The Butler and the Baker
Gen 40:1 And it came to pass after these things, that the butler of the king of Egypt and his baker had offended their lord the king of Egypt.
Sounds like the king was not happy with his food and drink, for some reason.
Gen 40:2 And Pharaoh was wroth against two of his officers, against the chief of the butlers, and against the chief of the bakers.
Gen 40:3 And he put them in ward in the house of the captain of the guard, into the prison, the place where Joseph was bound.
Who is the captain of the guard? Potiphar, it was Potiphar who showed Joseph grace in the prison.
Gen 40:4 And the captain of the guard charged Joseph with them, and he served them: and they continued a season in ward.
Gen 40:5 And they dreamed a dream both of them, each man his dream in one night, each man according to the interpretation of his dream, the butler and the baker of the king of Egypt, which were bound in the prison.
Gen 40:6 And Joseph came in unto them in the morning, and looked upon them, and, behold, they were sad.
Gen 40:7 And he asked Pharaoh's officers that were with him in the ward of his lord's house, saying, Wherefore look ye so sadly to day?
Gen 40:8 And they said unto him, We have dreamed a dream, and there is no interpreter of it. And Joseph said unto them, Do not interpretations belong to God? tell me them, I pray you.
Gen 40:9 And the chief butler told his dream to Joseph, and said to him, In my dream, behold, a vine was before me;
Gen 40:10 And in the vine were three branches: and it was as though it budded, and her blossoms shot forth; and the clusters thereof brought forth ripe grapes:
Gen 40:11 And Pharaoh's cup was in my hand: and I took the grapes, and pressed them into Pharaoh's cup, and I gave the cup into Pharaoh's hand.
Gen 40:12 And Joseph said unto him, This is the interpretation of it: The three branches are three days:
Gen 40:13 Yet within three days shall Pharaoh lift up thine head, and restore thee unto thy place: and thou shalt deliver Pharaoh's cup into his hand, after the former manner when thou wast his butler.
Gen 40:14 But think on me when it shall be well with thee, and show kindness, I pray thee, unto me, and make mention of me unto Pharaoh, and bring me out of this house:
Gen 40:15 For indeed I was stolen away out of the land of the Hebrews: and here also have I done nothing that they should put me into the dungeon.
Good news for the cup bearer. Everyone wants to hear good news, but how many prophets and preachers will speak the truth if it is unpleasant to hear? Not many. The interpretation of the Baker's dream was not as pleasant.
Gen 40:16 When the chief baker saw that the interpretation was good, he said unto Joseph, I also was in my dream, and, behold, I had three white baskets on my head:
Gen 40:17 And in the uppermost basket there was of all manner of bakemeats for Pharaoh; and the birds did eat them out of the basket upon my head.
Gen 40:18 And Joseph answered and said, This is the interpretation thereof: The three baskets are three days:
Gen 40:19 Yet within three days shall Pharaoh lift up thy head from off thee, and shall hang thee on a tree; and the birds shall eat thy flesh from off thee.
Gen 40:20 And it came to pass the third day, which was Pharaoh's birthday, that he made a feast unto all his servants: and he lifted up the head of the chief butler and of the chief baker among his servants.
Gen 40:21 And he restored the chief butler unto his butlership again; and he gave the cup into Pharaoh's hand:
Gen 40:22 But he hanged the chief baker: as Joseph had interpreted to them.
Gen 40:23 Yet did not the chief butler remember Joseph, but forgat him.
Joseph was forgotten again. Why was he abandoned by his brothers at the age of 17 and sold into slavery. Why did he prosper, only to be accused unjustly and but in prison? Why is it that God gave him favor only to be disappointed again. Have we not at times wondered what we are doing in a place that we see no hope in? Joseph did not see the end, nor do we. We are to serve God where we are and he will bring the blessings from our faithfulness. It is not about us, but about glorifying our Lord.
Our problems are appointed of God. Joseph, was learning to trust God through all things. He was learning the Egyptian language and the way of servant hood. He was given opportunities to manage and to develop leadership qualities. Joseph was given wisdom from God which would be used to save his people.
Prov 3:5 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
Prov 3:6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
Prov 3:7 Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil.
Prov 3:8 It shall be health to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones.
Prov 3:9 Honour the LORD with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase:
Prov 3:10 So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine.
Prov 3:11 My son, despise not the chastening of the LORD; neither be weary of his correction:
Prov 3:12 For whom the LORD loveth he correcteth; even as a father the son in whom he delighteth.
If we do not understand and think God has forgotten us or is delaying? Perhaps it is to build our character into the future plans he has for us? Stay in the hand of our God who loves us and cares for us. Follow Jesus and honor him wherever we may be. Joseph never complained, but was willing to serve others. In Christ Jesus we are willing servants until we are with him in glory.
Genesis 41
Genesis 1 Table of Contents
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