Joseph, with unmerited #1 status, is hated by his brothers. They beat him, undeservedly, and sell him off to slave traders, telling their father that he is dead. The slave traders sell him to an Egyptian military man, Potiphar. Despite Joseph’s serving Potiphar well, running his entire household, he is falsely accused of attempted rape by Potiphar’s wife. He ends up in the kings prison...

1 Some time later, the cupbearer and the baker of the king of Egypt offended their master, the king of Egypt. 2 Pharaoh was angry with his two officials, the chief cupbearer and the chief baker, 3 and put them in custody in the house of the captain of the guard, in the same prison where Joseph was confined. 4 The captain of the guard assigned them to Joseph, and he attended them. 1 Some time later, the cupbearer and the baker of the king of Egypt offended their master, the king of Egypt. 2 Pharaoh was angry with his two officials, the chief cupbearer and the chief baker, 3 and put them in custody in the house of the captain of the guard, in the same prison where Joseph was confined. 4 The captain of the guard assigned them to Joseph, and he attended them.~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Certainly Joseph’s dreams had come true, with the bowing sheaves, stars and such.

1 Some time later, the cupbearer and the baker of the king of Egypt offended their master, the king of Egypt. 2 Pharaoh was angry with his two officials, the chief cupbearer and the chief baker, 3 and put them in custody in the house of the captain of the guard, in the same prison where Joseph was confined. 4 The captain of the guard assigned them to Joseph, and he attended them. 1 Some time later, the cupbearer and the baker of the king of Egypt offended their master, the king of Egypt. 2 Pharaoh was angry with his two officials, the chief cupbearer and the chief baker, 3 and put them in custody in the house of the captain of the guard, in the same prison where Joseph was confined. 4 The captain of the guard assigned them to Joseph, and he attended them.~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Certainly Joseph’s dreams had come true, with the bowing sheaves, stars and such. Maybe that is what sustained him in his adversity, a kind of promise that had not even come close to materializing, yet. ~ See Hebrews 11:39. Waiting like Abraham...

1 Some time later, the cupbearer and the baker of the king of Egypt offended their master, the king of Egypt. 2 Pharaoh was angry with his two officials, the chief cupbearer and the chief baker, 3 and put them in custody in the house of the captain of the guard, in the same prison where Joseph was confined. 4 The captain of the guard assigned them to Joseph, and he attended them. 1 Some time later, the cupbearer and the baker of the king of Egypt offended their master, the king of Egypt. 2 Pharaoh was angry with his two officials, the chief cupbearer and the chief baker, 3 and put them in custody in the house of the captain of the guard, in the same prison where Joseph was confined. 4 The captain of the guard assigned them to Joseph, and he attended them.~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The context here for Joseph is other imposed, totally undeserved adversity. Wait and see what God is working on. We might not see it, but merely get the aroma. (Like bacon... ) When the adversity is self imposed, repenting precedes the waiting. Perhaps it is God who is then waiting on you.

1 Some time later, the cupbearer and the baker of the king of Egypt offended their master, the king of Egypt. 2 Pharaoh was angry with his two officials, the chief cupbearer and the chief baker, 3 and put them in custody in the house of the captain of the guard, in the same prison where Joseph was confined. 4 The captain of the guard assigned them to Joseph, and he attended them. 1 Some time later, the cupbearer and the baker of the king of Egypt offended their master, the king of Egypt. 2 Pharaoh was angry with his two officials, the chief cupbearer and the chief baker, 3 and put them in custody in the house of the captain of the guard, in the same prison where Joseph was confined. 4 The captain of the guard assigned them to Joseph, and he attended them.~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Chief cupbearer ~ trusted official who was always near by. His role assured that the Pharaoh would not be poisoned and did not get lousy beverages. Chief baker ~ the Egyptians were renowned gourmets and knew 57 varieties of bread and 38 different kinds of cakes. He would also need to be a highly trusted person so as not to poison Pharaoh either. “offended”: there was some serious offense committed. (A banquet went off poorly? Pharaoh needed Tums?) (A banquet went off poorly? Pharaoh needed Tums?)

