Genesis 47:15 And when money failed in the land of Egypt, and in the land of Canaan, all the Egyptians came unto Joseph, and said, Give us bread: for why should we die in thy presence? for the money fails. 16 And Joseph said, Give your cattle; and I will give you for your cattle, if money fail.
Now that their flocks herds and livelihoods have all gone up in smoke, the government of Egypt is in a position of strength, as far as bargaining chips go, and the prospect now rises before the multitudes, that if they are to survive they will not only have to sell their lands and properties to the state, but they will have to sell their own souls, in order to have bread.
A very similar situation took place in the days of Nehemiah when the Hebrew economy took a hit, and went into reverse gear. At that time, the people became so dependent on the government that their houses, their lands and their souls became tethered to the state, for they found themselves in the very unfortunate situation of having to turn to credit, or borrowing heavily, in order to survive.
Inflation is one of the results of a disparity in supply and demand, because whenever goods are in short supply, or scarce, their value ultimately goes up. We are now experiencing pain at the pump, because of supply shortages, and therefore, when we read in the Bible that there was a famine or dearth, all of the accompanying woes we are now experiencing were most likely present back then.
Nehemiah 5:3 Some also there were that said, We have mortgaged our lands, vineyards, and houses that we might buy corn because of the dearth. 4 There were also some that said, We have borrowed money for the king's tribute, and that upon our lands and vineyards.
May The Lord add His blessing to the study of His word. God bless!