f is a blessing to the Egyptians, Joseph saves Egypt and its surrounding nations, from death and starvation. Joseph prophesizes that there will be "seven years of abundanceAfter them will come seven years of famine" (Genesis 41:29), and proposes that someone be in charge of gathering food to be used during the famine. Though Joseph is an Israelite, Pharoah puts him in charge of the life-saving task. Just as Joseph foretells, " There was famine in the land, but throughout the land of Egypt there was breadSo all the world came to Joseph in Egypt to procure rations" (41:54, 57). In the above quotation, Joseph is portrayed as a godlike figure who saves the world from starvation, thus proving himself to be a blessing to the Egyptians and Canaanites. In addition to these cases, in which a named group of people (Pharaoh's courtiers, Rahab, the Gibeonites) are enlightened to Yahweh's existence, there are other instances in which unnamed groups of citizens proves Israel to be a blessing. As Israel finally departs from Egypt, the author describes how there are " about six thousand men on foot, aside from children. Moreover, a mixed multitude went up with them" (Exodus 12:37-38). The author specifically mentions that "a mixed multitude," which is understood to mean non-Israelites, joins the Israelites and recognizes Yahweh as God. In I Samuel, Israel is at conflict with the Philistines and has suffered a defeat because the Ark of the Lord is in Shiloh and not with the Israelites. Upon hearing Israel's joyous shouts, the Philistines become " frightened" and question, " God has come to the campWho will save us from the power of this mighty God" (4:7-8)? The inhabitants of other nations previously refer to Yahweh, as " the God of Israel" or "the God of the Hebrews." However, in this quotation, the Philistines refer to Yahweh as if they are speaking of their own god, by omitting a distinction of whom He rules. After Israel captures Edom, " all the E...