1 Some time later, the cupbearer and the baker of the king of Egypt offended their master, the king of Egypt. 2 Pharaoh was angry with his two officials, the chief cupbearer and the chief baker, 3 and put them in custody in the house of the captain of the guard, in the same prison where Joseph was confined. 4 The captain of the guard assigned them to Joseph, and he attended them. 1 Some time later, the cupbearer and the baker of the king of Egypt offended their master, the king of Egypt. 2 Pharaoh was angry with his two officials, the chief cupbearer and the chief baker, 3 and put them in custody in the house of the captain of the guard, in the same prison where Joseph was confined. 4 The captain of the guard assigned them to Joseph, and he attended them. After they had been in custody for some time, 5 each of the two men—the cupbearer and the baker of the king of Egypt, who were being held in prison—had a dream the same night, and each dream had a meaning of its own. After they had been in custody for some time, 5 each of the two men—the cupbearer and the baker of the king of Egypt, who were being held in prison—had a dream the same night, and each dream had a meaning of its own.

Note on dream interpretation in Egypt In the ancient Near East, dream interpretations were sought from experts who had been trained in techniques and method of the day. Both the Egyptians and Babylonians compiled what are called “dream books,” which contain sample dreams along with a key to their interpretation. Though some of the interpretations in the biblical accounts may seem transparent or self-evident, dreams often depended upon symbolism, and the symbols might not stand for what was most logical. The dream books preserved the empirical data concerning past dreams and interpretations therefore offered the security of scientific documentation. It was believed that the gods communicated generally through dreams but that they revealed the meanings of dreams by giving wisdom in the expert’s research. In the ancient Near East, dream interpretations were sought from experts who had been trained in techniques and method of the day. Both the Egyptians and Babylonians compiled what are called “dream books,” which contain sample dreams along with a key to their interpretation. Though some of the interpretations in the biblical accounts may seem transparent or self-evident, dreams often depended upon symbolism, and the symbols might not stand for what was most logical. The dream books preserved the empirical data concerning past dreams and interpretations therefore offered the security of scientific documentation. It was believed that the gods communicated generally through dreams but that they revealed the meanings of dreams by giving wisdom in the expert’s research. Joseph was not familiar with any of the “scientific’ literature and would not have had access to it, so he consulted God. Regardless, his interpretation follows the way the dream literature interpreted comparable symbols. Joseph was not familiar with any of the “scientific’ literature and would not have had access to it, so he consulted God. Regardless, his interpretation follows the way the dream literature interpreted comparable symbols. John H Walton, The New Application Commentary – Genesis: Zondervan; Grand Rapids, 2001, p ISBN

6 When Joseph came to them the next morning, he saw that they were dejected. 7 So he asked Pharaoh’s officials who were in custody with him in his master’s house, “Why are your faces so sad today?” 6 When Joseph came to them the next morning, he saw that they were dejected. 7 So he asked Pharaoh’s officials who were in custody with him in his master’s house, “Why are your faces so sad today?” 8 “We both had dreams,” they answered, “but there is no one to interpret them.” 8 “We both had dreams,” they answered, “but there is no one to interpret them.” Then Joseph said to them, “Do not interpretations belong to God? Tell me your dreams.” Then Joseph said to them, “Do not interpretations belong to God? Tell me your dreams.”~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Being in prison, they had no access to the professionals.

9 So the chief cupbearer told Joseph his dream. He said to him, “In my dream I saw a vine in front of me, 10 and on the vine were three branches. As soon as it budded, it blossomed, and its clusters ripened into grapes. 11 Pharaoh’s cup was in my hand, and I took the grapes, squeezed them into Pharaoh’s cup and put the cup in his hand.” 9 So the chief cupbearer told Joseph his dream. He said to him, “In my dream I saw a vine in front of me, 10 and on the vine were three branches. As soon as it budded, it blossomed, and its clusters ripened into grapes. 11 Pharaoh’s cup was in my hand, and I took the grapes, squeezed them into Pharaoh’s cup and put the cup in his hand.”~~~~~~~~~~~~~ In the Dream Book, a full goblet was indicative of having a name and an offspring. (Walton, p.673) (Walton, p.673)

