1._And it came to pass after these things_. We have already seen, that when Joseph was in bonds, God cared for him. For whence arose the relaxation afforded him, but from the divine favor? Therefore, God, before he opened the door for his servant’s deliverance, entered into the very prison to sustai... [ Continue Reading ]
5._And they dreamed a dream_. What I have before alluded to respecting dreams must be recalled to memory; namely, that many frivolous things are presented to us, which pass away and are forgotten; (150) some, however, have the force and significance of prophecy. Of this kind were these two dreams, b... [ Continue Reading ]
6._And Joseph came in unto them, in the morning_. As I have lately said, we ought here to behold, with the eyes of faith, the wonderful providence of God. For, although the butler and baker are certainly informed of their own fate; yet this was not done so much out of regard to them, as in favor of... [ Continue Reading ]
12._The three branches are three days_. Joseph does not here offer what he thought to be probable, like some ambiguous conjecturer; but asserts, by the revelation of the Spirit, the meaning of the dream. For why does he say, that by the three branches, three _days _rather than _years _are signified,... [ Continue Reading ]
14._Show kindness I pray thee unto me _(152) Although the expression show kindness is used among the Hebrews to describe the common exercise of humanity; there is yet no doubt that Joseph spoke simply as his own sad and afflicted condition suggested, for the purpose of inclining the mind of the butl... [ Continue Reading ]
16._When the chief baker saw _(153) He does not care respecting the skill and fidelity of Joseph as an interpreter; but because Joseph had brought good and useful tidings to his companion, he also desires an interpretation, which he hopes will prove according to his mind. So, many, with ardor and al... [ Continue Reading ]
19._Pharaoh shall lift up thy head from off thee_. This phrase (in the original) is ambiguous without some addition; and may be taken in a good or a bad sense; just as we say, “With _regard _to any one,” or “With _respect _to him;” here the expression is added “from thee.” Yet there seems to be an a... [ Continue Reading ]
23._Yet did not the chief butler remember_. This was the most severe trial of Joseph’s patience, as we have before intimated. For since he had obtained an advocate who, without trouble, was able to extricate him from prison, especially as the opportunity of doing so had been granted to him by God, h... [ Continue Reading ]