Genesis Chapter 40 continues the story of Joseph after he has been in prison for sometime. This chapter highlights themes of kindness, the desire to serve others even in difficult circumstances and the sovereignty of God.
The Cupbearer and the Baker:
Both of these men offended the king of Egypt and were put in custody in the house of the captain of the guard and assigned to Joseph. (Genesis 40:1-4)
The Dreams of the Prisoners:
After the cupbearer and baker had been in prison for a time, they each had a dream with a meaning attached to it. Genesis 40:4-5).
Joseph's Kindness:
Joseph sees that the two men are dejected and asked why they are sad. (Genesis 40:6-7)
The cupbearer and baker explain to Joseph that they had dreams but no one was there to interpret them. (Genesis 40:8).
Joseph's Faith:
Joseph explains that interpretations belong to God.
Joseph trusts in the Lord and asked the men to tell him the dreams (Genesis 40:8).
Cupbearer's Dream:
The cupbearer tells Joseph his dream (Genesis 40:9-11).
Joseph tell the cupbearer the interpretation of the dream (Genesis 40:12-13)
Joseph's Request:
Joseph does something that is uncharacteristic for him. He asks the cupbearer to show Joseph kindness when he is restored to his position as he has been falsely accused (Genesis 40:14-15)
The Baker's Dream:
Seeing that Joseph provided a favorable interpretation to the cupbearer's dream gave the baker confidence to share his dream with Joseph (Genesis 40:16-17).
Joseph tells the baker the interpretation although it meant the baker would lose his life.
The Fulfillment of the Dreams:
After only three days, both dreams were fulfilled just as Joseph had told them (Genesis 40:20-22).
The cupbearer, however forgot all about Joseph (Genesis 40:23)
Genesis Chapter 40 reminds us once again of the willingness of Joseph to serve the Lord God, the sovereignty of God to provide dreams as well as the interpretation of them, and our need to focus on the Lord especially in difficult circumstances.