9 So the chief cupbearer told Joseph his dream. He said to him, “In my dream I saw a vine in front of me, 10 and on the vine were three branches. As soon as it budded, it blossomed, and its clusters ripened into grapes. 11 Pharaoh’s cup was in my hand, and I took the grapes, squeezed them into Pharaoh’s cup and put the cup in his hand.” 9 So the chief cupbearer told Joseph his dream. He said to him, “In my dream I saw a vine in front of me, 10 and on the vine were three branches. As soon as it budded, it blossomed, and its clusters ripened into grapes. 11 Pharaoh’s cup was in my hand, and I took the grapes, squeezed them into Pharaoh’s cup and put the cup in his hand.” 12 “This is what it means,” Joseph said to him. “The three branches are three days. 13 Within three days Pharaoh will lift up your head and restore you to your position, and you will put Pharaoh’s cup in his hand, just as you used to do when you were his cupbearer. 12 “This is what it means,” Joseph said to him. “The three branches are three days. 13 Within three days Pharaoh will lift up your head and restore you to your position, and you will put Pharaoh’s cup in his hand, just as you used to do when you were his cupbearer.~~~~~~~~~~~~~ This is good news! The short time of fulfillment will quickly show whether or not Joseph’s relationship with God is good enough to have revealed a valid interpretation.

9 So the chief cupbearer told Joseph his dream. He said to him, “In my dream I saw a vine in front of me, 10 and on the vine were three branches. As soon as it budded, it blossomed, and its clusters ripened into grapes. 11 Pharaoh’s cup was in my hand, and I took the grapes, squeezed them into Pharaoh’s cup and put the cup in his hand.” 9 So the chief cupbearer told Joseph his dream. He said to him, “In my dream I saw a vine in front of me, 10 and on the vine were three branches. As soon as it budded, it blossomed, and its clusters ripened into grapes. 11 Pharaoh’s cup was in my hand, and I took the grapes, squeezed them into Pharaoh’s cup and put the cup in his hand.” 12 “This is what it means,” Joseph said to him. “The three branches are three days. 13 Within three days Pharaoh will lift up your head and restore you to your position, and you will put Pharaoh’s cup in his hand, just as you used to do when you were his cupbearer. 14 But when all goes well with you, remember me and show me kindness; mention me to Pharaoh and get me out of this prison. 15 For I was forcibly carried off from the land of the Hebrews, and even here I have done nothing to deserve being put in a dungeon.” 12 “This is what it means,” Joseph said to him. “The three branches are three days. 13 Within three days Pharaoh will lift up your head and restore you to your position, and you will put Pharaoh’s cup in his hand, just as you used to do when you were his cupbearer. 14 But when all goes well with you, remember me and show me kindness; mention me to Pharaoh and get me out of this prison. 15 For I was forcibly carried off from the land of the Hebrews, and even here I have done nothing to deserve being put in a dungeon.”~~~~~~~~~~~~~ There is nothing that he can do on his own to fix the situation. “If you can do anything to help me... ”

16 When the chief baker saw that Joseph had given a favorable interpretation, he said to Joseph, “I too had a dream: On my head were three baskets of bread. 17 In the top basket were all kinds of baked goods for Pharaoh, but the birds were eating them out of the basket on my head.” 16 When the chief baker saw that Joseph had given a favorable interpretation, he said to Joseph, “I too had a dream: On my head were three baskets of bread. 17 In the top basket were all kinds of baked goods for Pharaoh, but the birds were eating them out of the basket on my head.”~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The Dream Book would hold that carrying fruit on one’s head would indicate sorrow.

