XL.
JOSEPH INTERPRETS THE DREAMS OF THE CHIEF BUTLER AND BAKER.
(1) BUTLER. — Heb., _one who gives to drink,_ cupbearer. As we learn
in Genesis 40:11 that it was grapewine which he gave the king to
drink, this chapter has been the main dependence of the new critics
for their proof that the Book of G... [ Continue Reading ]
IN THE HOUSE OF THE CAPTAIN OF THE GUARD. — That is, of Potiphar. As
he is said to have charged Joseph with the care of these two high
officials, he must, ere this, have become aware of his innocence. But
as the wife in ancient times in Egypt was endowed with all the
husband’s property, and was a fo... [ Continue Reading ]
THERE IS NO INTERPRETER. — In Egypt it was the business of men
trained for the purpose, called in Genesis 41:8, _magicians_ and _wise
men,_ to interpret dreams, and to such the butler and baker could have
no access from their prison. But Joseph denies that art and training
can really avail, and clai... [ Continue Reading ]
AND PRESSED THEM. — Plutarch, _Is. et Osir._ § 6, says that before
the time of Psammetichus the Egyptians did not drink wine, nor make
libations of it to the gods. This statement has been abundantly
disproved, and probably arose from the writer supposing that the
custom of, possibly, one district wa... [ Continue Reading ]
I WAS STOLEN. — Joseph here speaks only generally, as his purpose
was to arouse the sympathy of the Egyptian by making him know that he
was free born, and reduced to slavery by fraud. It would have done
harm rather than good to have said that his sale was owing to family
feuds; and, moreover, noble-... [ Continue Reading ]
THREE WHITE BASKETS. — Rashi explains the phrase of baskets of
wicker-work, but most commentators agree in rendering it “baskets of
white bread.” The “bakemeats” were all preparations of pastry
and confectionery, as throughout the Bible _meat_ does not mean flesh,
but food. (Comp. Luke 24:41; John 2... [ Continue Reading ]
SHALL PHARAOH LIFT UP THY HEAD FROM OFF THEE. — In Genesis 40:13 the
lifting up of the butler’s head meant his elevation to his former
rank. Here there is the significant addition “from off thee,”
implying that he would be beheaded, and his body publicly exposed to
ignominy.... [ Continue Reading ]
HE LIFTED UP THE HEAD. — From its use in this verse some have
supposed that the phrase must mean “to put them on their trial,”
or “take account of them” (whence the margin _reckon_). More
probably the words are used to point out the exact fulfilment of
Joseph’s interpretation of their dreams.... [ Continue Reading ]