his hands, yet he forgot him. We must not think it strange, if in this world we have hatred shown
us for our love, and slights for our kindness. See how apt those who are themselves at ease are to
forget others in distress. Joseph learned by his disappointment to trust in God only. We cannot
expect too little from man, nor too much from God. Let us not forget the sufferings, promises, and
love of our Redeemer. We blame the chief butler's ingratitude to Joseph, yet we ourselves act much
more ungratefully to the Lord Jesus. Joseph had but foretold the chief butler's enlargement, but
Christ wrought out ours; he mediated with the King of Kings for us; yet we forget him, though
often reminded of him, and though we have promised never to forget him. Thus ill do we requite
Him, like foolish people and unwise.
Chapter 41
Chapter Outline
Pharaoh's dreams. (1–8)
Joseph interprets Pharaoh's dreams. (9–32)
Joseph's counsel, He is highly advanced. (33–45)
Joseph's children, The beginning of the (46–57)
famine.Verses 1–8
The means of Joseph's being freed from prison were Pharaoh's dreams, as here related. Now
that God no longer speaks to us in that way, it is no matter how little we either heed dreams, or tell
them. The telling of foolish dreams can make no better than foolish talk. But these dreams showed
that they were sent of God; when he awoke, Pharaoh's spirit was troubled.
Verses 9–32
God's time for the enlargement of his people is the fittest time. If the chief butler had got Joseph
to be released from prison, it is probable he would have gone back to the land of the Hebrews. Then
he had neither been so blessed himself, nor such a blessing to his family, as afterwards he proved.
Joseph, when introduced to Pharaoh, gives honour to God. Pharaoh had dreamed that he stood upon
the bank of the river Nile, and saw the kine, both the fat ones, and the lean ones, come out of the
river. Egypt has no rain, but the plenty of the year depends upon the overflowing of the river Nile.
See how many ways Providence has of dispensing its gifts; yet our dependence is still the same
upon the First Cause, who makes every creature what it is to us, be it rain or river. See to what
changes the comforts of this life are subject. We cannot be sure that to-morrow shall be as this day,
or next year as this. We must learn how to want, as well as how to abound. Mark the goodness of
God in sending the seven years of plenty before those of famine, that provision might be made.
The produce of the earth is sometimes more, and sometimes less; yet, take one with another, he