16 When the chief baker saw that Joseph had given a favorable interpretation, he said to Joseph, “I too had a dream: On my head were three baskets of bread. 17 In the top basket were all kinds of baked goods for Pharaoh, but the birds were eating them out of the basket on my head.” 16 When the chief baker saw that Joseph had given a favorable interpretation, he said to Joseph, “I too had a dream: On my head were three baskets of bread. 17 In the top basket were all kinds of baked goods for Pharaoh, but the birds were eating them out of the basket on my head.” 18 “This is what it means,” Joseph said. “The three baskets are three days. 19 Within three days Pharaoh will lift off your head and hang you on a tree. And the birds will eat away your flesh.” 18 “This is what it means,” Joseph said. “The three baskets are three days. 19 Within three days Pharaoh will lift off your head and hang you on a tree. And the birds will eat away your flesh.”~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Both the baker and cupbearer have their heads lifted; one up and one off.

16 When the chief baker saw that Joseph had given a favorable interpretation, he said to Joseph, “I too had a dream: On my head were three baskets of bread. 17 In the top basket were all kinds of baked goods for Pharaoh, but the birds were eating them out of the basket on my head.” 16 When the chief baker saw that Joseph had given a favorable interpretation, he said to Joseph, “I too had a dream: On my head were three baskets of bread. 17 In the top basket were all kinds of baked goods for Pharaoh, but the birds were eating them out of the basket on my head.” 18 “This is what it means,” Joseph said. “The three baskets are three days. 19 Within three days Pharaoh will lift off your head and hang you on a tree. And the birds will eat away your flesh.” 18 “This is what it means,” Joseph said. “The three baskets are three days. 19 Within three days Pharaoh will lift off your head and hang you on a tree. And the birds will eat away your flesh.” 20 Now the third day was Pharaoh’s birthday, and he gave a feast for all his officials. He lifted up the heads of the chief cupbearer and the chief baker in the presence of his officials: 21 He restored the chief cupbearer to his position, so that he once again put the cup into Pharaoh’s hand, 22 but he hanged the chief baker, just as Joseph had said to them in his interpretation. 20 Now the third day was Pharaoh’s birthday, and he gave a feast for all his officials. He lifted up the heads of the chief cupbearer and the chief baker in the presence of his officials: 21 He restored the chief cupbearer to his position, so that he once again put the cup into Pharaoh’s hand, 22 but he hanged the chief baker, just as Joseph had said to them in his interpretation.~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Both the baker and cupbearer have their heads lifted; one up and one off. Happy birthday to you. Happy birthday to you. Happy birthday to you.

16 When the chief baker saw that Joseph had given a favorable interpretation, he said to Joseph, “I too had a dream: On my head were three baskets of bread. 17 In the top basket were all kinds of baked goods for Pharaoh, but the birds were eating them out of the basket on my head.” 16 When the chief baker saw that Joseph had given a favorable interpretation, he said to Joseph, “I too had a dream: On my head were three baskets of bread. 17 In the top basket were all kinds of baked goods for Pharaoh, but the birds were eating them out of the basket on my head.” 18 “This is what it means,” Joseph said. “The three baskets are three days. 19 Within three days Pharaoh will lift off your head and hang you on a tree. And the birds will eat away your flesh.” 18 “This is what it means,” Joseph said. “The three baskets are three days. 19 Within three days Pharaoh will lift off your head and hang you on a tree. And the birds will eat away your flesh.” 20 Now the third day was Pharaoh’s birthday, and he gave a feast for all his officials. He lifted up the heads of the chief cupbearer and the chief baker in the presence of his officials: 21 He restored the chief cupbearer to his position, so that he once again put the cup into Pharaoh’s hand, 22 but he hanged the chief baker, just as Joseph had said to them in his interpretation. 20 Now the third day was Pharaoh’s birthday, and he gave a feast for all his officials. He lifted up the heads of the chief cupbearer and the chief baker in the presence of his officials: 21 He restored the chief cupbearer to his position, so that he once again put the cup into Pharaoh’s hand, 22 but he hanged the chief baker, just as Joseph had said to them in his interpretation. 23 The chief cupbearer, however, did not remember Joseph; he forgot him. 23 The chief cupbearer, however, did not remember Joseph; he forgot him. Have you ever been forgotten?

