Whatever is given to Joseph to do; he turns into a success and it prospers. As he brought success to Potiphar, he also brings success to the Warden of Pharaohs prison. One day the Pharaoh’s Chief Baker and Chief Cupbearer are thrown into prison for offenses against Pharaoh. They are put under Joseph’s charge. Shortly after their incarceration begins; both men have dreams and are troubled by them. Joseph noticed that they were sad and asked them what was troubling them. There was no one to interpret their dreams. Joseph tells them that interpretation of dreams belongs to God, but asks them to tell him their dreams. Genesis 40:1-8
The cupbearer tells Joseph his dream.
Genesis 40:9-11 ESV So the Chief Cupbearer told his dream to Joseph and said to him, "In my dream there was a vine before me, (10) and on the vine there were three branches. As soon as it budded, its blossoms shot forth, and the clusters ripened into grapes. (11) Pharaoh's cup was in my hand, and I took the grapes and pressed them into Pharaoh's cup and placed the cup in Pharaoh's hand."
Joseph gives the interpretation of the dream. The three branches are three days and in three days; Pharaoh would lift up his head and restore him to his office and he shall place Pharaoh’s cup in his hand as before. Then Joseph asks the Chief Cupbearer to remember him when he is restored before Pharaoh; to help him get out of prison. Genesis 40:12-14
The Chief Baker starts to tell Joseph his dream.
Genesis 40:16-18 ESV When the chief baker saw that the interpretation was favorable, he said to Joseph, "I also had a dream: there were three cake baskets on my head, (17) and in the uppermost basket there were all sorts of baked food for Pharaoh, but the birds were eating it out of the basket on my head." (18) And Joseph answered and said, "This is its interpretation: the three baskets are three days.
The Chief Baker’s dream would also come true in three days; but instead of being restored; Pharaoh would lift up his head from him and hang him on a tree. The birds would eat his flesh!
On the third day, it was Pharaoh’s birthday. At his birthday party, he restored the Chief Cupbearer and he hanged the Chief Baker, just as Joseph interpreted in their dreams. The Chief Cupbearer did not remember Joseph, but forgot him.
GOD HATES WITCHCRAFT
One important point of this story is that the interpretation of dreams belongs to God. Joseph didn’t claim to have any psychic gifts; he didn’t present himself as a medium, sorcerer or fortune teller. Joseph gave God the credit. Many in our society put their trust in psychics. From politicians to law enforcement to private citizens; people call upon psychics to direct their lives. All of these are merely forms of witchcraft. God is very clear about where He stands on witches and witchcraft. God says not to even allow witches and the like, to live. They are not to be found in our communities.
Exodus 22:18 KJV Thou shalt not suffer a witch to live.
Deuteronomy 18:10-12 KJV There shall not be found among you any one that maketh his son or his daughter to pass through the fire, or that useth divination, or an observer of times, or an enchanter, or a witch, (11) Or a charmer, or a consulter with familiar spirits, or a wizard, or a necromancer. (12) For all that do these things are an abomination unto the LORD: and because of these abominations the LORD thy God doth drive them out from before thee.
We will see that Joseph’s own previous dreams will come true as the story of Joseph in Egypt continues. This particular event of the Cupbearer being restored and the Baker being hanged; will open a door later when Pharaoh himself has a dream that none of his “wise men” can interpret.
Prayer: LORD God Almighty, Father in Heaven, you hold all mysteries in your hand and you reveal to me all that I need to know in order to walk faithfully with you. Help me to totally trust in you and have faith in your WORD. Lead my life LORD, in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Copyright © 2006, 2011 Thomas C. Blake
Copyright © 2006, 2011 Thomas C. Blake
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