Moreover he called for a famine upon the land: he brake the whole staff of bread.
-The circumstances leading to the bringing of the heirs of the promise into Egypt. The Providence of God, so far from allowing the promise to come to nought through this, overruled it to become the very means of accomplishing it (Genesis 45:5, end; 50:20, "As for you, ye thought evil against me, but God meant it unto good").
Verse 16. Moreover he called for a famine (cf. Haggai 1:11) - as a master calls for a servant ready to do his bidding. On the contrary, God says, Ezekiel 36:29, "I will call for the corn, and will increase it, and lay no famine upon you." Compare the centurion's words as to sickness being Christ's servant, ready to come or go at His call (Matthew 8:8-9).
Upon the land - Canaan, as well as Egypt, (Genesis 41:54-55; Genesis 42:1-38.)
He brake the whole staff of bread - (Genesis 41:56.) As a staff supports one's body, so bread sustains and 'strengthens' life (Psalms 104:15, end; Leviticus 26:26; Isaiah 3:1; Ezekiel 4:16).
Verse 17. He sent a man before them, even Joseph, who was sold for a servant. As Israel in Egypt is elect people.