but the Lord was with Joseph, and showed him mercy. Those that have a good conscience in a
prison, have a good God there. God gave him favour in the sight of the keeper of the prison; he
trusted him to manage the affairs of the prison. A good man will do good wherever he is, and will
be a blessing even in bonds and banishment. Let us not forget, through Joseph, to look unto Jesus,
who suffered being tempted, yet without sin; who was slandered, and persecuted, and imprisoned,
but without cause; who by the cross ascended to the throne. May we be enabled to follow the same
path in submitting and in suffering, to the same place of glory.
Chapter 40
Chapter Outline
The chief butler and baker of Pharaoh in (1–19)
prison, Their dreams interpreted by Joseph.
The ingratitude of the chief butler. (20–23)Verses 1–19
It was not so much the prison that made the butler and baker sad, as their dreams. God has more
ways than one to sadden the spirits. Joseph had compassion towards them. Let us be concerned for
the sadness of our brethren's countenances. It is often a relief to those that are in trouble to be
noticed. Also learn to look into the causes of our own sorrow. Is there a good reason? Is there not
comfort sufficient to balance it, whatever it is? Why art thou cast down, O my soul? Joseph was
careful to ascribe the glory to God. The chief butler's dream foretold his advancement. The chief
baker's dream his death. It was not Joseph's fault that he brought the baker no better tidings. And
thus ministers are but interpreters; they cannot make the thing otherwise than it is: if they deal
faithfully, and their message prove unpleasing, it is not their fault. Joseph does not reflect upon his
brethren that sold him; nor does he reflect on the wrong done him by his mistress and his master,
but mildly states his own innocence. When we are called on to clear ourselves, we should carefully
avoid, as much as may be, speaking ill of others. Let us be content to prove ourselves innocent,
and not upbraid others with their guilt.
Verses 20–23
Joseph's interpretation of the dreams came to pass on the very day fixed. On Pharaoh's birth-day,
all his servants attended him, and then the cases of these two came to be looked into. We may all
profitably take notice of our birth-days, with thankfulness for the mercies of our birth, sorrow for
the sinfulness of our lives, and expectation of the day of our death, as better than the day of our
birth. But it seems strange that worldly people, who are so fond of living here, should rejoice at
the end of one year after another of their short span of life. A Christian has cause to rejoice that he
was born, also that he comes nearer to the end of his sin and sorrow, and nearer to his everlasting
happiness. The chief butler remembered not Joseph, but forgot him. Joseph had deserved well at