In Genesis 39, when we last left Joseph’s story, Joseph had been placed in prison because of accusations from Potiphar’s wife of adultery. However, at the end of this chapter in verse twenty-one the Bible tells us that “. . . the LORD was with Joseph and showed him steadfast love and gave him favor in the sight of the keeper of the prison.”
Now, in Genesis 40, Joseph is being held in prison along with two of Pharaoh’s chief officers, a cupbearer (or butler according to some translations) and a baker. One night both the cupbearer and the baker dream dreams which trouble them. Joseph sees that both officers are disturbed and asks why they are so down. The men explain to Joseph that they had both had dreams for which there is no interpretation. In Genesis 40:8 Joseph responds saying, “Do not interpretations belong to God? Please tell them to me.”
Joseph interprets both dreams for the men. The interpretation of the chief cupbearer’s dream was favorable, while the interpretation of the chief baker’s dream was terrible; in fact, Joseph interpreted that the chief baker would be hung by Pharaoh. Joseph only asks one thing for his interpretation of the cupbearer’s dream: Joseph asks that the cupbearer would remember him when the cupbearer is released from prison.
In three days time, as Joseph had interpretated through the power of God, both interpretations for the chief officers of Pharaoh came to pass. The chief cupbearer was restored to his position and the chief baker was hung. However, in Genesis 40:23 the Bible states: “Yet the chief cupbearer did not remember Joseph, but forgot him.”
This story of Joseph in prison with two of Pharaoh’s chief officers is an important part of Joseph’s life. Joseph’s time in prison will lead to an interesting development in the next chapter of the book of Genesis.
There is no main key lesson I want to discuss about this story; however, I want to encourage you to be considering the providence of God throughout reading of Joseph’s life. There are many different things that go terribly wrong in Joseph’s life; however, the Lord ultimately has a plan for him.
Read Week 10 – Bible Stories to Share with Your Children: Joseph and Potiphar’s Wife