Studies In Genesis: Chapter 40 Series

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.