16 When the chief baker saw that Joseph had given a favorable interpretation, he said to Joseph, “I too had a dream: On my head were three baskets of bread. 17 In the top basket were all kinds of baked goods for Pharaoh, but the birds were eating them out of the basket on my head.” 16 When the chief baker saw that Joseph had given a favorable interpretation, he said to Joseph, “I too had a dream: On my head were three baskets of bread. 17 In the top basket were all kinds of baked goods for Pharaoh, but the birds were eating them out of the basket on my head.” 18 “This is what it means,” Joseph said. “The three baskets are three days. 19 Within three days Pharaoh will lift off your head and hang you on a tree. And the birds will eat away your flesh.” 18 “This is what it means,” Joseph said. “The three baskets are three days. 19 Within three days Pharaoh will lift off your head and hang you on a tree. And the birds will eat away your flesh.” 20 Now the third day was Pharaoh’s birthday, and he gave a feast for all his officials. He lifted up the heads of the chief cupbearer and the chief baker in the presence of his officials: 21 He restored the chief cupbearer to his position, so that he once again put the cup into Pharaoh’s hand, 22 but he hanged the chief baker, just as Joseph had said to them in his interpretation. 20 Now the third day was Pharaoh’s birthday, and he gave a feast for all his officials. He lifted up the heads of the chief cupbearer and the chief baker in the presence of his officials: 21 He restored the chief cupbearer to his position, so that he once again put the cup into Pharaoh’s hand, 22 but he hanged the chief baker, just as Joseph had said to them in his interpretation. 23 The chief cupbearer, however, did not remember Joseph; he forgot him. 23 The chief cupbearer, however, did not remember Joseph; he forgot him.~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Psalm 10 1 Why, O LORD, do you stand far off? Why do you hide yourself in times of trouble? 12 Arise, LORD! Lift up your hand, O God. Do not forget the helpless. David felt forgotten.

said to them in his interpretation. said to them in his interpretation. 23 The chief cupbearer, however, did not remember Joseph; he forgot him. 23 The chief cupbearer, however, did not remember Joseph; he forgot him.~~~~~~~~~~~~~ David felt forgotten. Psalm 13 ~ For the director of music. A psalm of David. 1 How long, O LORD? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me? 2 How long must I wrestle with my thoughts and every day have sorrow in my heart? How long will my enemy triumph over me? 3 Look on me and answer, O LORD my God. Give light to my eyes, or I will sleep in death; 4 my enemy will say, “I have overcome him,” and my foes will rejoice when I fall.

said to them in his interpretation. 23The chief cupbearer, however, did not remember Joseph; he forgot him. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ David felt forgotten. I wonder if Abraham ever felt forgotten? I wonder if Jacob ever felt forgotten? I wonder if the Israelites ever felt forgotten? I wonder if Moses ever felt forgotten? I wonder if Gideon ever felt forgotten? “But sir,” he replied, “if the LORD is with us, why has all this happened to us? Where are all the wonders that our fathers told us about when they said, ‘Did not the Lord bring us up out of Egypt?’ But now the LORD has abandoned us and put us into the hands of Midian.” See Judges 6

said to them in his interpretation. 23The chief cupbearer, however, did not remember Joseph; he forgot him. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ David felt forgotten. I wonder if Abraham ever felt forgotten? I wonder if Jacob ever felt forgotten? I wonder if the Israelites ever felt forgotten? I wonder if Moses ever felt forgotten? I wonder if Gideon ever felt forgotten? I wonder if Naomi ever felt forgotten? I wonder if Hannah ever felt forgotten? I wonder if Elijah ever felt forgotten? I wonder if Jeremiah ever felt forgotten? I wonder if the disciples ever felt forgotten? I wonder if Paul ever felt forgotten? I wonder if Jesus ever felt forgotten? “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”

