Genesis 40:9 Commentary and Bible Study

Each of Pharoah’s officers has had a dream that relates to their former area of service for Pharoah. They realise that their dream relates to their service in some way, but they do not understand how. The chief butler welcomes the invitation to explain his dream, and it is obvious that he already knows that Joseph served God, because he is ready to believe that Joseph’s God can indeed give an interpretation. Joseph’s consistency of life convinced them both that he was a true servant of the Lord, and therefore they were willing to seek an interpretation from him.The butler’s dream sets before him a vine which goes through the process of bearing fruit in speeded up form: it buds, blossoms, and produces ripe grapes, all in a very short time. Most agree that there is no logical way that you can see that the three branches equal three days. If you had something like three steps going up to the vine then maybe you might come to that conclusion, on the basis that distance equals time. Why three days? Why not three years? Joseph however did not arrive at the interpretation by any understanding of biology, or by rational means, but because God gave it to him. He declares the interpretation very firmly. ‘Joseph, aren’t you taking a risk in being so sure about the meaning of the dream? – in three days the following things will happen’ No. A prophet knows that he speaks the word of God, and that is never uncertain. He is given that assurance. A prophet does not need to apologise for his prophecy. There is nothing more certain in heaven and earth than the word of God. Why was this dream given? Just to warn this unbelieving butler? What would be the point of that? Or to the baker – only to increase his terror? No, prophecy always has to do with fortunes of the church, now and in eternity. The fulfilment of Joseph’s first dream had not yet fully come about – the church and its deliverance; how God would save his typical people through Joseph, and then in due time his true people through Jesus Christ, the one of whom Joseph was a type. Joseph knows this. He isn’t given full insight into the details but he thinks, ‘I know God is not concerned with the unregenerate and their destiny, but obviously these men will get out and then they will tell someone about me and I will be released. Then, in a way I cannot not yet grasp, I will be the means of the deliverance of the family of God.’ So he said, ‘I have got it.’ But he was only half right. God did not plan that he would be delivered by a butler plus condescending Pharaoh, but he planned that Pharaoh would almost bow before Joseph and beg him to come out.