And Joseph made it a law over the land of Egypt unto this day, that Pharaoh should have the fifth part; except the land of the priests only, which became not Pharaoh's.
Read Chapter 47
George Leo Haydock
AD 1849
This day. When Moses wrote, and long after, as we learn from Josephus, St. Clement of Alexandria, Diodorus (Calmet)
Let people of today take heed of the extent of the privilege enjoyed in antiquity by priests serving idols and learn a lesson to show at least equal regard for those entrusted with the service of the God of all …. You see, it is not for [the priest’s] sake that you ought take pains but for him who is the object of the priest’s service, and so you will gain reward from him in generous measure. Hence Jesus also said, “When you do it to one of these, you do it to me,” and, “Whoever receives a prophet in the name of a prophet will receive a prophet’s reward.” … As the respect shown for their sake wins us much confidence (he takes to himself, you see, what is done to his servants), so too neglect of them brings upon us heavy condemnation from above. I mean, as he takes to himself respect for them, so too contempt of them. Realizing this, let us never neglect attention to the priests of God. I say this not to set such store by them as by your love, and out of a wish for you to be advantaged ...