said to them in his interpretation. said to them in his interpretation. 23 The chief cupbearer, however, did not remember Joseph; he forgot him. 23 The chief cupbearer, however, did not remember Joseph; he forgot him.~~~~~~~~~~~~~ David felt forgotten. I wonder if Abraham ever felt forgotten? I wonder if Jacob ever felt forgotten? I wonder if the Israelites ever felt forgotten? I wonder if Moses ever felt forgotten? I wonder if Gideon ever felt forgotten? I wonder if Naomi ever felt forgotten? I wonder if Hannah ever felt forgotten? I wonder if Elijah ever felt forgotten? I wonder if Jeremiah ever felt forgotten? I wonder if the disciples ever felt forgotten? I wonder if Paul ever felt forgotten? I wonder if Jesus ever felt forgotten? “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” It surely must have seemed that God had forgotten all about Joseph when all along there was this most excellent plan that was fully in the works; a plan that would result in not only the preservation of Jacob, Inc., but in the offer of salvation for us today.

said to them in his interpretation. said to them in his interpretation. 23 The chief cupbearer, however, did not remember Joseph; he forgot him. 23 The chief cupbearer, however, did not remember Joseph; he forgot him.~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Could it be the case that God is working on something that requires your current adversity? Could it be that you are on a mission from God and that it is not easy at all? What if the story isn’t about me at all, but rather for me, for us? Ephesians 1:9-10 And he made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, 10 to be put into effect when the times will have reached their fulfillment —to bring all things in heaven and on earth together under one head, even Christ.

said to them in his interpretation. said to them in his interpretation. 23 The chief cupbearer, however, did not remember Joseph; he forgot him. 23 The chief cupbearer, however, did not remember Joseph; he forgot him.~~~~~~~~~~~~~ What if God’s working all things together for the Good and that this Good requires you to take some knocks? Ephesians 1:9-10 And he made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, 10 to be put into effect when the times will have reached their fulfillment —to bring all things in heaven and on earth together under one head, even Christ.

Ephesians 1:9-10 And he made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, 10 to be put into effect when the times will have reached their fulfillment —to bring all things in heaven and on earth together under one head, even Christ. said to them in his interpretation. said to them in his interpretation. 23 The chief cupbearer, however, did not remember Joseph; he forgot him. 23 The chief cupbearer, however, did not remember Joseph; he forgot him.~~~~~~~~~~~~~ What if God’s working all things together for the Good and that this Good requires him to take some knocks?

Ephesians 1:9-10 And he made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, 10 to be put into effect when the times will have reached their fulfillment —to bring all things in heaven and on earth together under one head, even Christ. said to them in his interpretation. said to them in his interpretation. 23 The chief cupbearer, however, did not remember Joseph; he forgot him. 23 The chief cupbearer, however, did not remember Joseph; he forgot him.~~~~~~~~~~~~~ What if God’s working all things together for the Good and that this Good requires him to take some knocks? What if the story isn’t about me at all, but rather for me, for us? What if we chose to trust the One who fully understands suffering and waiting?

said to them in his interpretation. said to them in his interpretation. 23 The chief cupbearer, however, did not remember Joseph; he forgot him. 23 The chief cupbearer, however, did not remember Joseph; he forgot him.~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Psalm 13 ~ For the director of music. A psalm of David. 1 How long, O LORD? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me? 2 How long must I wrestle with my thoughts and every day have sorrow in my heart? How long will my enemy triumph over me? 3 Look on me and answer, O LORD my God. Give light to my eyes, or I will sleep in death; 4 my enemy will say, “I have overcome him,” and my foes will rejoice when I fall. 5 But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation. 6 I will sing to the LORD, for he has been good to me.

said to them in his interpretation. said to them in his interpretation. 23 The chief cupbearer, however, did not remember Joseph; he forgot him. 23 The chief cupbearer, however, did not remember Joseph; he forgot him.~~~~~~~~~~~~~ What if something bigger than you/me, and better that what you/I have planned is going on even now? Can you/I wait and trust? 5 But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation. 6 I will sing to the LORD, for he has been good to me. And now, the rest of the story...

5 But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation. 6 I will sing to the LORD, for he has been good to me.