, be prepared by storing the surplus. Do not waste or allow them to perish. Third, distribute the stored grains during famine. Fourth, distribute without discrimination, so that only Jacob and his descendants were preserved.
Do I understand the God of governance?