John Calvin Commentary Genesis 40:12

"And Joseph said unto him, This is the interpretation of it: the three branches are three days;" — Genesis 40:12 (ASV)

The three branches are three days. Joseph does not here offer what he thought to be probable, like some ambiguous speculator; but asserts, by the revelation of the Spirit, the meaning of the dream. For why does he say that by the three branches, three days rather than years are signified, unless because the Spirit of God had suggested it?

Joseph, therefore, proceeds, by a special impulse beyond nature, to expound the dream; and by immediately commending himself to the butler, as if he were already restored, shows how certain and unquestionable the truth of his interpretation was: as if he had said, “Be convinced that what you have heard from me has come from God.” Here he also shows how honorably he regards the oracles of God, since he declares the future effect with as much confidence as if it had already taken place.

But it may be considered absurd that Joseph asks for a reward for his prophecy. I answer, that he did not speak as one who would put the gift of God up for sale; but it came into his mind that a method of deliverance was now set before him by God, which it was not permissible for him to reject.

Indeed, I do not doubt that a hope of better fortune had been divinely imparted to him. For God, who, even from his childhood, had twice promised him dominion, did not leave him, amidst so many hardships, entirely without any consolation. Now this opportunity of seeking deliverance was offered to him by God alone. Therefore, it is not surprising that Joseph would make use of it in this way.

With respect to the expression, Lift up thine head; it signifies raising someone from a low and contemptible condition to one of some reputation. Therefore, “Pharaoh will lift up thine head,” means he will bring you out from the darkness of the prisons, or he will raise you who have fallen, and restore you to your former rank. For I take the word to mean simply place or rank, and not basis.