Genesis 40
-Joseph finds himself joined by the cupbearer and baker of the king of Egypt, who had gotten furious with them and put them in the prison of the captain of the bodyguard, Potiphar. Joseph had charge over them as the caretaker and they were there for some time.
-They both had a dream in the same night. Each dream was different with its own interpretation. Joseph noticed their countenance was down and had the presence of mind to ask them what the matter was. They told him about their dreams, but the lack of interpretation bothered them. Then Joseph told them the truth, “Do not interpretations belong to God (Genesis 40:8)?” Then he asked them to tell him their respective dreams. *Application* God gives certain dreams and visions to His people. There will be periods and even eras of silence, but when He is ready to move on the earth He reveals His intentions for His good purposes (Numbers 12:6, Joel 2:28-29, Acts 2:16-17). His Spirit is alive and well in us, His chosen people who know Him.
-The chief cupbearer is given a good interpretation and will soon be a free man. Joseph asked him to remember him before the Pharaoh to get him out of the jail house. He maintained his innocence in Potiphar’s house after his kidnapping in the land of the Hebrews. *Fascinating Biblical Facts* Here we see the term Hebrews beginning to be used with more frequency. Potiphar’s wife referred to Joseph as a Hebrew (Genesis 39:14), and early on Abram is referred to a Hebrew (Genesis 14:13). This raises the question, where does this term “Hebrew” come from? It apparently is an ancestral name of one of Abram’s forefathers. For more explanation see http://www.ancient-hebrew.org/emagazine/003.html, under “Name of the Month, Eber.”
-The chief baker now boldly approaches Joseph with great expectations since the cupbearer had received good news. However, his interpretation was completely opposite. He would soon be hanged, which came about on the third day after this dream on Pharaoh’s birthday as a part of a feast for all his servants.
-The cupbearer was restored to his position at the same time, but he did not remember Joseph, but forgot about him. *Application* When we tell people something, we need to be true to our word and not forgetful. For example, saying that we will pray for someone in a particular situation is important. When we tell people we will pray for them, we need to actually do it, and I would say do it quickly while it is fresh in your mind. The human brain has the propensity to forget things. Be an effectual doer (James 1:23-25).
Verse to memorize: Genesis 40:8
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