1 It came to pass after these things that the butler and the baker of the king of Egypt offended their lord, the king of Egypt. 2 And Pharaoh was angry with his two officers, the chief butler and the chief baker. 3 So he put them in custody in the house of the captain of the guard, in the prison, the place where Joseph was confined. 4 And the captain of the guard charged Joseph with them, and he served them; so they were in custody for a while. (Genesis 40:1-4)
The butler and the baker of the king of Egypt offended their lord, the king of Egypt:
The butler was in charge of Pharaoh’s wine, and the baker was in charge of Pharaoh’s food. The specific offences aren't mentioned, but the fact that these were high-ranking officials indicates the seriousness of their crimes against Pharaoh. In ancient times, such positions held considerable responsibility, and any failure or perceived disloyalty could lead to severe punishment. it is highly probable there was a plot to murder the Pharaoh (perhaps by poisoning), and these two were suspects. They were probably there on suspicion of murder, but they were really there because God wanted them to meet Joseph.
So he put them in custody in the house of the captain of the guard:
The "house of the captain of the guard" refers back to Potiphar's house, as Potiphar is identified as the captain of the guard in Genesis 39:1. The prison was probably in Potiphar’s courtyard.
This favourable treatment of Joseph by the captain of the guard shows that Potiphar did not really believe the accusations his wife made against Joseph.
And the captain of the guard charged Joseph with them, and he served them:
Joseph's assignment to serve the butler and the baker showcases his leadership qualities and trustworthiness, even as a prisoner. Though Joseph was in prison and highly favoured, he did not use his position to get others to serve him, instead, he served them.
This mirrors Lord Jesus' teaching on servanthood and greatness in the kingdom of God.
43 Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you shall be your servant. 44 And whoever of you desires to be first shall be slave of all. 45 For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.” (Mark 10:43-45).
Then Joseph said to them, “Do not interpretations belong to God? Tell me your dreams.” (Genesis 40:8)
In analyzing your dreams, you can learn about deep secrets you may not be able to find out any other way. God can give you that special ability to interpret your dreams, just like He gave to Joseph and Daniel in the bible.
Paul the Apostle said one must pray for interpretation on tongues (1 Corinthians 14:13)
For indeed, I was stolen away from the land of the Hebrews; and also I have done nothing here that they should put me into the dungeon.” (Genesis 40:15)
Joseph did not blame his brothers or anyone for his current situation.
Lord, forgive me for the times I have blamed this one and that one for my current situation.
Joseph had plenty of opportunities to become bitter against people:
- his own brothers
- the Midianite slave traders
- Potiphar’s wife
- the chief butler who was liberated from prison but forgot him
Each time he overcame by seeing God in the struggle and viewing the offenders as instruments. Unfortunately, life will give you plenty of opportunities to be bitter at people.
Now it came to pass on the third day, which was Pharaoh's birthday, that he made a feast for all his servants; and he lifted up the head of the chief butler and of the chief baker among his servants. Then he restored the chief butler to his butlership again, and he placed the cup in Pharaoh's hand. But he hanged the chief baker, as Joseph had interpreted {their dreams} to them. Yet the chief butler did not remember Joseph but forgot him. [Genesis 40:20-23]
Isn’t it strange that you help people in their trouble and they conveniently forget about you?
Joseph helped two cellmates by interpreting their dreams. They promised him that when they got out of prison, they would put in a good word for him, but instead, they forgot about him. He was left in prison for several more years.
Don’t be discouraged when people forget the good you have done for them.
For God is not unjust to forget your work and labour of love which you have shown toward His name, in that you have ministered to the saints, and do minister. (Hebrews 6:10)
God is not unrighteous to forget your labour of love towards His people.
Chapters
- Chapter 1
- Chapter 2
- Chapter 3
- Chapter 4
- Chapter 5
- Chapter 6
- Chapter 7
- Chapter 8
- Chapter 9
- Chapter 10
- Chapter 11
- Chapter 12
- Chapter 13
- Chapter 14
- Chapter 15
- Chapter 16
- Chapter 17
- Chapter 18
- Chapter 19
- Chapter 20
- Chapter 21
- Chapter 22
- Chapter 23
- Chapter 24
- Chapter 25
- Chapter 26
- Chapter 27
- Chapter 28
- Chapter 29
- Chapter 30
- Chapter 31
- Chapter 32
- Chapter 33
- Chapter 34
- Chapter 35
- Chapter 36
- Chapter 37
- Chapter 38
- Chapter 39
- Chapter 40
- Chapter 41
- Chapter 42
- Chapter 43
- Chapter 44
- Chapter 45
- Chapter 46
- Chapter 47
- Chapter 48
- Chapter 49
- Chapter 50