The prison in which Joseph found himself was not an ordinary one. Judging by the fact that Potiphar sent Joseph there by his own authority and personal order, and by the fact that "the king's prisoners" were held there, that is, especially dangerous or highly placed prisoners, it was apparently...
The prison in which Joseph found himself was not an ordinary one. Judging by the fact that Potiphar sent Joseph there by his own authority and personal order, and by the fact that "the king's prisoners" (Gen. 39:20) were held there, that is, especially dangerous or highly placed prisoners, it was apparently under Potiphar's jurisdiction as the captain of Pharaoh's palace guard ("captain of the bodyguard," Gen. 39:1). It is no surprise that Joseph's fellow prisoners turned out to be very high-ranking people, such as the chief cupbearer and the chief baker (vv. 2-4). The story says nothing about their guilt. However, if we keep in mind that these offices were directly connected with the supply of wine and bread to Pharaoh's court, that is, in modern terms, that they involved material responsibility, certain conclusions about the nature of these high-ranking court officials' guilt are not hard to make.
It is no surprise that the dreams they saw disturbed them greatly, for they understood well that this was a sign from above, one that could prove literally vital for each of them (vv. 5-8). Both were undoubtedly glad to receive an interpretation from Joseph. Of course, in ordinary times neither of them would have turned to a slave steward; but now, in a critical situation, they were plainly ready for anything so that at least some certainty might come into their lives. And certainty did come: Joseph interprets both dreams, predicting a quick release for the cupbearer (vv. 9-13) and a quick execution for the baker (vv. 16-19). He asks the cupbearer, who is soon to be released, to put in a word for him; the cupbearer will soon have every opportunity to make such a request, and Joseph is in prison for nothing (vv. 14-15).
But when everything Joseph had promised came true, the cupbearer, once free, forgot Joseph's request (vv. 20-23). Sadly, this is no surprise either: in a critical situation, when the moment of truth comes for each person, relationships between people are seen quite differently than in ordinary times. In ordinary times, too much is determined by secondary things, by questions of prestige, status, social position, and much else that falls away in a boundary situation like husks.
In a critical situation, however, this is natural and happens on its own; it is far harder to preserve this newly opened, proper vision in ordinary life, when the crisis is behind us. The cupbearer, alas, did not manage to do this: considerations of status and career won out. After all, what benefit is there in reminding one's superiors about people sitting in prison, especially if one has just come out of there oneself and wants everyone around to forget that episode of one's biography as quickly as possible?
40 In this chapter things are working towards Joseph's advancement.
40:1 We should not have had this story of Pharaoh's butler and baker recorded in scripture, if it had not been serviceable to Joseph's preferment. The world stands for the sake of the church, and is governed for its good. Observe, [1.] Two of the great officers of Pharaoh's court having offended the kingare committed to prison.Note, High places are slippery places; nothing more uncertain than the favour of princes. Those that make God's favour their happiness, and his service their business, will find him a better master than Pharaoh was, and not so extreme to mark what they do amiss. Many conjectures there are concerning the offence of these servants of Pharaoh; some make it no less than an attempt to take away his life; others no more but the casual lighting of a fly into his cup, and a little sand in his bread: whatever it was, Providence, by this means, brought them into the prison where Joseph was.
40:4 The captain of the guard, which was Potiphar, charged Joseph with them - Which intimates that he began now to be reconciled to him.
40:6 They were sad - It was not the prison that made them sad; they were pretty well used to that, but the dream. God has more ways than one to sadden the spirits of those that are to be made sad. Those sinners that are hardy enough under outward trouble, yet God can find a way to trouble them, and take off their wheels, by wounding their spirits, and laying a load upon them.
40:8 Do not interpretations belong to God? - He means the God whom he worshipped, to the knowledge of whom he endeavours hereby to lead them.And if interpretations belong to God, he is a free agent, and may communicate the power to whom he pleases, therefore tell me your dreams.
40:14 Think on me, when it shall be well with thee - Though the respect paid to Joseph, made the prison as easy to him as a prison could be, yet none can blame him to be desirous of liberty. See what a modest representation he makes of his own case. He doth not reflect upon his brethren that sold him, only saith, I was stolen out of the land of the Hebrews. Nor doth he reflect on the wrong done him in this imprisonment by his mistress that was his persecutor, and his master that was his judge, but mildly avers his own innocency. Here have I done nothing that they should put me into the dungeon - When we are called to vindicate ourselves, we should carefully avoid as much as may be speaking ill of others. Let us be content to prove ourselves innocent, and not fond of upbraiding others with their guilt.
40:20 He lifted up the head of these two prisoners - That is, arraigned and tried them; and he restored the chief butler, and hanged the chief baker.