_A.M. 2284. B.C. 1720._ In this chapter things are working toward Joseph's advancement. (1,) _ Two of Pharaoh's servants are committed to prison, and there, to Joseph's care, and so become witnesses of his extraordinary conduct, Genesis 40:1._ (2,) _ They dreamed each of them a dream, which Josep... [ Continue Reading ]
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. _Where Joseph was bound_ That is, was a prisoner, as the word אסור is used, Isaiah... [ Continue Reading ]
_The captain of the guard_ Namely, Potiphar, Genesis 37:36, who, probably being informed by his under-keeper of Joseph's great care and faithfulness, began to have a better opinion of him, although for his own quiet and his wife's reputation, he left him still in prison. _ According to the interpre... [ Continue Reading ]
_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... [ Continue Reading ]
_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.... [ Continue Reading ]
_Lift up thy head_ Raise thee from thy state of dejection and sorrow, and advance thee to thy former dignity; for in this sense, the same phrase is used, 2 Kings 25:27, and Psalms 110:7. The expression, however, may be rendered, _shall reckon thy head_, that is, thy name or person, namely, among his... [ Continue Reading ]
_Think on me_ Though the respect paid to Joseph made the prison as easy to him as a prison could be, yet none can blame him for being desirous of liberty. See what a modest representation he makes of his own case. He doth not reflect upon his brethren that sold him, he only saith, _I was stolen out... [ Continue Reading ]
_He lifted up the head_ Of these servants; took an account of them, examined their cases, and, either according to the merit of their cause, or through caprice, disposed of them as is here mentioned.... [ Continue Reading ]
Calmet has observed, that, as Joseph was a type of Christ, so these two officers of Pharaoh point out the two thieves between whom he was crucified; our Lord pardoning the one and condemning the other, as Joseph predicted the butler's restoration to his office, and the baker's execution.... [ Continue Reading ]
_But forgat him_ Being again possessed of the emoluments of his office, and enjoying the pleasures of the court, the kindness which Joseph had shown him in interpreting his dreams, as well as all the instruction and advice he had received from him respecting the true God and religion, vanished from... [ Continue Reading ]