Genesis 40 "A Baker, Butler, 2 Dreams, 3 Days"

Genesis 40:1-3 "And it came to pass after these things that the butler of the king of Egypt and his baker had offended their lord the king of Egypt. And Pharaoh was wroth against two of his 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."

Joseph had a special gift which was to interpret dreams. He was given this gift for a special purpose which I think was to propel him to the leadership in Egypt so he would be able to help Israel. I do not think everyone is going to have every gift mentioned in the Bible. Special ocassions and situations call for special measures. Every dream he had, that we see in the Bible, was a step in that direction. Even the one where he saw his brothers bowing to him in a previous chapter.

In this chapter we have two men who have displeased the Pharaoh and ended up in prison with Joseph. Each man had a dream which Joseph was able to tell the meaning of. The butler had the best dream. His was of three branches that appeared to bud and he saw himself pressing the fruit into Pharaoh's cup. The solution given by Joseph was that he would be restored in three days to his previous position. The baker did not do as well. His dream was three baskets on his head and the birds ate from the top basket. Joseph told him of his fate. In three days he would be hanged and the birds would eat his flesh. I hope you will remember the three's for later.

Joseph's interpretations were true and in three days it came to pass. Joseph asked the butler to remember him when he was back in his old job but he forgot and so for two more years Joseph stayed in prison.

Isn't that an interesting story? Not so good for the baker but it would make a great dramatic play. I wonder if anyone has used it. It is however real life and the story has much significance in the story of Israel and the story of Christ. Wait till you see the next chapter!

Proverbs 4:7 "Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom; and with all thy getting get understanding."