Genesis 40

1 his ita gestis accidit ut peccarent duo eunuchi pincerna regis Aegypti et pistor domino suo

2 iratusque Pharao contra eos nam alter pincernis praeerat alter pistoribus

3 misit eos in carcerem principis militum in quo erat vinctus et Ioseph

4 at custos carceris tradidit eos Ioseph qui et ministrabat eis aliquantum temporis fluxerat et illi in custodia tenebantur

5 videruntque ambo somnium nocte una iuxta interpretationem congruam sibi

6 ad quos cum introisset Ioseph mane et vidisset eos tristes

7 sciscitatus est dicens cur tristior est hodie solito facies vestra

8 qui responderunt somnium vidimus et non est qui interpretetur nobis dixitque ad eos Ioseph numquid non Dei est interpretatio referte mihi quid videritis

9 narravit prior praepositus pincernarum somnium videbam coram me vitem

10 in qua erant tres propagines crescere paulatim gemmas et post flores uvas maturescere

11 calicemque Pharaonis in manu mea tuli ergo uvas et expressi in calicem quem tenebam et tradidi poculum Pharaoni

12 respondit Ioseph haec est interpretatio somnii tres propagines tres adhuc dies sunt

13 post quos recordabitur Pharao magisterii tui et restituet te in gradum pristinum dabisque ei calicem iuxta officium tuum sicut facere ante consueveras

14 tantum memento mei cum tibi bene fuerit et facies mecum misericordiam ut suggeras Pharaoni et educat me de isto carcere

15 quia furto sublatus sum de terra Hebraeorum et hic innocens in lacum missus sum

16 videns pistorum magister quod prudenter somnium dissolvisset ait et ego vidi somnium quod haberem tria canistra farinae super caput meum

17 et in uno canistro quod erat excelsius portare me omnes cibos qui fiunt arte pistoria avesque comedere ex eo

18 respondit Ioseph haec est interpretatio somnii tria canistra tres adhuc dies sunt

19 post quos auferet Pharao caput tuum ac suspendet te in cruce et lacerabunt volucres carnes tuas

20 exin dies tertius natalicius Pharaonis erat qui faciens grande convivium pueris suis recordatus est inter epulas magistri pincernarum et pistorum principis

21 restituitque alterum in locum suum ut porrigeret regi poculum

22 alterum suspendit in patibulo ut coniectoris veritas probaretur

23 et tamen succedentibus prosperis praepositus pincernarum oblitus est interpretis sui

Genesis 40 Commentary

Chapter 40

The chief butler and baker of Pharaoh in prison, Their dreams interpreted by Joseph. (1-19) The ingratitude of the chief butler. (20-23)

Verses 1-19 It was not so much the prison that made the butler and baker sad, as their dreams. God has more ways than one to sadden the spirits. Joseph had compassion towards them. Let us be concerned for the sadness of our brethren's countenances. It is often a relief to those that are in trouble to be noticed. Also learn to look into the causes of our own sorrow. Is there a good reason? Is there not comfort sufficient to balance it, whatever it is? Why art thou cast down, O my soul? Joseph was careful to ascribe the glory to God. The chief butler's dream foretold his advancement. The chief baker's dream his death. It was not Joseph's fault that he brought the baker no better tidings. And thus ministers are but interpreters; they cannot make the thing otherwise than it is: if they deal faithfully, and their message prove unpleasing, it is not their fault. Joseph does not reflect upon his brethren that sold him; nor does he reflect on the wrong done him by his mistress and his master, but mildly states his own innocence. When we are called on to clear ourselves, we should carefully avoid, as much as may be, speaking ill of others. Let us be content to prove ourselves innocent, and not upbraid others with their guilt.

Verses 20-23 Joseph's interpretation of the dreams came to pass on the very day fixed. On Pharaoh's birth-day, all his servants attended him, and then the cases of these two came to be looked into. We may all profitably take notice of our birth-days, with thankfulness for the mercies of our birth, sorrow for the sinfulness of our lives, and expectation of the day of our death, as better than the day of our birth. But it seems strange that worldly people, who are so fond of living here, should rejoice at the end of one year after another of their short span of life. A Christian has cause to rejoice that he was born, also that he comes nearer to the end of his sin and sorrow, and nearer to his everlasting happiness. The chief butler remembered not Joseph, but forgot him. Joseph had deserved well at his hands, yet he forgot him. We must not think it strange, if in this world we have hatred shown us for our love, and slights for our kindness. See how apt those who are themselves at ease are to forget others in distress. Joseph learned by his disappointment to trust in God only. We cannot expect too little from man, nor too much from God. Let us not forget the sufferings, promises, and love of our Redeemer. We blame the chief butler's ingratitude to Joseph, yet we ourselves act much more ungratefully to the Lord Jesus. Joseph had but foretold the chief butler's enlargement, but Christ wrought out ours; he mediated with the King of Kings for us; yet we forget him, though often reminded of him, and though we have promised never to forget him. Thus ill do we requite Him, like foolish people and unwise.

Chapter Summary

INTRODUCTION TO GENESIS 40

The history of this chapter is, the imprisonment of two of Pharaoh's officers, his chief butler and chief baker, who by the captain of the guard were made the charge of Joseph, Ge 40:1-4; they both dreamed in prison, which made them sad; Joseph taking notice of their sadness, asked the reason of it, and encouraged them to tell him their dreams, Ge 40:5-8; the chief butler told his dream of the vine and three branches, which Joseph interpreted of his restoration to his office within three days, and desired him to remember him unto Pharaoh when he stood before him, telling him his case, Ge 40:9-15; then the chief baker told his dream of three white baskets of food on his head, which the birds ate, and this Joseph interpreted of his being hanged within three days, Ge 40:16-19; and the events answered to the interpretation, but Joseph was forgot by the chief butler, Ge 40:20-23.