The whole passage is an eye-opener to be honest!
A downward spiral in which the people surrendered their assets and their liberties in order to be kept alive. I wonder if Joseph overstepped his remi...
Lots to ponder alright... that God warned of a black swan but nothing more ... that, presumably, not many heeded and prepared likewise--or merely trusted the state ... One point that is not clear is what the original tax rate was before Joseph began collecting the 20% ...