XL. JOSEPH INTERPRETS THE DREAMS OF THE CHIEF BUTLER AND BAKER. (1) BUTLER. — Heb., _one who gives to drink,_ cupbearer. As we learn in Genesis 40:11 that it was grapewine which he gave the king to drink, this chapter has been the main dependence of the new critics for their proof that the Book of G... [ Continue Reading ]
IN THE HOUSE OF THE CAPTAIN OF THE GUARD. — That is, of Potiphar. As he is said to have charged Joseph with the care of these two high officials, he must, ere this, have become aware of his innocence. But as the wife in ancient times in Egypt was endowed with all the husband’s property, and was a fo... [ Continue Reading ]
THERE IS NO INTERPRETER. — In Egypt it was the business of men trained for the purpose, called in Genesis 41:8, _magicians_ and _wise men,_ to interpret dreams, and to such the butler and baker could have no access from their prison. But Joseph denies that art and training can really avail, and clai... [ Continue Reading ]
AND PRESSED THEM. — Plutarch, _Is. et Osir._ § 6, says that before the time of Psammetichus the Egyptians did not drink wine, nor make libations of it to the gods. This statement has been abundantly disproved, and probably arose from the writer supposing that the custom of, possibly, one district wa... [ Continue Reading ]
I WAS STOLEN. — Joseph here speaks only generally, as his purpose was to arouse the sympathy of the Egyptian by making him know that he was free born, and reduced to slavery by fraud. It would have done harm rather than good to have said that his sale was owing to family feuds; and, moreover, noble-... [ Continue Reading ]
THREE WHITE BASKETS. — Rashi explains the phrase of baskets of wicker-work, but most commentators agree in rendering it “baskets of white bread.” The “bakemeats” were all preparations of pastry and confectionery, as throughout the Bible _meat_ does not mean flesh, but food. (Comp. Luke 24:41; John 2... [ Continue Reading ]
SHALL PHARAOH LIFT UP THY HEAD FROM OFF THEE. — In Genesis 40:13 the lifting up of the butler’s head meant his elevation to his former rank. Here there is the significant addition “from off thee,” implying that he would be beheaded, and his body publicly exposed to ignominy.... [ Continue Reading ]
HE LIFTED UP THE HEAD. — From its use in this verse some have supposed that the phrase must mean “to put them on their trial,” or “take account of them” (whence the margin _reckon_). More probably the words are used to point out the exact fulfilment of Joseph’s interpretation of their dreams.... [ Continue Reading ]