Bible Commentaries
Genesis 40

Verses 1-23

God Was With Joseph In Prison

Again, the Lord was with Joseph. He caused the keeper of the prison to look on Joseph with mercy. Eventually, the keeper placed all under Joseph's authority, just as Potiphar had. "The keeper of the prison did not look into anything that was under Joseph's hand, because the Lord was with him; and whatever he did, the Lord made it prosper."

After Joseph was placed in charge, Pharaoh became angry with his chief butler and baker. He cast them into prison with Joseph. The captain of the guard naturally put them in Joseph's charge. One night, they each had a dream. When they expressed sorrow at not having anyone in prison to interpret for them, Joseph said, "Do not interpretations belong to God? Tell them to me, please." In his statement can be seen the fact that he knew God was with him and expected him to help.

The butler dreamed of squeezing three clusters of grapes into Pharaoh's cup and placing it into his hand. Joseph said the dream meant Pharaoh would restore the butler to his place of service in three days. The baker did not get such good news, though he was encouraged by the explanation of the meaning of the butler's dream. The three baskets full of baked goods being eaten by the birds meant he would die in three days. Joseph said the birds would feed on the baker's body. Of course, both dreams came to pass just as Joseph, with God's help, had said they would. But, the butler who had faithfully promised to remember Joseph when he was restored to his rightful position failed to do so. Joseph remained in prison ( Gen_40:1-23 ).