Note: When doing a study on a book in the Bible you use a lot of resources. The major influence for me on this study of Genesis is The Genesis Record by Henry Morris.
What happened in Genesis 39?
So Joseph winds up in jail for a crime that he did not commit. This seems to be cruel and unjust punishment. Suffering for no reason. Being in a place where he did not deserve.
Without knowing the whole story could you see God's hand in this? What would you think if all we had was the first 40 chapters of Genesis? Now let us see the purpose and the motive of God coming out. Understand God did condone or allow for the sin committed against Joseph he just used the situation to change a nation.
Comparison between Joseph and Jesus
Joseph Jesus
1) sent to his brethren sent to his brethren as the lost sheep
2) hated without just cause by brethren same John 15:25 They hated me
without a cause.
3) sold by his own brethren Sold by his own brethren (Jews)
4) sold for 20 pieces of silver sold for 30 pieces of silver
5) brethren plotted to kill him same John 1:11 He came unto his
own, and his own received him
not.
6) put into a pit of death crucified
7) raised up out of pit to life raised on third day
8) obeyed father same all his will
9) sent to seek brethren by father sent to Jews by father
10) mocked by brethren mocked by brethren Matthew
27:40 And saying, thou be the Son
of God, come down from the
cross.
11) brethren refused to receive him same
12) took counsel to kill him plotted to kill Jesus
13) coat dripping with blood gambled for clothes
14) lost sight of when sold to Egypt not see again until his return
15) tempted by world, flesh, devil and resisted same
16) savior of Israel from starvation Savior of world
17) hated by brethren and took to gentiles, could delivered to religious rulers did not
not defend himself and unjustly accused defend self wrongly accused
18) Potiphar probably doubted the accusations Pilate doubted but still scourged
but still sent him to prison
19) found favor in sight of jailer Centurion," Truly, this was the Son
of God"
20) numbered with transgressors baker & butler Jesus between two thieves one blessed
and the other judged
Genesis 39:21 But the LORD was with Joseph, and shewed him mercy, and gave him favour in the sight of the keeper of the prison. 22 And the keeper of the prison committed to Joseph's hand all the prisoners that [were] in the prison; and whatsoever they did there, he was the doer [of it]. 23 The keeper of the prison looked not to any thing [that was] under his hand; because the LORD was with him, and [that] which he did, the LORD made [it] to prosper.
Here is where we left Joseph last Wednesday night. He had been thrown into prison for really no legitimate reason. But we notice the phrase so famous for Joseph,"But the Lord was with Joseph." This was the characteristic of Joseph's life he was a part of the Lord. He did what the Lord required and the Lord was with him. This caused him to be recognized. For his honesty and how hard he worked. He was put into the same position as he was in Potiphar's household and he prospered.
Genesis 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. 2 And Pharaoh was wroth against two [of] his officers, against the chief of the butlers, and against the chief of the bakers. 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.
Why were they thrown into prison? Who knows? The Pharaoh had authority to do whatever he wanted. The theories range from burning the bread or spilling the wine to trying to poison the king. One thing to note is both had to do similar jobs. They were usually great men over a vast number of people who served the king. Maybe it was poison. They were put into prison to be investigated and after three days the verdict came as we will see. Who knows?
4 And the captain of the guard charged Joseph with them, and he served them: and they continued a season in ward.
Who was the "captain of the guard"? This is the same terminology used for Potiphar in chapter 39. Maybe it was him. Maybe Potiphar finally realized his innocence. But there was so much pride in him that he could not admit his mistake nor let others know. So he made Joseph comfortable. He gave him a position in the jail.
Pride is a terrible thing. And it affect a lot of people. We have a hard time admitting mistakes. We have a hard time saying I am sorry. Repent. This is why people don't become Christians because they have to admit that they were wrong. Oh if we just save so much time.
How long were they in prison? Who knows? But they will soon enough on the kings birthday be released.
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. 6 And Joseph came in unto them in the morning, and looked upon them, and, behold, they [were] sad. 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?
Here see on the same night the butler and the baker had dreams. They were very troubled by these. They did not understand them. Dreams in the Old Testament was one way God communicated with men. He showed them who he was. Usually when a dream is given to an unbeliever in the Old Testament there must be an interpreter. One who is of God.
But notice the compassion of Joseph. He noticed that they were sad. He wanted to help. Not for his own gain but maybe that he may glorify the Lord.
Romans 12:15 Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.
Philippians 2:4 Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.
We should not be happy or belated when others suffer. We should not say,"Oh, he/she deserved it, look at the life they lived." or "God is exercising his judgment." This should be an opportunity to witness for the Lord.
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.
Here is what is important. The question is why do people hunt other sources when they are in need? When they need a touch? When they need assurance or help? Doesn't all these come from the Lord. And when we are touched and/or blessed give God the glory
Butler's Dream
9 And the chief butler told his dream to Joseph, and said to him, In my dream, behold, a vine [was] before me; 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: 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. 12 And Joseph said unto him, This [is] the interpretation of it: The three branches [are] three days: 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.
Someone describe the butlers dream. He had a dream that he saw a vine. On the vine was three branches. He saw the branches bring forth fruit. It budded and clustered to ripe grapes. After this he took the grapes and squeezed them in the kings cup. Joseph then gives the interpretation. 3 vines three days and he will be restored as he was in the kings household.
Notice one thing. Do you thing anyone else could have figured this out? What do you think the scribes and wise men would have thought of this?
14 But think on me when it shall be well with thee, and shew kindness, I pray thee, unto me, and make mention of me unto Pharaoh, and bring me out of this house: 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.
So Joseph tells the butler to remember him. Don't forget what God has done and used him. Notice also that he does not mention his brothers or even Potiphar's wife. All he does is proclaim his innocence. No accusations but his innocence.
Baker's dream
16 When the chief baker saw that the interpretation was good, e said unto Joseph, I also [was] in my dream, and, behold, [I and] three white baskets on my head: 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. 18 And Joseph answered and said, This [is] the interpretation thereof: The three baskets [are] three days: 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.
The dream here is different but also related to the trade of the person. His dream was of three baskets on his head. Things full of things for the king. But the birds ate the food. Joseph now has to be the bearer of bad news. How would you feel if you had to tell this? He tells him that he will be decapitated in 3 days. His body will be left to be eaten by the birds.
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. 21 And he restored the chief butler unto his butlership again; and he gave the cup into Pharaoh's hand: 22 But he hanged the chief baker: as Joseph had interpreted to them.
All was fulfilled. The butler was restored but the baker was killed. Just as Joseph had interpreted.
23 Yet did not the chief butler remember Joseph, but forgat
him.
Amos 6: 6 That drink wine in bowls, and anoint themselves with the chief ointments: but they are not grieved for the affliction of Joseph.
What do you think would have happened if the butler remembered Joseph at this time? Probably he would be freed or even killed by Potiphar. Sent home maybe but not there to interpret the dream. God has a way just be patient.
Luke 2:25-AV And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name [was] Simeon; and the same man [was] just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him.
Acts 1:4-AV And, being assembled together with [them], commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, [saith he], ye have heard of me.
Lamentations 3:25-AV The LORD [is] good unto them that wait for him, to the soul [that] seeketh him.
