Matthew Henry Commentary Genesis 40
Matthew Henry Commentary
Genesis 40
Matthew Henry Commentary
Genesis 40
"And it came to pass after these things, that the butler of the king of Egypt and his baker offended their lord the king of Egypt. And Pharaoh was wroth against his two officers, against the chief of the butlers, and against the chief of the bakers. And he put them in ward in the house of the captain of the guard, into the prison, the place where Joseph was bound. And the captain of the guard charged Joseph with them, and he ministered unto them: and they continued a season in ward. 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, who were bound in the prison. And Joseph came in unto them in the morning, and saw them, and, behold, they were sad. And he asked Pharaoh`s officers that were with him in ward in his master`s house, saying, Wherefore look ye so sad to-day? And they said unto him, We have dreamed a dream, and there is none that can interpret it. And Joseph said unto them, Do not interpretations belong to God? tell it me, I pray you. And the chief butler told his dream to Joseph, and said to him, In my dream, behold, a vine was before me; and in the vine were three branches: and it was as though it budded, [and] its blossoms shot forth; [and] the clusters thereof brought forth ripe grapes: 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. And Joseph said unto him, This is the interpretation of it: the three branches are three days; within yet three days shall Pharaoh lift up thy head, and restore thee unto thine office: and thou shalt give Pharaoh`s cup into his hand, after the former manner when thou wast his butler. But have me in thy remembrance when it shall be well with thee, and show kindness, I pray thee, unto me, and make mention of me unto Pharaoh, and bring me out of this house: 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. When the chief baker saw that the interpretation was good, he said unto Joseph, I also was in my dream, and, behold, three baskets of white bread were on my head: and in the uppermost basket there was of all manner of baked food for Pharaoh; and the birds did eat them out of the basket upon my head. And Joseph answered and said, This is the interpretation thereof: the three baskets are three days; within yet 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." — Genesis 40:1-19 (ASV)
It was not so much the prison that made the butler and baker sad, but rather their dreams. God has more ways than one to sadden spirits. Joseph had compassion towards them. Let us be concerned about the sadness on our brothers' faces. It is often a relief to those who are in trouble to be noticed.
Also, learn to look into the causes of our own sorrow. Is there a good reason? Is there not sufficient comfort to balance it, whatever it is? Why art thou cast down, O my soul? Joseph was careful to ascribe the glory to God.
The chief butler's dream foretold his advancement. The chief baker's dream, his death. It was not Joseph's fault that he brought the baker no better news. Thus, ministers are only interpreters; they cannot make the situation different from what it is. If they deal faithfully, and their message proves unpleasing, it is not their fault. Joseph does not dwell on his brothers who sold him, nor does he dwell on the wrong done to him by his mistress and his master, but mildly states his own innocence.
When we are called on to clear ourselves, we should carefully avoid, as much as possible, speaking ill of others. Let us be content to prove ourselves innocent and not reproach others with their guilt.
"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 the head of the chief baker among his servants. And he restored the chief butler unto his butlership again; and he gave the cup into Pharaoh`s hand: but he hanged the chief baker: as Joseph had interpreted to them. Yet did not the chief butler remember Joseph, but forgat him." — Genesis 40:20-23 (ASV)
Joseph's interpretation of the dreams came to pass on the very day fixed. On Pharaoh's birthday, all his servants attended him, and then the cases of these two came to be examined.
We may all profitably consider our birthdays, with thankfulness for the mercies of our birth, sorrow for the sinfulness of our lives, and an expectation of the day of our death as better than the day of our birth. Yet, it seems strange that worldly people, who are so fond of living here, should rejoice at the passing of one year after another of their short lifespan.
A Christian, however, has cause to rejoice not only that he was born, but also that he draws nearer to the end of his sin and sorrow, and nearer to his everlasting happiness.
The chief butler did not remember Joseph, but forgot him. Joseph had deserved well from him, yet he forgot him. We must not think it strange if, in this world, we are shown hatred for our love and slights for our kindness.
See how apt those who are themselves at ease are to forget others in distress. Joseph learned by his disappointment to trust in God only. We cannot expect too little from man, nor too much from God. Let us not forget the sufferings, promises, and love of our Redeemer. We blame the chief butler's ingratitude to Joseph, yet we ourselves act much more ungratefully to the Lord Jesus.
Joseph had only foretold the chief butler's release, but Christ accomplished ours; He mediated with the King of Kings for us. Yet we forget Him, though often reminded of Him, and though we have promised never to forget Him. Thus poorly do we requite Him, like foolish people and unwise.
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